Tuesday 5th October 2010

Drag Pak Challenger Gets Viper V10

Factory-built racer announced, applicants invited. Bring $85k

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"Racers rejoice," says the press release. "Mopar is dropping a V-10 into the iconic Dodge Challenger."

Well, we're not (typically) drag racers here on PH and 'rejoicing' isn't very British. But we don't mind giving HM's former colonial subjects an encouraging tip of the hat for coming up with this. It's the (sadly) race-only V-10 powered 2011 Challenger Drag Pak, featuring an 8.4-litre engine with a 2-speed automatic transmission and so much raw desirability it almost hurts to look at the pictures - doesn't it?

"With the introduction of our new 2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, Mopar will be the only place to get a factory-built V-10-powered race-ready drag car," says Pietro Gorlier, the Mopar division's biggest cheese. "Mopar's new Challenger Drag Pak is a race rocket that will appeal to racers, collectors, dealers, and Dodge Viper owners."

Last year's version had to make do with either a 5.7 or 6.1 litre HEMI or a 5.9 litre Magnum V8, which all sound positively wimpish in comparison.

The 2011 car still features competition wheels and tires, a Mopar solid rear axle with performance gear ratio, that 2-speed drag race transmission with integrated roll control, a complete competition fuel system with fuel cell, and a complete interior with gauge package.

It comes as standard in a Bright White paint scheme, and will cost $85,512 (£54k) when production begins early next year.

Only 70 will be built, and if you want one you can get an order form online.

Kidney, anyone?

2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak Highlights
(From the US Press Release)

Identification plate with unique serial number sequence
Primed and painted body, color options available
512 cid V-10 engine
Unique engine calibration
2-speed automatic transmission with shift assembly and built-in roll control
Special body-in-white modified for drag racing
No windshield wiper assembly
No HVAC system (includes block off plates)
No rear seats
No power-steering system
No underbody heat shields
Complete fuel cell assembly
Race headers with collectors
Modified tunnel for transmission clearance and one-piece drive shaft
Raised floor above differential for solid-axle conversion clearance
Polycarbonate door windows
Smart-glass door window system
Solid engine mounts
Mopar solid rear axle
Lightweight seats to accommodate 6-point harness
Special modified K-member with drop-out crossmember
Lightweight drag-race only front brake assembly
Manual rack-and-pinion steering
Front chin spoiler
Lightweight cooling module with electric fan
Lightweight instrument panel assembly
Special cable-operated decklid release
Special cable-operated throttle pedal and linkage
Race-style wheels and tires

[piefacemate]

But where's the specs? No mention of BHP, 0-60, or that crucial one (since it's a drag racer) the 1/4 mile. I'm guessing that if they're being built for competition they're putting out more than the standard Viper V10?

[Oelholm]

That's all very well, but how will it handle in the twisties???













Love it, btw.

[spanna123]

2 speed auto box...

[dvs_dave]

piefacemate said:

But where's the specs? No mention of BHP, 0-60, or that crucial one (since it's a drag racer) the 1/4 mile. I'm guessing that if they're being built for competition they're putting out more than the standard Viper V10?

I'm guessing it's up to you? Bolt on a blower, or Turbos? Run nitrous or methanol....whatever takes your fancy. I can't imagine any will remain standard as 500ish bhp as standard wouldn't be do anything special in the world of drag racing.

[Jakdaw]

"Race-style wheels and tires"? Why not real race wheels and tyres?

[Stu R]

Love it, but I'd far rather see a high power V8 in there. Challenger will be mine, oh yes it will be mine (then it'll be fettled, a lot, to bring it up to scratch )

[filski666]

love it!!! (dribble) - although would prefer it with an 8.4litre V8

and leaf springs and a live axle

[zeppelin101]

spanna123 said:

2 speed auto box...

Problem? Don't want to be wasting time with a "proper" gearbox on the drag strip.

[DiscoColin]

Obviously this is a starting point onto which purchasers are expected to bolt some ludicrous forced induction and exotic fueling, but why does it have a pair of lardy folding leather seats if it isn't even road legal... ?

[FishFace]

I love the brutal simplicity.

[Stu R]

DiscoColin said:

Obviously this is a starting point onto which purchasers are expected to bolt some ludicrous forced induction and exotic fueling, but why does it have a pair of lardy folding leather seats if it isn't even road legal... ?

So whoever buys it can slap whatever seats they prefer in, or because the reality is they make next to feck all difference on a car like that.

Edited by Stu R on Monday 4th October 19:50

[IROC-Z]

Love it. Just the thing for the weekly trip to Sainsbury's, that'll pee off the lefties!

Edited by IROC-Z on Monday 4th October 20:22

[Burnham]

Ye-Haw!

[WhiteBaron]

i'd take off the stickers though and pop down the chemist:

[Stu R]

WhiteBaron said:

i'd take off the stickers though and pop down the chemist:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o85pehK9do

[george h]

All that for £54k...

Sums up the engineering in that then.

[mattyb123]

dont like this one bit... and it wouldnt handle at all =/

[tossbag]

mattyb123 said:

dont like this one bit... and it wouldnt handle at all =/

Cool, when did you test drive one?
Is the interior nasty plastic as well?

[Fleckers]

I guess its time for a name change

I pick Kowalski

[will261058]

Looks a bit ste from the back but you wont see that, everyone else will!