the Super Cuda: 725bhp and, er, striking decals
Thank God for the American obsession with cubic inches. A global economic crisis and Chrysler's rocky journey through Chapter 11 bankruptcy might have meant a still-birth for the convertible Dodge Challenger and put paid to plans for anything hotter than the 425bhp Challenger SRT8, but legendary US tuner Mr Norm has come to the recue of fans of Mopar muscle.
Norm Kraus - known as Mr Norm and famous for his muscle cars and drag racers of the 1960s and 1970s - revealed his pepped-up version of the Challenger coupe at the SEMA show in Las Vegas last November, complete with a twin-vortex supercharger and 725bhp.
New grille is a nod to the '71 Hemi Cuda
Last weekend, Mr Norm unveiled two convertible versions of his crazed creation - the Super Challenger and the Super Cuda - at a Chrysler show in Pennsylvania.
Most exciting of the two new models is undoubtedly the Cuda version, which tips its hat to the 1971 Hemi version of the Plymouth Barracuda - a car that shared its platform with the original Dodge Challenger. That gets a 'Cuda-inspired grille, a 'shaker' hood (saying bonnet just seems wrong in this context), oh-so-period 'Hemi' side decals, and tweaked rear quarter panels and tail lights that reference the 1970s original.
Both versions get the same supercharged 426 cubic-inch (7.0-litre) Hemi V8 with 725bhp. Mr Norm hasn't disclosed torque figures for the cars, but we reckon it's safe to say that the answer will be somewhere north of 'a lot'.
Super Challenger version is less extreme
Putting all that poke onto the tarmac is an uprated driveshaft, adjustable coilover suspension and the differential from a Viper.
Mr Norm, once the owner of the world's busiest Dodge dealership, has moved his tuning business to Florida, where he will build a limited run of the convertibles.
Stat fans can check out the tech spec for the coupe version of the Super Cuda below. Prices in USD, natch...
The new Super Cuda's pretty cool...
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...but we reckon the original still has the edge
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Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda Base Package
Standard Equipment Includes the following and fits all 2008 – 2009 Dodge Challenger Models
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda custom leather seat covers
Includes Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda embroidered logo on seat backs and “Barracuda” seat inserts
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda custom 4 piece carpet mat set with embroidered logos on front mats
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda Serial Number Plate with signature on dashboard
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda Serial Number Plate with signature on core support
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda Body side graphic with logo
Mr. Norm’s Windshield Banner
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda badge on rear spoiler
Super Ccuda Listed in The Original Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge Registry
6 Month Free Subscription to the Mr. Norm’s Sport Club
Total Cost of Package installed on vehicle 3,599.00
Optional Equipment Includes The Following:
Exterior
Mr. Norms Super Cuda Grill 995.00
Labor to install 25.00
Mr Norms Super Cuda Tail Panel 429.00
Labor to install 70.00
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda Front Spoiler Paintable Overlay 399.00
Paint, prep and install 230.00
Front Spoiler, Rear Spoiler & Lower Rear Fascia with Carbon Fiber Appliqué ( requires cores ) 1,999.00
Labor to remove and install 350.00
Interior
Custom “Barracuda” Door Panel Inserts to match custom leather seat covers installed 499.95
Hurst Shifter Automatic SRT-8 TBA
Hurst Shifter Manual 6 Speed R/T or SRT-8 Only TBA
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda Custom Steering Wheel TBA
Powertrain
Kenne Bell Supercharger & Intercooler w/ Mr. Norm’s Signature Logo in Black Anodized Finish 6,995.00
Labor to install 1,120.00
Kenne Bell Supercharger & Intercooler w/ Mr. Norm’s Signature Logo in Polished Finish 7,495.00
Labor to install 1,120.00
Corsa Cat Back Dual Exhaust System 1,695.00
Labor to install 210.00
Chassis
Hotchkis Performance Suspension Lowers vehicle 1.5” 999.99
Labor to install 280.00
AFCO Fully Adjustable Coil Over Suspension 2300.00 <br>Labor to install 280.00
Modern Muscle 20” Custom Forged 2pc Wheels Set of 4 3,299.00
Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda“PentaStar” 20” or 22” Custom 2pc Forged Wheels Set of 4 4,000.00
Hulst “1320” 20” or 22” Custom Forged 2pc Wheels Set of 4 6,000.00
Pirelli Tires Scorpion Zero Assimetrico Tires See Tire Notes
Note: Mount Tires on wheels, balance and reinstall tire pressure sensors from stock wheels 300.00
Tire Notes:
Pirelli Scorpion Zero Assimetrico
245/45ZR20 547.40
265/45ZR20 525.00
265/35ZR22 568.40
285/35ZR22 635.80