SEMA 2016: Back to the future Challenger

A back-to-the-future muscle-car based on a 1971 Dodge Challenger body stuffed with a whole bunch of go-fast bits is the headline act for the SEMA show from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Dubbed the Dodge Shakedown Challenger, it is one of six modified vehicles FCA has brought to the legendary Las Vegas tuning show to primarily promote its Mopar performance, parts and accessories business.

It certainly looks the part in ‘Bitchin’ Black’ exterior paint with a Shaker hood scoop poking out of the bonnet. Its removable body is shaved of doorhandles, fuel cap and drip rails, uses 2017 Challenger headlamps and tail-lights and rolls on Hellcat 19 and 20-inch wheels.

“The big story here is taking this iconic vehicle from the past and brining it forward in a more modern way,” explained Joseph Dehner, head of RAM and Mopar design.

“Yes we have done some cosmetic stiff but this car also has a lot of hardware.”

At the very core of that hardware is a one-off separate chassis developed specifically for this project, swapping from the original 1971 Challenger’s unibody.

The Shakedown is – of course – powered by a HEMI V8 and transfers its 361kW (485 horsepower) to the pavement – as the Yanks like to say – via a Tremec T6060 six-speed transmission.

Other key mechanical modifications include a Mopar concept cold air intake, custom dual exhaust with black powder-coated tips, custom front and rear suspension designed to be both street and track-capable and six-piston front Brembos – and four-piston rears – taken from the SRT Hellcat.

Inside there are Viper seats reskinned in ‘Katzkin’ leather, while the Shakedown’s track focus is emphasised by the custom roll bar and deletion of rear seats. Instead there is netting and a shelf for storing racing essentials. A racing fuel cell and lines are stored in the boot.

The Jeep CJ66 concept also pays tribute to the past, celebrating 50 years of the Wrangler. It starts with a Wrangler TJ (1997-2006) frame, hangs a 1966 CJ Wrangler Tuxedo Park body over the top and then adds current JK Wrangler bumpers, centre console and other parts.

“At the end of the day when you look at the vehicle it has a nice stance, it looks really cool and if you were to see it compared to the original no way would they ever be related,” said Dehner.

It’s not an all-original body of course, with a Mopar bonnet and bumper kit, concept fender flares, ‘Copper Canyon’ paint scheme and JPP skid, front bumper plates and concept rock rails.

Yes, there’s a HEMI V8 under the bonnet – an installation that required the front-end of the vehicle to be extended -- a six-speed manual transmission and a bunch of Mopar bits including a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust.

Other modifications include Dana 44 crate axles front and rear, 17-inch beadlock wheels, 35-inch BFG all-terrain tyres paired with a concept two-way air system for quick pressure changes and a two-inch lift kit.

Exterior accessories include Mopar LED fog lamps and a Warn winch, while inside there are Viper seats up-front and all passengers are protected by a custom roll cage mandril-bent to match the windshield surround, which is cut down two inches.

Other new concepts FCA to debut at SEMA include:

Dodge Durango Shaker: Large SUV gets 316kW 6.4-litre Hemi V8 flagged by a custom-fabricated shaker hood – a first for Durango and hence the name.

The Durango Shaker is lowered three inches, presented in a combination of Mopar B5 Blue, matte and satin black, rolls on 22-inch Mopar wheels and has three rows of Viper seats inside.

RAM Macho Power wagon: A 6.4-litre Hemi-powered version of the pick-up with a four-inch custom lift kit and giant 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler MT tyres.

Chrysler Pacifica Cadence: People-mover has cosmetic rather than performance enhancements and is endowed with more than 100 accessories available from the Mopar catalogue.

RAM Promaster Pit Stop: Commercial van is customised with hinged doors on the driver’s side that swings open toward the roof. A drop-down bar counter also opens out from the side. Has keg refrigeration and four onboard billet aluminium taps.