Over the weekend, Dodge made good on its promise and unveiled its Drag Race Package for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals in Morrison, Colorado. Dodge will sell similar cars to NHRA race teams, giving them engine and specific race-oriented options.
Unlike the production version, the NHRA-spec Challengers will offer a choice of three engines and two transmissions. They will also be about 1,000lbs lighter than the production versions, thanks to the elimination of production components and systems that aren’t needed in a dedicated race car. In addition, certain steel body panels and windows were replaced with composite, polycarbonate or otherwise lightweight components under the Package Car program. Other structural changes include a wheelbase that is half an inch shorter than the production car, and a front cradle with bolt-in crossmember and solid engine mounts.
Dodge ’s high-performance division, Mopar, will build at least 100 Challenger Drag Race Package cars that meet NHRA requirements. Starting life off as body-in-white examples from the Brampton, Ontario production line, all unnecessary components such as body sealer, sound deadening and undercoat will not be applied. The windshield wiper assembly, HVAC system, airbags, rear seats, power steering, exhaust and heat shields, side impact door beams, rear bumper beam and rear decklid spoiler are also all gone.
Racers can then pick between the 6.1- or 5.7-liter Hemis or a 5.9-liter Magnum Wedge, mating each to either an automatic or manual transmission. They will then have to finish building their cars to meet other NHRA-mandated rules and regulations. The cars will be able to run in the NHRA’s three Eliminator categories, Comp, Super Stock and Stock, in up to 40 classes.
NHRA drag racing legends Don “Big Daddy” Garlits and Judy “Miss Mighty Mopar” Lilly piloted the two cars at the event on their inaugural public runs.
Prices will range from the low to mid $30,000 range, Dodge said, with Mopar starting to take orders in late August.
