By Jonny Lieberman
May 16, 2008 -
I'm the first to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of drag racing. Yes, I intellectually understand how powerful, nifty and skilled everyone involved in the sport is. But I'm just not a fan. However — and a big however — I do love the technology that goes into and comes out of drag racing. More power, stronger components and lighter weight. Guess what? Chrysler is about to make all my dreams come true. Motor Authority is describing the Challenger drag racing kit as a throwback to the Hemi Dart and Barracuda packages of decades gone by. Specifically, what do you get? A lighter chassis. This is the big one, as the Challenger SRT-8 weighs more than a 1970 New Yorker. No, really. Internet speculation is claiming the chassis will be 800 pounds less fat. Which is (or isn't) huge. Draggers will also get lots of engine choices (duh), the possibility of a manual transmission, better brakes, seats, cooling, a working hood scoop and a lift off composite hood. The drag racing package is aimed at both pros and amateurs, is currently being vetted by the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) to sanction the kit for competition use. I can smell the top fuel now. And the pomade.
Subscribe to Newsletter11 Responses to “ Lock Up Your Pink Slips: Dodge Greenlights Drag Race Challenger ”
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May 16th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
So why don’t they use the lighter chassis in the production vehicles? I mean, any fuel savings is good, right?
May 16th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Lighter chassis probably won’t be street legal after they’ve removed all of the impact protection, etc.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
It’s probably not missing much impact protection, however sound insulation adds weight. Using carbon fiber or other high tech materials is expensive and difficult to incorporate in a production run, that could make up the bulk of it. We will have to weight (pun intended) and see.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Of course, Allpar has full coverage on this vehicle, Mopar fans have known about it for nearly a year. It is pretty sweet.
http://www.allpar.com/cars/dodge/super-stock-challenger.html
May 16th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Weight reduction for drag racing invariably involves removing functionality unrelated to the race or replacing cheap/heavy materials with light/expensive ones.
A first pass at WR usually involves removing the AC system, heating system, stereo, all passenger seats, carpet and headliner, sound deadening material, spare tire and jack, interior bits (console, power plugs, visors, etc), airbags, emissions systems, windshield wipers, miscellaneous accessories (cruise, power locks, etc), and relocating the battery to the trunk. Chassis bracing may be removed but a roll cage is added, which adds rigidity but can be uncomfortable to move around. The next step is dropping power steering and power brakes. Fiberglass body panels reduce weight but shatter on impact so a fender-bender becomes very expensive. Replacing iron engine components with aluminum helps a lot too. None of these things cut very much individually but in aggregate it really adds up.
However I doubt very many retail customers would tolerate a vehicle missing all those “essential” features. Which is why Chrysler doesn’t do this to every Challenger.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Racing Sunday, selling Monday.
It has been imbedded in the culture as much as right to bear arm.
Starting up the racing divsion wont costs Chryslerbus all that much but stir up the racing and trickle down to the average joe.
If Chrysler want another go again this is the way.
The Hemi engines are stronger than a S*it brickhouse.
May 16th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Ford has been doing this for awhile as well. You can purchase the super-light, super-road racing Mustang FR500S from them. But it will cost ya.
There’s a Drag-Pak option coming for street legal, run of the mill Challenger R/T and SRT8s as well that includes 3.92 rear gears. That should make the cars a beast from a dig.
May 16th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Odds are the Drag Pack’d Challenger won’t come with an expensive warranty, either. Or $2.99 a gallon gas.
I would say this version should come in at thousands less than the R/T, but we all know that Chrysler needs $$$ and people will dig deep for one of these.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Makes me wish I had the garage space, a tow vehicle, a reason, oh, and the extra money to buy one! And how about my own personal track. Yes, that would be cool. :)
May 16th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Sounds like one to buy and stash for Barrett Jackson 2040….