Jalopnik: conversions

Coach Builders Ltd. Bringing 560 HP Dodge Challenger Convertible To SEMA

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:40:00 EDT

You remember that recent Dodge statement basically confirming there would not be a Dodge Challenger Convertible? Who cares if Dodge won't bring it, because it's just opening the doors for aftermarket converters like Coach Builders Ltd., bringing their interpretation of a drop-top Mopar pony to the SEMA show in Vegas next month. For the show, Coach Builders' Challenger gets 560 HP from a supercharger and other underhood mods, along with the requisite obnoxious wheels and what appears to be a Challenger T/A-inspired strobe stripe, though it comes off looking more like safety tape.

Priced at about $16,000 on top of the cost of a Challenger, the conversion nets you hidden chassis bracing and a power hydraulic top with extra sound insulation, an integrated headliner and heated rear window. Body kit and engine package pricing hasn't been determined yet, as the company is still finalizing details. But with production slated to start November 15, if you want one, you'd better get Coach Builders Ltd. your deposit quick — apparently they're already putting buyers in the que. Sure, the price is steep, but where else are you going to get a Challenger convertible? [Edmund's Inside Line]

Duramax-Powered Buick Grand National

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:00:01 EDT

We're still confused. Anyhow, reader Mike L. hipped us to a website called 18 to 1 that specializes in oil-burning hot rods. And they just happen to have a Buick Grand National on the homepage that someone stuffed a Duramax into. The obvious question is ~~what in the fuck~~ why? At first I thought I found the answer perusing their forum, where the site's administrator posted up his latest Irwindale Speedway times: 8.258 / 84.81mph. Wow, I thought, that's mad. Like, zero to 80 mph in a second and then the diesel Buick just stayed the course. But then I read the fine print — those numbers are for an 1/8 of a mile, not a 1/4. We still don't get it. Also, that's a fake GNX badge, dude. – Jonny Lieberman

18 to 1 [18 to 1 + image]
The Truth About Diesels [TTAC.com]

Electric Porsche 959, In a Sense

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:14:28 EST

Amid the talk of new electric sports cars from Tesla and Mullen, we can't forget all the conversion guys turning regular cars into silent runners. For example, World Class Exotics of West Palm Beach, Florida, which handles all sorts of electric-car projects, including this Porsche 959-look EV. As is, it has a range of 100 miles range at 60 mph (top speed 100 mph) but can be upgrated to lithium-ion batteries for a 200+ mile range using. It's powered by a NetGain "WARP" 11" motor, hooked to a 2000-amp, water-cooled Zilla controller, with a five-speed 915 Porsche transmission attached for power transfer. It comes with a fast-charger that can give the batteries a 85% charge in 40 minutes. For you? $65,000. Or, you can have that old Rolls in the barn converted (yes, they can do that). – Mike Spinelli

Electric Conversions [World Class Exotics]

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