Jalopnik: Mopar

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Nitro Fumes And Meat On A Stick At The Mopar Mile High Nationals!

Murilee Martin — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Last weekend, I found myself in Denver on short notice, and damn if they weren't running the Mopar Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway! As a Doctor Of Automotive Journalism, it was my sacred duty to check it out, regardless of the fact that I hadn't brought my good camera. It was 97 degrees in the shade, engines and sea-level humans were gasping for oxygen, and there was much grumbling that Top Fuel and Funny Car classes were running 320 feet less than before...but there's still no substitute for the apocalyptic full-body sensation of an 8,000 horsepower blown Hemi blasting off a few yards away. Make the jump for the complete gallery.

[Race Results]

Blacked-Out Vortech-Supercharged Challenger Gives Us The Vapors

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Feast your eyes on one of only two Vortech-supercharged 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8's — blacked out, naturally. The Challenger SRT8 already makes 425 HP with the 6.1-liter Hemi, but would you believe this supercharged monster is currently dynoing at 540 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque? You know that scene in cartoons when the junkyard dogs see a sexy lady-dog saunter past and their eyes bug out of their heads and their tongues hit the floor as they start panting uncontrollably? Yeah, we just did that.

The supercharger package is currently undergoing final tuning at the Vortech facilities and is targeted for sale in August. This one made an appearance at the All-Mopar Nationals last weekend where tipster Adam Geake, owner of HXC Performance, snapped a couple of shots for us. Expect more news from Adam soon, as HXC is working on a 'Cuda version of the Challenger for all those Plymouth fans out there.

Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pack Finally Revealed

Mark Arnold — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT

After more than a year of anticipation, Chrysler has taken the wraps off the Drag Package for the 2008 Dodge Challenger (Read our three-part review of the SRT8 here!). At least 100 of the Mopar muscle machines will be built, each tailored for the specific NHRA category in which the buyer wishes to compete. The big decision will be whether you want a 5.9-liter Magnum wedge, 5.7-liter Hemi or the big 'n nasty 6.1-liter Hemi. Any of them can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. Full details in the press release below the jump.

The Drag Package Challengers are also stripped down and fitted with lightweight components like a composite lift-off style hood, which also comes in handy if you want to disturb the peace in your neighborhood. Of course, the cars won't be street legal, so if you want to cruise Woodward, you'll be asking for trouble.

Center Line, Mich., Jul 13, 2008 - Mopar® is bringing the iconic Dodge Challenger muscle car to National Hot Road Association (NHRA) drag-racing competition. Mopar revealed two Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Cars at the 29th Annual Mopar Mile-High Nationals today before thrilled fans at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo. Mopar Mile-High Nationals is the longest-running NHRA sponsorship.
"Big Daddy" Don Garlits and Judy "Miss Mighty Mopar" Lilly were behind the wheels for their inaugural track run. Garlits drove the car featuring the Stone White paint scheme. Lilly was behind the wheel of the "Mopar Liquid Metal" prototype. NHRA named Garlits the #1 driver of the Top 50 drivers from its first 50 years. His victories and accomplishments are virtually unmatched in drag-racing history. "Miss Mighty Mopar" is one of the female pioneers in drag racing. Spending 12 years on the NHRA circuit, Lilly is the only female driver to win two NHRA national events in one year.

Mopar built the first two Challenger Drag Race Package Cars for development and testing for its new Challenger Package Car program. Based on the Challenger SRT8®, the prototypes were finished in Stock Eliminator configuration. They ran successfully in June 2008 as proof-of-concept and for NHRA certification. Mopar dropped approximately 1,000 lbs. off the production Challenger SRT8 by eliminating major production components and systems. To accentuate the weight savings, they also feature added composite, polycarbonate and lightweight components designed for drag racing that will be part of the new Package Car program.

The engine was repositioned to improve driveline angle and weight distribution. The 116-inch wheelbase was shortened by ½ inch. They also feature a front cradle with bolt-in crossmember and solid engine mounts.

"Today is a great day for Mopar, Dodge, SRT, drag racers and motorsports enthusiasts everywhere. Not made for the streets, our drag-race-only Challengers will be running soon in NHRA competition—the best grassroots racing series in the world," said Sunil Lahoti, Mopar Marketing and Brand Manager, Chrysler LLC. "And who better to drive our new Challenger Package Cars on their inaugural track run than 'Big Daddy' and 'Miss Mighty Mopar'—the greatest drag racer of all time and a female pioneer of the sport."

New Dodge Challenger Drag Race Package Car Program by Mopar
The first drag-race, factory-prepped package cars built in 40 years, the new Challenger Drag Race Package Car by Mopar builds on the heritage of the limited-edition 1968 HEMI®-powered Package Cars. Those '68 Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas solidified the Mopar brand as a quarter-mile force.

Mopar will build a minimum of 100 Challenger Drag Race Package Cars to meet NHRA requirements. Based on the production Dodge Challenger SRT8, Mopar's modern factory-prepped Challenger Drag Race Package Car will begin as a special Body-in-White (BIW) from Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada, assembly plant. The body sealer, sound deadener and undercoat will be eliminated. To reduce vehicle weight, major production component and systems will also be eliminated including: windshield wiper assembly, complete HVAC system, all airbag components, rear seats, power steering system, exhaust system and underbody heat shields, cross-car and side impact door beams, rear bumper beam and rear deck lid spoiler.

The drag racer has three engine options—6.1-liter or 5.7-liter HEMI or 5.9-liter Magnum® Wedge—as well as manual or automatic transmission.

A build book/owner's manual will be provided to document the modifications made to the Challenger SRT8 as well as provide recommendations to finish the Package Car for Stock Eliminator competition. To accentuate weight savings, there are unique drag-race components in the Package Car program including: composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, lightweight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack and pinion steering, special cable-operated deck lid release, special lightweight front brake assembly and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be eligible to run in three Eliminator categories—Comp, Super Stock and Stock—and potentially 40 classes.

Depending upon the configuration selected, the U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Challenger Drag Race Package Car program will range from the low to mid $30s. Each car will carry an identification plate with sequential serial number.

The Challenger Drag Race Package Car will be available for order in late August to early September. A toll-free number will be designated for ordering. Details will be posted on www.mopar.com.

Now in its fifth decade, NHRA is the world's largest motorsports sanctioning body with 80,000 members, 140 member tracks, more than 35,000 licensed competitors and more than 5,000 member-track events. NHRA is second only to NASCAR in terms of fan attendance.

70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s—the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components, restoration parts, accessories and performance parts for Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

[Chrysler]

2009 Challenger Brochure Hits Web, Gives Us A 70s Flashback

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:20:00 EDT

The brochure for the new 2009 Dodge Challenger has hit the automotive webosphere and Mopar-mad fan-boys are drooling over an item we think will be an instant classic. The car? At this point, unknown. But the brochure will totally hit the "Found on EBay" pages shortly. That's because Dodge has created a gorgeous piece of showroom lit — with the fonts, photography, and graphic touches that channel the 70's Challenger. But as always, it's what's inside that counts. And inside the brochure is shot after shot of the new pony car from Dodge in all sorts of variations — each more amazingly retrosexual than the last. There's the R/T Classic Package Challenger, complete with old-school Challenger badging and a set of strobe-style side stripes. But it's the the new "Track Pak" for the quarter-mile fans that gets us going this morning — featuring a made-for-the-drag-strip package complete with 3.91 rear gear, a set of 20s, and the all-important 6-speed manual gearbox. Hot dogs, apple pie and Hemis, baby! Complete gallery below.

[mnhotrod @ Flickr via Autoblog]

Speedfactory Cars Blows SRT8 Challenger, Sees 495 Rear-Wheel HP

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:40:00 EDT

The peaches over at Speedfactory Cars out in Georgia have employed the magic of forced induction to achieve 495 HP at the rear wheels of a Dodge Challenger SRT8. Using a centrifugal supercharger sending boost through an air-to-water intercooler, Speedfactory's dyno graph also shows maximum torque output of about 451 ft-lbs. While official figures aren't yet available — and we're not entirely sure which of the packages offered they've got running on this SRT8 — the commonly accepted 20% power loss from crank to rear wheels means this Challenger should be pounding out right around 600 HP at the crank. We'll take two. [Speedfactory Cars via LX Forums]

Challenger Pricing Announced, Hemi Under $30k Before Dealer Markup

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:40:00 EDT

Chrysler's finally telling us just how much it's going to cost to cruise Woodward in their latest retro muscle coupe. Or at least what they suggest the retail price should be; no telling what dealers will decide the buying public ought to fork over for the privilege of piloting a Challenger. The 2009 version of a Slant-Six/A904 will run you $21,995, a loaded SRT8 sits right at $40k, and the R/T slots right between at $29,995. Full release after the jump.

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jun 9, 2008 - Dodge announced pricing today for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger. The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) will start at $21,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge dealers across the country are now taking orders for the 2009 Dodge Challenger, which will arrive this fall.
"The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger gives customers a modern-day muscle machine at an incredible value," said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "For less than $22,000, we've brought Dodge Challenger back and loaded it with head-snapping styling and cutting-edge technology."

The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger two-door coupe produced from the Company's proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Developed with Dodge's credo of "bold, powerful and capable," the 2009 Dodge Challenger is available in three models featuring head-turning styling, three available engine options and an automatic or manual transmission.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger has several modern amenities available including uconnect gps with navigation system and real-time traffic, uconnect phone featuring Bluetooth® technology, uconnect studios with SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Remote Start and Keyless Go push-button start. In addition, the Dodge Challenger has more than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Traction Control, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitoring and Hill-Start Assist in Dodge Challengers with the six-speed manual transmission.

Three models are available in the United States: Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8®.

2009 Dodge Challenger SE
With a U.S. MSRP of $21,995 (including $675 destination), the Dodge Challenger SE comes standard with a 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine which produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. (339 N•m) of torque. Mated with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Dodge Challenger SE achieves an estimated 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Other standard features on Dodge Challenger SE include comfortable seating for up to five adults, best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.), 60/40 split-folding rear bench with arm rests and two cup holders, 17-inch aluminum wheels with P215/65R17 all-season tires, four-wheel disc brakes, side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, eight-way power driver's seat, fold-away power mirrors, power locks and windows with express-down, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 capability and four speakers, cloth low-back bucket seats, manual-tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-covered visor vanity mirrors and tire pressure warning lamp.

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
The U.S. MSRP for the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T is $29,995. Featuring the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Challenger R/T produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. (540 N•m) of torque when paired with the standard five-speed automatic transmission. The 5.7-liter HEMI engine with five-speed automatic transmission is equipped with fuel-saving multi-displacement (MDS) technology which increases fuel economy by as much as 20 percent without sacrificing performance.

Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T include dual chromed rectangular exhaust tips, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist with vented brakes, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with P225/60HR18 all-season touring tires, fog lamps, body-color exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, rear body-color spoiler and cast-metal fuel door.

The available Track Pak features the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with "pistol-grip" shifter for $995. When the six-speed manual transmission is paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, it produces an estimated 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. (548 N•m) of torque. The Track Pak also includes Hill-start Assist, limited-slip differential, bright pedal covers and performance steering.

Dodge Challenger SRT8
The U.S. MSRP for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is $39,995 (including $675 destination). The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 offers an available six-speed manual transmission or standard five-speed automatic transmission mated to the SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that produces 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque. New for 2009 is a standard limited-slip differential, High Performance Red and B5 Blue (late availability) exterior paint and black hood stripes. A classic "pistol-grip" shifter is included with the available Track Pak which includes the Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with Hill-start Assist.
Other standard features on the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a race-inspired interior featuring performance seats with a red accent stripe and added bolstering which keeps customers in place under spirited driving conditions, four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180 mph speedometer in the center, "Performance Pages" reconfigurable display that features 0 - 60 mph, 1/4 mile, and 1/8 mile times, uconnect gps, unique SRT-tuned ESP and ABS calibrations, 20-inch fully-forged aluminum wheels, red, painted Brembo brakes, hood with functional dual hood scoops, functional black painted rear spoiler and a unique exhaust note.

Street and Racing Technology (SRT) is Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization that focuses on five pillars for every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

[Challengertalk.com]

Vanishing Point Cruise Day 1 - Leaving Las Vegas

Ray Wert — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:27:29 EDT

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Rich Truesdell picked up the new Challenger yesterday morning and met up with a bunch of Mopar buddies in Las Vegas. After the jump I have four more pics of the old Mopars that escorted him out of town—I love that '68 GTX. Tonight everyone is meeting up at the Best Western in Lakewood, Colorado before they start retracing the Vanishing Point route. Stay tuned for more stories, pics and video from the road.

Plymouth Rat Rod With Machine Gun Intake

Mark Arnold — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EDT

A 1934 Plymouth sedan isn't a typical starting point for a hot rod, but that's just the beginning of the uniqueness of this car. It's a hodgepodge in the best sense of the term; '79 GM A-body rear suspension, 400 cubic-inches of '73 Plymouth V8 power, a custom intake manifold, and 3 Rochester 2bbl carbs. The wood headliner is actually made from a tree that was growing in the owner's yard. That machine gun styled air cleaner even utilizes the leftover portion of the shortened driveshaft. And would you take a look at that homemade hood ornament; its a "screw" flying though a "U." The best part? The owner bought the car just to get one part for another car, but ended up deciding to build this up just for fun. It's stuff like this that make us love Autorama.

A Chrysler Challenger? Chrysler May Re-Assign Products To Specific Brands

Ray Wert — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 08:30:00 EST

The Fox-owned Journalof wiley-watchers of the street at Broad and Wall are reporting today Chrysler's mulling over an interesting brand strategy:

"A plan now being discussed calls for Chrysler dealers to sell all of the auto maker's passenger cars under the Chrysler name. Dodge dealers would exclusively offer pickup and commercial trucks, while Jeep dealers would sell Jeep and sport-utility vehicles, according to three dealers familiar with the discussions."

Now wait, here's the fun part — and it should make any Mopar meatheads out there jump for joy:

Such a scenario would allow Chrysler to drop some of its overlapping products that essentially compete with one another, such as the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, which are both midsize sedans but marketed under different names. Fewer products could also mean a reduction in dealers, which would weed out poor-performing dealerships that have excess inventory and resort to incentives that hurt profitability.

What? An end to platform prostitution? For serious? Now that'd be a real game-changer. [via WSJ]

SEMA 2007: Plymouth GTX Wagon for 1968

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:30:00 EDT

The story goes the original owner of this wagon was dismayed to find that the Plymouth GTX came out just weeks after he purchased the mighty land yacht. So dismayed in fact he took it back down to the dealer and made them option it the same as a Belvedere-based Plymouth GTX coupe. A 440 with six-pack bolted to a 4-speed get the heavy moving in modern times. We found the wagon at the Hotchkis booth, serving as a platform for a new line of sport suspensions for Mopars coming next year. We swear the lines on these wagons drifted right off sixties top fuel slingshot dragsters - or F-104 Starfighters. Sport wagons, ho!

SEMA 2007: Dodge Caliber "Stormtrooper Jr"

Ray Wert — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:15:00 EDT

If the Mopar-built Dodge Avenger concept we showed you earlier is named "Stormtrooper," then this here DUB edition Dodge Caliber is most assuredly "Stormtrooper Jr." Or, "Mini Stormtrooper" if you will. We've got no other information on it to give you, but we found it so gleamingly bright and white we thought we'd better snap some shots of this over-DUB-bed Caliber that's anything but cute.

SEMA 2007: Dodge Baja Trucks

Ray Wert — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:30:00 EDT

Chrysler just revealed some Baja love with a couple of Dodge Ram pickups that'll be hitting the Baja trails. The first is a Mopar-sponsored Dodge Ram Off-Road Trophy Truck for Collins Motorsports to field in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series. The second's a stock 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 also for Baja truckin'. Full press release after the jump.

Mopar® Announces It's Ready to Blaze a Brand New 'Trail' at the 2007 SEMA Show
• Mopar® introduces Jeep® Performance and Dodge Off-road parts for new 'Trail' marketing initiative
• A new Mopar team will play a key role in connecting with the off-road market
• Mopar returns to off-road competition with the Collins Motorsports team

Center Line, Mich. —

Mopar®, Chrysler LLC's original equipment parts manufacturer, embarks on a new frontier with its new 'Trail' initiative. Mopar will offer authentic performance parts to Jeep and Dodge enthusiasts who want to go anywhere and do anything. For years, Mopar set the standard in the 'Muscle,' 'Street' and 'Speed' scenes. The next logical step was to add 'Trail' to the Mopar portfolio and go off-road.

To be authentic in this market segment meant having the right combination of durable and reliable high-performance parts. For development and testing, Mopar will dive into off-road competition with a new Mopar-sponsored team set to debut at the SCORE International Baja 1000 on Nov. 10.

Mopar introduces Jeep Performance Parts for new 'Trail' marketing initiative
Off-road enthusiasts will be able to rely on genuine Jeep parts and accessories from Mopar when performance and the off-road experience matter.

Modified beyond factory specifications, the initial line up of Jeep Performance Parts will include:

• Long-Arm Suspension Kit - 4.5-in. lift kit for the Jeep Wrangler - A comprehensive kit that delivers the highest ride quality of any comparable height lift kit for the Wrangler. Featuring revised, long-arm control arms, retuned coil springs, tuned shocks, front and rear track bar relocation brackets, drive shafts and more. Engineered to package massive 37-in. tires underneath a 2007 Wrangler two- or four-door.
• Two-wheel-drive low-range kits for Jeep and Dodge transfer cases - Jeep and Dodge owners with vehicles fitted with new process gear 241OR, 242 or 231 transfer cases can enjoy even more rugged aspects of the great outdoors. Uses a new "low" range in two-wheel-drive mode with these transfer case upgrade kits.
• Lowering Kit (P5155066) 2006-2007 Dodge Ram 1500 lowering kit (5.7-liter HEMI, two-wheel-drive, Regular Cab Short Bed) front drop: 1.5-in. rear drop: 4.3-in. This comprehensive lowering kit includes: front springs, rear flip kit, new bump stops, new shocks tuned for ride and handling
• Dana 44 Axle Assemblies (multiple part numbers) — locking and limited slip axles with 4.10:1 ring & pinion gear sets installed. Front and rear assemblies allow enthusiasts to upgrade the entire rolling stock of their classic Jeep with all-new hardware.
*Not legal for use on pollution-controlled vehicles or vehicles registered for highway use.
A new team to play key role in new Mopar 'Trail' initiative
Mopar knows that performance doesn't end where the road ends. Off-road enthusiasts can choose from a full line of performance parts when they hit the "Trail." Two new key Mopar team members, Steve Houtman, Jeep Performance/Dodge Off-Road Powertrain Manager, and Keith Montone, Jeep Performance/Dodge Off-Road Suspension/Steering Manager, will work to expand Mopar's line up of "Trail" performance parts.

Houtman will develop a full line of products for Jeep and Dodge truck off-road enthusiasts. His previous role was as development engineer for Jeep Vehicle Development. Houtman was responsible for drivetrain, chassis and off-road performance on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander models. A Jeep and Dodge truck owner himself, Houtman attends Camp Jeep® and Easter Jeep Safari [Moab, Utah] events as part of the informal "Jeep Lunatic Fringe" group.

Montone will also focus on creating a line of products tailored to the off-road market for both past and current vehicles. Another recruit from Jeep Vehicle Development, Montone concentrated on powertrain matters. His area of focus during the previous four years was working to ensure that the 2007 Jeep Wrangler met customer needs for off-road and performance. Montone is no stranger to the "Trail" — he served as engineering team leader for the 2007 Jeep Rubicon® press event in Africa which covered 1,600 miles in four weeks across South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.

Mopar returns to off-road competition with Collins Motorsports team
Mopar will look to extend it motorsports dominance from the circle track and drag strip to the off-road course with a return to off-road competition. Collins Motorsports will field a Mopar-sponsored Dodge Ram Off-Road Trophy Truck in the SCORE International Off-Road Racing Series.

Brian Collins, Larry Ragland and Chuck Hovey will share driving duties on the off-road truck. The trio will add to Mopar's off-road heritage that includes legendary names and champions such as Rod Hall and Walker Evans, who competed under the Mopar and Dodge banners in the 1980s.

The Mopar Dodge Ram Off-Road Trophy Truck takes to the desert and rigors of off-road racing in the upcoming 40th annual Tecate Score Baja 1000 that is scheduled for Nov. 10 - 16, 2007.

70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s - the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler LLC's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

# # #

SEMA 2007: The Hemi-Powered SR-392 Roadster Gets Revealed A Wee Bit Early

Ray Wert — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:41:11 EDT

Just like last year we managed to find ourselves a way to sneak on to the show floor to snag some first-look shots of some of the sights, sounds and supremely over-powered wonderfulness on the SEMA showroom floor here in Vegas. First sight of the day was a vehicle we told you about just a few hours ago, the 392 Hemi crate engine-powered SR-392 Roadster, a product of Chrysler's Mopar Underground SEMA design team and Quality Metalcraft out of Livonia, MI. If you'll remember, Quality Metalcraft is the same company that owns AEV, the company that made the most awesome mod ever for a Mopar product — the "Brute" conversion kit. So why did the design team (featuring such heavyweights as Chrysler Truck Design chiefs Ralph Gillies and Mark Allen, plus Quality Metalcraft's Michael Chetcuti) decide to shoehorn a 6.4-liter Hemi crate engine into a classic street roadster? Because they could. Full press release below the jump.

A Custom SR 392 Roadster Featuring a 392 HEMI® Crate Engine from Mopar® Will Debut at the 2007 SEMA Show

The distinctively 'Detroit' roadster is a collaborative build project between Chrysler's Mopar Underground SEMA design team and Quality Metalcraft
The SEMA Show, the annual showcase of technology, trends and products representing the $36.7 billion automotive parts and accessories industry, will be held Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 2007
The Mopar booth (#42427) is located in the lower South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center

Auburn Hills, Mich. -

What do you get when you combine the new 392 HEMI® crate engine from Mopar® with the world's first-ever steel reproduction of a 1927 street rod body and three car-crazy designers? The result is a custom SR 392 Roadster that will debut in the Mopar booth (#42427) at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The SEMA Show is the annual showcase of technology, trends and products representing the $36.7 billion automotive parts and accessories industry that will be held Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For nearly two years, Chrysler's Mark Allen and Ralph Gilles planned to build the SR 392 Roadster as a SEMA stunner with Michael Chetcuti of Livonia, Mich.-based auto supplier, Quality Metalcraft (QMC). Allen is chief designer, Jeep®/Dodge Truck Studios - Chrysler LLC and Gilles is Vice President of Jeep/Truck & CFM Design, Chrysler LLC. Gilles and Allen are members of Chrysler's Mopar Underground SEMA design team, a group of in-house automotive enthusiasts who donate their time to SEMA project vehicles.

Allen said, "It was important to convey the car's theme as an homage to Detroit - the cool Detroit with its unique artistic community, music and gritty vibe. We used durable materials and let the mechanicals show to reflect the industrial backbone of the city. We wrapped it all up in a high-gloss black-and-chrome wrapper to evoke Detroit's cool attitude."

Allen, Chetcuti and Gilles saw a challenge in proving that the 6.4-liter HEMI crate engine could apply to a vehicle other than traditional muscle cars or modified up fits. The team's idea was to redefine the classic hot rod with a more functional urban and industrial attitude to create a distinctly 'Detroit' roadster.

The project was assisted by Chetcuti's QMC since the company has tooled, designed and now stamps the first-ever steel reproduction of a '27 street rod body — the Shadowrods XL-27 Roadster and Lakes Modified bodies developed by hot rod legend, Jon Hall.

"The core design elements of this roadster speak to the grit and industrial edge of our city," said Chetcuti. "Things like the mezzanine flooring detail and Eames-inspired seating — these take an industrial cue but are by no means 'rat-rod.' It is a refined and organized design throughout."

After several design variations were discussed (California hot rod king Chip Foose even had a peek), Allen brought his full resources to the design's completion. QMC stamped and performed the initial assembly on the reworked Shadowrods body - and fabricated and fit the revised hood, hood side panels, lower rocker panels and doors to the body.

With the car's extremely low stance, Shadowrods was asked to build a custom frame using a unique staggered truss concept. For the final build of the SR 392 Roadster, QMC turned to longtime concept- and show-car builder Wheel to Wheel Powertrain of Madison Heights, Mich.

Overseen by Gilles, the Mopar Underground SEMA design team has been customizing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge production vehicles for the SEMA show since its creation in 2002. The team creates tricked, tuned and customized vehicle concepts meant to develop performance parts, accessories and customization, vehicle concepts and keep the Mopar spirit and passion alive.

About Quality Metalcraft
For more than 40 years, Quality Metalcraft (QMC) has been one of the leading prototype and low-volume production automotive suppliers in the world. Operations at QMC's massive Livonia, Mich. campus cover all phases of design, engineering and manufacturing from tooling to advanced laser and stamping capabilities. Projects include everything from simple brackets to large advanced prototype full body assemblies. Visit HYPERLINK "http://www.qualitymetalcraft.com" www.qualitymetalcraft.com for more information.

About SEMA
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, the annual showcase of technology, trends and products for the $36.7 billion automotive parts and accessories industry, will be held Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, SEMA draws the industry's brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center and attracts more than 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries in the automotive, truck and SUV markets. Open to domestic and international industry professionals and media, the 2007 SEMA Show will feature more than 2,000 exhibitors. More than 100,000 are expected to attend this year. SEMA was founded in 1963. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles.

70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.

Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s - the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.

Today, Chrysler's Global Service and Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to Chrysler engineering standards.

# # #

SEMA 2007: Big Daddy and Mopar to Burn Nitro Again

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EDT

Big Daddy Don Garlits has always liked his Chryslers. He stuck with the hemispherical variety of engine even when the dark forces of moneyed sponsorship tried to convince him otherwise. Back in May we found out that he continues to enjoy stuffing hemis down into the framerails. The Swamp Rat XII is now finished and rolling out to SEMA from Florida. The vintage 6:71 blower looks better than bitchen raking down on top of the modern 392 mill. Release and specifications after the jump. [Big Daddy Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing]

ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR BIG DADDY

Don Garlits supercharges the new 392 HEMI Crate Engine with a
vintage 6-71 blower and takes it back in time to power his historic
Swamp Rat XII dragster. The Mopar® Wynn's Charger commemorates
his long association with both Chrysler and Wynn's.
The new 392 HEMI Crate Engine is the latest chapter in Big Daddy's
long history with Chrysler, starting with the 331-cubic-inch FirePower
HEMI V8 he adopted in 1956. Then, fifty years ago, he upgraded to the
new 392 FirePower HEMI and started a long series of record-breaking
performances. In 1959 Garlits added the first supercharger to his 392,
and he never looked back. Even when Chevrolet and Ford came
knocking with fistfuls of dollars, Big Daddy stood firm. "I like my
Chryslers," he said. "Money wasn't always everything."
The new Mopar Wynn's Charger also marks the renewal of Wynn's
sponsorship of Don Garlits. The relationship began in 1960 when a
Wynn's decal first appeared on Swamp Rat III. "Wynn's was the first
company to sponsor me," said Big Daddy. "Before that, the only help I
got was free parts." The name "Wynn's Jammer" appeared on Swamp
Rat VII a few years later. The current name, "Wynn's Charger," was on
Swamp Rat X and was last seen on Swamp Rat XXIII in 1977 ... until the
launch of today's historic new Mopar Wynn's Charger.

TECH SPECS:

Engine: ...................... Mopar 392 HEMI Crate Engine, modified by
Don Garlits
Horsepower: ............ Not yet measured, but more than adequate
Fuel Injection:.......... Vintage Crower Four-Port
Intake Manifold:...... Hand-fabricated in Big Daddy's shop
Supercharger:.......... 6-71 with vintage 392 front snout and rare
Reath Automotive rear cover
Compression:........... 7.0:1 (Venolia pistons)
Camshaft:.................. Crane "Nitro"
Crankshaft:............... Mopar 392
Oil Pump: .................. Mopar 392
Clutch:....................... Schiefer multi-disc
Gears:........................ High gear only
Fuel Pump:................ Vintage Mechanical. Driven off blower
rear cover
Fuel:........................... 80% Nitro, 20% Methanol
Chassis: .................... Garlits Swamp Rat 12-A, restored
Wheelbase:.............. 137 inches (200 inches overall length)
Weight: ..................... 1500 lbs

Workhorse Engine of the Day: Mitsubishi Astron

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:30:00 EDT

From a distant galaxy of single overhead cam engines comes the Mitsubishi Astron series. The mighty Astron began life in 1972, and is still ticking away under the hoods of everything from Mitsubishi Starions to the panoply of Chrysler K-Car variants. In the beginning, the Flying Sikh himself pummeled an Astron equipped original Lancer to numerous rally victories. Patented silent shaft technology canceled out harmonics as the engine grew in displacement from 1.8 to 2.6 liters of four pot fury. The last production car to pack the Astron was either the the 1991 Pajero or the 1990 Starion, but only if not counting the diesel version of the Astron - which motored on with turbo until 1993 amid Galants. 21 years of Astron! In sourcing a new cylinder head sans jet valves for one of the two 2.6L G54B turbo variants of the Astron in our garage we learned that the 'ol G54B aspirated on propane with propane accessories serves in many forklifts to this day. The odd marriage of Mopar, Mitsubishi, and K-Car station wagons also led to some innovative badging - as seen in the bonus pic after the jump. [Mitsubishi Astron]

My Favorite Mopar: Hemi 426 or 440 Magnum?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:03:00 EDT

We were a little perplexed yesterday by the lack of cat scratching over engines when it came to the Charger/Challenger challenge. As we mentioned in the feature, our hands were up in the air and our shoulders shrugged. How do you choose? On the one hand you have mega-displacement in the form of the 440 Six Pack, which every pistonhead worth his salt knows there is no displacement for. On the other, what's 14 cubic inches? Besides that, like, Hemi! Besides sounding potent, all that complicated valve stem/rocker arm tomfoolery and massive cylinder heads make the Hemi 426 look bigger than any other engine (except for the 5.3-liter Jaguar V12, which is the most gigantic thing we've ever seen stuffed in an engine bay). Anyhow, Murilee and I were discussing the various merits and demerits of each and we reached the conclusion that you kind-hearted folks, our ~~rabid~~ dear readers, would have a whole hell of a lot to sayr. So, go for it.

Mopowered Shopping Cart

Mike Bumbeck — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:30:00 EDT

Taking the big box philosophy one step too far are these drag race fans. It's always a good idea to bring a shopping cart to the California Hot Rod Reunion. Just make sure the cart is large enough to seat many, and make absolutely sure to stuff a Mopar V8 and TorqueFlite into it. Wing optional.

Frankfurt Auto Show: Dodge Journey

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:15:48 EDT

From the I think it might be a minivan department comes the Dodge Journey. After seeing a surprising number of Chrysler minivans on the roads here in Frankfurt, we can see the appeal a space wagon equipped with a 2.0L turbodiesel from the Dodge might have for the European market. David and Danya changed outfits magically while metallic confetti distracted everybody temporarily, from noticing the Journey had appeared! Steve Perry was not on hand to belt out Don't Stop Believing, and thankfully there was no vocal laxative effect.

Dad's Turbo Dodge Caravan

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EDT

From the 800-dollar turbocharged minivan department comes this 1989 Dodge Caravan SE with genuine simulated woodgrain trim. Along with doing toasty burnouts, the minivan has run the quarter mile in 12.65 seconds at Route 66 Dragway thanks to a set of slicks and 24 pounds of boost pushing through the stock 140K plus miles mill. The initial 800-dollar purchase price has been long-forgotten after all the modifications required to get the Iacocca Special into the 12-second zone. This guy figures if a 14-second minivan can beat most cars on the road, then a 12-second minivan can beat them all! [Dad's Turbo Minivan Bonanza]

1969 Dodge Charger Smokes 'Em

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EDT

From the fusty old Mopar department comes this Friday's gratuitous tire frying. These guys have a junkyard, a soaked patch of pavement, a second-generation Dodge Charger, and maybe another set of tires. Judging by the volume of smoke alone, this thing is packing a 383 big block at the very least. A 440 wedge and and 426 hemi were other choices in 1969. Dodge also built about 500 or so Chargers for 1969 that packed a 225 slant six - for those desiring sporty looks along with economy from the leaning tower of power.

Save Mopar!

Ray Wert — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:30:00 EDT

After we learned this morning that part of putting "The New" into "The New Chrysler" includes potentially killing the Mopar performance parts unit, we've decided to stand up for Mopar-lovin' auto enthusiasts everywhere to start a campaign to "Save Mopar!" First things first — we need a graphic of some sort. We mean, come on, it's not a real campaign unless it's got a graphic. How's the above one look? It's good? So — umm, we've got a graphic and so, umm — what's next?

Chrysler Looking To Axe Mopar?

Ray Wert — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EDT

Say it ain't so, Bob! Gina Chon and Jeffrey McCracken of the soon-to-be Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal are reporting this morning "The New Chrysler" is looking at shedding what they're terming "noncore assets." According to the tag team of Gina and Jeff, one of those noncore's they're looking to shutter or sell as part of union negotiations is its Mopar parts unit. If that happens, wethinks it won't matter how much Bob Nardelli rides around in a Plymouth Prowler — he won't be able to fix the ill will that'll exist among the ranks of classic Mopar-lovin' enthusiasts. We feel like maybe we need a "Save Mopar" campaign or something. (Hat tip to Kevin!) (sub. req.) [WSJ]

1972 Dodge Challenger

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 14:30:00 EDT

Driving about in a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 it's easy to forget that while the formula for American muscle cars is still very much alive, refinements in technology have changed the experience drastically. Case in point is this 1972 Dodge Challenger. I drove this beast last year from Carlisle, Pensylvania to Detroit after having roadtripped from Motor City mostly in the passenger seat. This was not by any means a completely original machine, but the core of what rolled off the line in the '70s was still very much with it.

For a good number of years I drove a '67 Plymouth Barracuda I'd bought for 500 bucks. Over time, some junkyard engineering brought measurable improvements. Drum brakes gave way to discs from a '70s Dart. Points ignition was swapped out for transistorized technology. The peg-leg rear differential was dumped for a swap meet sure-grip. A 360 took the place of a 318. With each upgrade the car not only got faster, but also more reliable. Eventually the fish was well mannered enough to both drive daily and run 13's at the track. The '72 Challenger had undergone similar improvements, but like the 'Cuda, had lost none of its character in the process.

The real difference between my old fish and this Dodge version of the later E-body, road-swimming Plymouth was the pistol grip shifter poking up Roth-monster style from the center console. The shifter was connected to some sort of updated five-speed rock crusher under the tunnel. Getting the 360 small block to comply was easy enough. Getting the clutch and transmission to cooperate was a little more difficult thanks to a near-blown driver's side engine mount. Herculean clutch pedal effort combined with horsepower rewarded attention and punished ham-footedness.

Even with the aftermarket brake upgrade, stopping the Challenger was a white-knuckled enterprise. Having moments to think ahead was key. There would be no time for cell phones, coffee sipping or menu-driven gadgetry whatsoever. On the way out to Carlisle we made some time to stop at the Meijer and get a 50-in-1 electronics kit so we could splice a power supply to the iPod for Craig cassette player input. This mod was done by the passenger, while the driver smoked the tires on occasion, and cigars frequently.

The drive from Pennsylvania to Detroit International in Romulus was where I actually got to drive the car for a several hours straight. Rowing through the gears was the sweet reward for anything involving acceleration. On-ramp corkscrews and similar interchanges got me thinking of Dan Gurney throwing his AAR Plymouth Barracuda around a road course. Yes this and most every other muscle car of the era had a live axle. Yes, the ass end will kick out on you. No, it won't heel like a Honda Accord. And yes, that's why this and every other muscle car of the era is now legendary.

This is where the paradox lies. Despite the volumes written, published, and spoken about the legendary prowess of American muscle, the fact of the deal is that most of these cars were built for affordable and brutal performance. To harp on how they didn't stop, handle, or even idle on anything but a quasi-regular basis is like faulting Popeye for a lousy kinescope. What these cars did do is go like stink, and let you know they could through a visceral experience unrivaled by any modern car. Slipping the clutch into throttle in a '72 Dodge Challenger and having the entire car pulse through every bone is about as good as the experience gets.

Jalopnik Poll: Which Dodge Dart Should Nardelli Build?

Mike Bumbeck — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EDT

Of all the facts in a New York Times article focusing on incoming Chrysler fearless leader Robert Nardelli, there was one that caught our eye. Mr. Nardelli's first car out of high school was a 1966 Dodge Dart. As Mr. Nardelli's love for the company dates back to this car, it seems only fitting that he spearhead the campaign to resurrect the mighty Dodge Dart. Whether the new Dodge Dart will feature a hybrid fusion slant six drive that runs on orange peels and coffee grinds will only be told by the future. Vote on which Dart Dodge should build after the jump.

523 Horsepower Starion Bar-B-Que

Mike Bumbeck — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EDT

The coolest thing about owning any automobile is almost instant membership in the club of the car. The less ubiquitous the machine, the more esoteric the club. In the case of the Mitsubishi Starion, aka Chrysler Conquest, a membership of peers is required just to keep the twentysomething year old StarQuests rolling. That same community is also there when it comes time to squeeze more horsepower than the factory ever intended out of the 2.6L Mitsubishi mill, or chow down on some tasty BBQ.

When it comes to the West Coast the man to talk to about Starquests is Kelly. It was Kelly and the rest of the KDM Performance crew that pulled together with tuner Chris from DC Performance and organized this BBQ dyno pull bonanza. Starions and Conquests showed from all over the western regions for some Carne Asada, and a chance to post some dyno proven numbers. DC Performance usually deals in Mopars less removed than the StarQuest - Vipers and other V-10 powered machines are their specialty.

In stock form the Starion makes about 140-something to the wheels. What does it take to squeeze more juice from the SOHC 2.6L Mitsu? Fuel and air supplied courtesy of more boost. A little nitrous doesn't hurt either. Or at least it didn't this time around. With 18 PSI, a Mitsubishi Super 16G turbo, and a 100-shot of nitrous oxide Mark's StarQuest spun the rollers to 326 hp. All this using the stock two-injector throttle body injector system and a good measure of driveway ingenuity.

With an extra injector piped into the intake upstream from the stockers and some tuning, dyno-man Chris knocked out near 320 hp without use of the bottle. Adding in a fourth injector and a modified intake from an Aussie 2.6L variant was Ivan. This multipoint injection along with a turbo the size of a watermelon helped Ivan's yellow screamer kick out 523 horsepower on the dyno. At the end of the day Ivan was king, and got to eat the part of the cake that said "500" on it.

KDM plans to throw another one of these SoCal StarQuest deals next year with a added bonus. Along with plenty of grub, prizes, and general good times, the crew announced that next year's shindig will feature a 88-89 Starion as a giveaway! Right after the announcement and within relative earshot of the crowd Mark also added "with rod knock!" - complete with accompanying sound effects. While that last part was good humor, it could pay off to come to the 2008 KDM BBQ. – Mike Bumbeck

KDM Performance; DC Performance [External]

Related:
More Starion Madness [Internal]

Ultimate K-Car: PPG Dodge Twin Turbo Interceptor

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 09 May 2007 16:30:00 EDT

Although based on an eighties Dodge Daytona which is technically a G-platform, the Indy World Series Dodge Pace Cars nonetheless represent the apex of K-platform engineering. A Chrysler 2.2L topped with a Cosworth twin-cam head served as the mid-engine heart of this eighties automobile of the rear-drive future. Twin turbos helped the mill create 440 horsepower. An even more futuristic version of these cars known as the M4S Turbo Interceptor starred in The Wraith alongside Charlie Sheen. Though a slew of the cars were built for the movie, the M4S was never put into anywhere near production. Gullwing doors made for star quality egress – Mike Bumbeck

PPG Dodge Turbo Charger Pace Car [allpar.com]

Related:
Fiat 500? Real Soon! [Internal]

Feel the Turbo Activated to Serve You Forever

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:00:00 EDT

We just can't make up a better line than used by the seller to describe this 1986 Plymouth Caravelle. The turbo sedan also features a cassette deck, and enough burgundy velour to make even Ricardo Montalban jealous. Where was this guy in 1986 when Plymouth needed a catchy ad slogan for this fine Chrysler Corporation K platform derivative? – Mike Bumbeck

Plymouth Caravelle on eBay [eBay.com]

Related:
Sleeper of the Day: Plymouth Reliant [Internal]

Kowalski Rules the Divine: Vanishing Point Intro

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 May 2007 18:45:00 EDT

Because no_slushbox should have asked for it. All these posts about faded Mopar glory, English-style gasoline prices and running from the hoon police has sent us spiraling across ~~the interwebs~~ time & space looking for reason and a way to make sense of it all. And we found our muse. And they'll never make 'em like this again. – Jonny Lieberman

Mopar Obscura: The Dodge Superlight!

Mike Bumbeck — Mon, 07 May 2007 18:00:00 EDT

Hearkening back to the boundless optimism of the American space-age is the Dodge Superlight. Available as an option on the absolute biggest of the Dodge fleet, the Superlight was an early version of now fairly commonplace HID automobile lighting. The option was dropped in 1970 after various legal challenges on the state level and cold war resource allotment eating into Superlight R&D. The Superlight is further proof that the ultimate weapon against communism was the full-size American station wagon. – Mike Bumbeck

Dodge Challenger Meets Mitsubishi Starion

Mike Bumbeck — Mon, 07 May 2007 16:00:00 EDT

We almost broke our neck doing a double-take while passing this Dodge Challenger on the way to the Spring Fling. A quick u-turn and closer look revealed that yes - this Challenger was riding on Mitsubishi Starion [aka Chrysler Conquest] wheels. SCCA decal and rear-mounted external kill switch told us this particular Dodge was a road racer. What little was left of the front Kumhos bore out the fact that the car had recently seen some action. Behold this true conquest of the usual overpriced e-body auction fare. – Mike Bumbeck

Related:
Mopars on the Green: Spring Fling XXI [Internal]

Mopars on the Green: Spring Fling XXI

Mike Bumbeck — Mon, 07 May 2007 15:15:00 EDT

Spoken and written history has it that Mopar came into the lexicon as a contraction of MOtor and PARts. First and still used to define a parts division, Mopar has moved beyond its practical beginnings and into worldwide use as the universal term for Plymouth Superbirds, Dodge Darts, Chrysler New Yorkers, and even as the given name for bruiser-size yet super friendly dogs. Mopar can also stand for mostly old parts and rust, or millions of parts assembled at random. Every Spring and Fall Mopar fans and owners alike descend into the San Fernando Valley for Spring Fling. Billed as the largest Mopar show and parts exchange west of the Mississippi, the Spring Fling has now happened for twenty one springs and gets a little bigger every year. Onward, Moparnauts! – Mike Bumbeck

Chrysler Performance West Spring Fling [cpwclub.com]

Modern Muscle into Vintage Digger

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 04 May 2007 16:30:00 EDT

Something good is bound to happen when Big Daddy Don Garlits gets his hands on a modern Mopar 392 Hemi. Seems Big Daddy bolted up a blower to the top of the mill and dropped it in the framerails of a front engine chassis. Boy howdy! We have what looks to be Swamp Rat Number 35. Swamp Rat Number 1 sits in the Big Daddy Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in honor of huffing nitro through eight modified Stromberg carburetors and taking the World's Fastest Dragster title in 1957 and 1958. Swamp Rats 1-B through 34 are also duly enshrined. And yes, they all had Hemis. – Mike Bumbeck

[Thanks to Jack Pine for the tip]

Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing [garlits.com]

Related:
More Big Daddy Don Garlits

Plymouth Rapid Transit System Brochure

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 04 May 2007 13:00:00 EDT

While modern automakers try to infuse us with computer generated images of brush strokes morphing into luxury cars or show us smarmy future executives happily tossing their light blues and khakis out of the window on their way out of town, they seem to have long and truly forgotten something. Driving is supposed to be wicked fun - and budget performance counts. To think that Plymouth had an entire system of budget minded performance machines in 1970, yet went out with a mere breeze thirty years down the road makes for a sad ending to the once mighty name. Glorious text excerpt from the 1970 Rapid Transit Brochure after the jump. – Mike Bumbeck

1970

Those of us at Plymouth who design and build high-performance cars have been inspired to go beyond just offering cars with big engines, good suspensions, great brakes and fat tires.

We now have a System. An integrated program. It's Mathematics rather than numbers. Oceanography rather than salt water. It's a total concept in high-performance transportation which combines the lessons learned in competition, an information network, people who understand high-performance, trick parts, and great products.

The Rapid Transit System is years of racing experience at Daytona, Indianapolis, Riverside, Irwindale, Cecil County. It's the race cars themselves drag racing cars, Grand National stackers, rally and Championship cars. And it's the input (and output) gained from all this racing.

The Rapid Transit System is information — the straight scoop from us to you — on how to tune and modify your car, which equipment to use, and how to set the whole thing up for racing. (The subject matter covers everything from this high-performance car catalog, to Supercar Clinics, to Road Runner decals, to tips on full-race Hemis.) See your dealer or write the Rapid Transit System, P.O. Box 7749, Detroit, Michigan 48207.

The System is people. People like yourself who Like cars.

The System is high-performance parts — special cams, manifolds, pistons, bearings, etc. — which are now more readily available through parts centers strategically located across the country.

The System is even a piece of the action for beginners. Let's say you're still a few years away from a driver's license, but that hasn't dampened your enthusiasm for cars. Your favorite cartoon is Road Runner, your favorite car is Road Runner, and you only wish your driveway were a couple of miles long. Well, maybe you're not old enough to drive, but you sure can wear a Plymouth racing jacket. And you can also pick up or send for a handful of our decals, stickers, catalogs and brochures. And go to free Sox & Martin or Don Grotheer Super Car Clinics.

Above all, the RTS is the product, Everything from a "sleeper" Duster with a 340 cu. in. V-8, to a giant 440 cu. in. Sport Fury GT, all the way up to a Hemi-'Cuda with a Quivering Exposed Cold Air Grabber.

And, in between, there are Road Runners and GTXs available with 6-barrel carburetion, and vacuum-controlled induction systems. And 'Cudas with light-weight, high-winding 340 V8s. Each one is a complete high-performance car. With suspension, brakes, driveline and tires to match, (The system doesn't allow for a car that won't corner or stop or stand up under the strain when you stand on it.)

Finally, the Rapid Transit System is common sense on your part. You know when you want to really turn it on, turn it on at a sanctioned strip.

This year, give the Rapid Transit System careful consideration.

Compare it with mere cars. And, if you come to the conclusion you can't beat it—join it.

Related:
En Fuego! The Plymouth Fire Arrow [Internal]

Team Starfish Barracuda

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 04 May 2007 11:30:00 EDT

From the Plymouth compact performance department comes this Barracuda - shown here putting the twist to the front torsion bars and rear leaf springs through the corkscrew at Laguna Seca Raceway. Mike Ritz and Team Starfish have logged over 5000 miles of race track since building the vintage race prepared 1966 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S in 1994. The little fish tosses up door handles with Camaros, Mustangs, and AMC Javelins on the weekends it tears up the track. On those weekends the team burns through around 1200 clams of gas, tires, and entry fee, but manages to keep racing by doing all the mechanical work themselves. Budget performance - from your Plymouth dealer. – Mike Bumbeck

Team Starfish Racing [teamstarfish.com]

Classic Ad Watch: 1970 Plymouth Rapid Transit System

Mike Bumbeck — Thu, 03 May 2007 22:00:00 EDT

From the something slightly less ballistic to wrap up the day department comes the very old news that Plymouth is out to win you over this year - with the 1970 lineup. Who says speed, luxury, and low price don't mix? Dig this. – Mike Bumbeck

Reserve Not Met: Go Kart Voyager Vannin on eBay

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 01 May 2007 16:00:00 EDT

Plymouth produced some of the most legendary American cars of all time. The Roadrunner and Superbird are but a few that come to mind. Plymouth was also no stranger to the Vannin craze. Before Plymouth Voyager became associated with boxy eighties minivans, the nameplate was used on the Plymouth equivalent of the Dodge Sportsman. The auction for what looks to be the 70's promotional Voyager shell for use atop a go kart chassis has come and gone, but the reserve was not met. Airbrush on a Star Wars mural, pop in an opera window, and stuff a transverse-mounted 392 Hemi with some centrifugal clutch chain-drive on each end of the crankshaft. You could be the Mayor - of Go Kart City. – Mike Bumbeck

1971 Plymouth Voyager Go Kart Body [eBay.com]

Related:
Concentrated Essence of 70s: The 1976 Truck-In [Internal]

Spy Photos: Dodge Caliber SRT4...Unmasked?

bwojdyla — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:30:24 EDT

We know the Caliber SRT-4 had an unveiling of sorts at the '06 Chicago Auto Show, but that was ages ago, and since then, nary a one has been seen sans fascia obscura. Well, seems that an anxious engineer doing some shakedown testing forgot something Saturday on the way to the Tigers game. The bizarre part is that it was left unattended in the only remaining area of downtown that's still shady. Perhaps they wanted this dashing biker to capture is against the gritty backdrop and post it to the interwebs for all to see - lazy marketing I like to say. Adding to the conspiracy, Sunday in Pontiac, I chased down a similary unobscured next gen Magnum SRT-8, now with 100% more Avenger like nose. Unfortunately motorcycles and cameras at high speed don't jive real well. You'll have to make do with a walkaround video and a galley of pics of the Caliber. – Ben Wojdyla

Vannin' and Draggin'

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 16:30:20 EDT

Think again about van potential the next time you're in the Las Vegas area or anywhere else, and see a nondescript faded-brown Dodge van pull up next to you at a red light. We saw this guy repeatedly hang up the front hoops out at Mopars at the Strip and run in the mid to high elevens each round. As we knew no one would ever believe us, we got it on video. We need wheelstanding vans of any marque now more than ever before. – Mike Bumbeck

Not Fair! Edmunds Drags Out The Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept

Ray Wert — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EDT

Seriously, there's nothing more for me to say here other than — this is totally not fair! I'm going to go and pout in the corner now. The rest of you can go read the piece over at Edmunds InsideLine and check out the tire-burning video they've got up from Josh Jacquot's time at "Mopars At The Strip." When you're done doing that, we're pretty sure we'll see you over here in the corner with us. – Ray Wert

Drag Racing the Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept [Edmunds InsideLine]

Related:
Wagons of Real; On the Road, Mopar Style [internal]

ThermoQuad!

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:00:16 EDT

The Carter ThermoQuad originally came bolted to Mopar V-8 mills as a the hot factory setup. The theory was simple. At light throttle the ThermoQuad huffed air through a relatively small set of primary bores. Application of lead foot prompted the much larger secondary bores to open, giving the ThermoQuad its unique sound at wide open throttle, and supplying the engine with plenty of air and fuel. Problems arose when the mostly-the-same ThermoQuad was pressed into the '70s and onto emissions engine service. Featuring a center section made of ~~space age polymers~~ prone to warping phenolic resins, the Thermoquad had issues with the underhood heat from the scads of smog prevention equipment bolted to the engine. The last of the Thermoquads was an aftermarket affair known as the SuperQuad! Some swear by the carburetor as an unsung performer. Others just swear at the carburetor. – Mike Bumbeck

Related:
You Find One In Every Car, Kid. You'll See [Internal]