The Dodge Challenger Concept debuted as an R/T at the Detroit Auto Show, but the 6.1L engine found in the concept had been the trademark feature of the SRT lineup, so when the Challenger met the world in production form, it followed suit of the other SRT 6.1L vehicles, including the SRT aesthetic upgrades associated with the trimline. The Viper will be seeing the end of its production, and there has been no indication of what would become of the V10 powerplant from the Viper and SRT-10 Rams.
Well, the boys at SRT must have had some spare time, and the fruits of their labor will debut at SEMA 08 in the form of the Dodge Challenger SRT-10 Concept. Under the hood, the Viper 8.4L engine packing 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque, being fed to the wheels via the Viper's 6-speed manual transmission. Helping the Challenger SRT-10 Concept dig through the corners, a set of Bilstein shocks has been added, along with an improved braking system. Like the Viper Competition Coupe that has been a familiar show circuit vehicle, the Challenger SRT-10 is finished in Tornado Red, with carbon fiber and black accents. The Concept wears a set of unique, huge five-spoke aluminum rims, a vintage styled carbon fiber Shaker hood, a chin spoiler, and a black rear spoiler and trunk lid. Inside, the Challenger SRT-10 Concept sport seats with carbon fiber accents all around the interior.
While the likelihood of seeing this 600 horsepower factory Challenger see production is pretty low, there is no question that this is clearly one of the sexiest Concept SRT has thrown out there, and with the Viper leaving the lineup and the Challenger R/T getting a jump in horsepower, the current SRT8 Challenger could use a little boost to separate itself from the non-SRT models.
Could this V10 monster be Dodge's next flagship performance car? Ford continues to dabble in the art of high performance Mustangs and Chevy has a handful of super high powered engines (LS9) sitting around with rumors flying around one of those finding its way into a new Camaro, so there's no reason why Dodge couldn't offer these up in limited numbers. Sure, there are reasons like the slumping economy and questionable fuel prices, but from strictly a gearheads view, the Dodge Challenger SRT-10 Concept is one of the coolest concepts in years, and this package could put the Challenger atop the muscle car war.
Stay tuned for more information upon the debut in Las Vegas from DodgeForum.com, your source for SEMA 2008 event coverage!!