Chrysler's SEMA surprise: 392 HEMI Dodge Challenger Super Stock
click on image to enlarge
While in the past automakers have always used SEMA to display the individual customizations that can be applied to their production vehicles, Dodge is doing something different this year. For what it claims to be the first time ever, the company has unveiled a concept vehicle that has been customized specifically for the SEMA show. Based on the Dodge Challenger Concept that debuted at the 2006 Detroit auto show, the Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept is a one-off concept built to commemorate the original HEMI 392 engine, as well as showcase Mopar's new 392 HEMI crate engine. The new 392 can be ordered in one of three variations: a carbureted version that produces 540 horsepower and 490 ft-lbs. of torque, a EFI-version that makes 525 horsepower and 510 ft-lbs. of torque, and a long block version. While Chrysler's press release doesn't indicate which engine the Challenger SS Concept is using, our bet is on the carbureted version. We'll have more details along with lives shots of the car soon, but for now check out more high-resolution pics and Chrysler's press release after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler]
PHOTO GALLERY (click on any image to enlarge:
PRESS RELEASE:
Mopar® Celebrates 50 Years of HEMI® Heaven
with Relaunch of Legendary 392
• The History of the 392 HEMI®
• Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept with 392 HEMI by Mopar
• 392 Technical Specifications
Center Line, Mich. - Next year marks the 50th anniversary of an engine that revolutionized not only drag racing, but the entire automotive industry as well: The legendary 392 HEMI®. Mention the word "HEMI" to an automotive enthusiast and little else needs to be said. Or, perhaps a lot more needs to be said depending on your perspective.
"The 392 HEMI is a legend so rich in automotive tradition that hundreds, if not thousands, of books and accounts have been written about its historical significance," said Chris Cortez, senior vice president – Global Service & Parts, Chrysler Group."
The History of the 392 HEMI
The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chryslers and Imperials. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951.
Compared with the 354, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft, and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often referred to simply as the "92," was perfect for drag racing.
More than a few racers bolted on six or eight carburetors, slipped in a hotter cam, tipped some nitro into the tank and went racing. Racing legend Don Garlits ran a 392 in his Swamp Rat I at record speeds of over 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J. in 1964.
Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept with 392 HEMI by Mopar
To further commemorate the legacy of the 392, Chrysler Group and Mopar are unveiling a SEMA first: a concept vehicle tricked out just for SEMA. From Detroit's 2006 North American International Auto Show and a year before its production debut, the stunning Dodge Challenger Super Stock with 392 HEMI by Mopar.
"There was really only one vehicle choice to showcase our new crate motor-the bold, powerful and capable, Dodge Challenger," said Cortez.
One of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1970s, it debuted in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. Although it was only produced from 1970 to 1974 (188,600 sold), the Dodge Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original "pony cars," with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices.
The Challenger went racing in its first year and HEMI-powered Challengers tore up the drag strips across the country in the SCCA Trans-am series and NHRA Pro Stock classes. In 1971, a Dodge Challenger paced the Indianapolis 500.
"The HEMI legacy lives on," said Cortez. "But this Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept will no doubt bring that legacy to a whole new generation."
The all-new Dodge Challenger will debut as a 2008 model in calendar-year 2008.
392 Technical Specifications
To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary engine, Mopar is launching an all-new 392 HEMI crate motor for a new generation of performance enthusiasts. This engine-built with all new components-is a complete engine assembly from the throttle body to the oil pan, and cranks out 525 horsepower in it most potent form.
Three different versions of the new 392 are available from Mopar:
• P5153604 392 HEMI Crate Engine – Carbureted, 540 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft of torque
• P5253605 392 HEMI Crate Engine – SEFI, 525 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque
• P5153603 392 HEMI Long Block HEMI Crate Engine
Technical specifications include:
• Deep-skirted cast iron block with cross-bolted mains
• CNC-ported aluminum twin-plug cylinder heads
• Stainless steel 2.100" intake and 1.600" exhaust valves
• Ovate wire (beehive competition) valve springs
• Viton competition valve stem seals
• 279°/285° hydraulic roller camshaft with 0.584" intake and 0.552" exhaust lift
• Forged pistons (4.055" bore)
• 10.5:1 compression ratio
• Aluminum single plane high rise intake manifold with holley 870 cfm 4-bbl carburetor for carbureted 392 applications (1)
• 4140 forged steel crankshaft - 3.795" stroke
• 4130 forged- steel I-beam performance connecting rods - 6.200" length
• SFI-approved competition crankshaft damper
• "Plug-and-Play" wiring harnesses (2)
• 80 mm manual throttle body on fuel-injected engines (3)
• Premium tri-metal performance engine bearings
• Precision balanced rotating assembly
• Distributorless coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Brent 7:07PM (10/30/2006)
Nice looking for the most part... Really looks classic. Hence the point of the project, but yeah.
Now where's the Camaro projects.
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Max 7:16PM (10/30/2006)
I think they may have pushed the retro envelope a little too far on this car. The stance and paint really look out of place on a modern muscle car (even if it is pretending to be an original.)
I can appreciate what they were trying to accomplish, but the end product looks confused and out of sorts.
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Keith 7:21PM (10/30/2006)
When I look at that car, it looks exactly how I picture a 1967 camaro in my head.
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Dodge Challenger 8:47PM (10/30/2006)
This car is gorgeous. I've always liked CLEAN retro looks with modern underpinnings/drivetrains. Its the best of both worlds.
If you are interested in the Dodge Challenger, check out:
http://www.challengertalk.com
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chase 9:04PM (10/30/2006)
some of you obviously dont know a lot about drag history...its a tribute paint scheme to Sox & Martin...look them up...btw awesome car ive seen a video of it running around the parking lot at SEMA its simply awesome
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Bret 9:11PM (10/30/2006)
That thing looks 70s-tastic!! All you need is Peter Fonda or Barry Newman behind the wheel.
I'm not feelin' the link between the 50's doo-wop 392 Hemi, the 70's Challenger T/A styling and the 80's Pro Street stance. Mopar should have repopped a '57 Plymouth if they wanted to resurrect the 392, punched out the current 5.7L / 345CID Hemi to 383 inches for this car and left the Pro Street look back in 1980 where it belongs.
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Corey W. 9:44PM (10/30/2006)
Sorry, that's a little too retro. Which is why perfect the Camaro concept, which is a car with a hint of another era. While the Challenger concept looks like a updated version of the original. From a car enthusiasts, that not a bad thing. But I hope DCX doesn't think that the popularity of the PT Cruiser is an example of how good a retro car will sell.
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AMcA 10:16PM (10/30/2006)
Does this color scheme make me look fat?
YES!
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LC 10:22AM (8/24/2007)
Me thinks the car looks fat even without its nonsense paint graphics.
jason 9:17AM (10/31/2006)
Who was the person that said "shut up and sing"? How about "shut up and build it". You can't place an order on these yet. So why keep teasing everyone and just get them into production. Leave the customizing to the professionals. THE CAR OWNER
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Randy Lear 6:47PM (11/02/2006)
The car is what it is. A tribute to the late Ronnie Sox. Ol 4 speed Ronnie did a lot for Chrysler and vice versa. So if you don't get it, you don't know squate about the history of drag racing. Thanks Dodge for the tribute to one of the best. And the retro Challenger is exactly what so many MOPAR fans have been waiting on. I for one will be buying one and let the muscle car wars begin again.
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Jay L 1:04AM (10/31/2006)
Well done DCX. Keep the retro coming, upgraded performance with the retro style, no more cookie cutter cars! Hurry up with the production Challenger and make sure we have the option for the 392 hemi! Don't want a retro mustang or camaro with more H.P. Keep the wild colors coming just like in the late sixties and early seventies...Plum Crazy Man!
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m 1:41AM (10/31/2006)
I always thought SS stood for Super Sport...
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quickboss 9:38PM (11/03/2008)
Is everyone just an idiot? Super Stock drag racing was the most popular motorsport in the mid '60,s. More popular than F-1 , Nascar, and SCCA. Indy car racing was just as popular. The american car makers made sure they had vehicles capable of winning on Sunday to sell on Monday.
GOT 1:55AM (10/31/2006)
Beautiful car! I'm not keen with the paint scheme but I really like the shape and design of the new Challenger. It's a much cleaner and tighter design than the Camaro and the Mustang.
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speed cars 2:51AM (10/31/2006)
Amazing car and the paint is not ugly at all.
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sniper226 10:52AM (10/31/2006)
This is Mopars answer to the GT500. As a previous post said, the theme for Sema this year is American Muscle. I am all for it as I was to young to appreciate the era at the time and I always wanted a Muscle car but did not want something old that didn't handle well and was a money pit. I have driven old Challengers, GTO with manual steering etc. Frankly, some of those can be a bit scary to drive. Well now I am 40+ got some money in the bank and in line for the new Challenger. I think the 425HP Hemi is going to be enough for me but it is nice to know I can always go bigger. :^)
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Doug 12:09PM (10/31/2006)
Thats the most horrid looking abomination I've ever seen. Nothing looks RIGHT on that car (except the front spoiler). They've taken the sharp styling cues away from the original Challenger and bloated them with soft out of proportion over sanitized edges, flush trim, bumpers and glass. As much as I wasn't "In Love" with the whole idea of a new Challenger, this just makes me that much less enthused about the whole thing. It looks like it's trying to be a FunnyCar but it ain't that funny!
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Big One 12:28PM (10/31/2006)
yuck
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KT 2:39PM (10/31/2006)
Awesome. I love the Sox&Martin throwback. It's a shame how something like this is completely lost on the "hybrid generation".
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