SEMA: Dodge Challenger quarter-mile buster

If it’s SEMA show time then look out for FCA’s hot tuner sub-brand Mopar to roll-out something gob-smackingly fast.

And here it is, the fourth-generation 2020 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak.

A turnkey track-only grassroots drag racer – as its name suggests – the Challenger Drag Pak can rip through 400 metres in 7.5 seconds!

Motive force is provided by a supercharged 354 cubic-inch (5.8-litre) Hemi V8 engine, driving the rear wheels via a Kwik-Shift manual shifter, T400 three-speed transmission and a lightweight driveshaft. No power outputs have been revealed as yet.

Pricing has also yet to be announced and none of the 50 serialised Drag Paks to be built are expected to come to Australia – at least not via FCA.

The first Mopar factory-prepped drag cars appeared in 2009 and they have always been based on the Challenger. Highlights include a 500-plus cubic-inch V10 Drag Pal offered in 2011.

The new Challenger Drag Pak starts life as a standard-width Dodge Challenger Body-in-White (BIW) unibody built at the FCA Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario.

An SFI-specification welded rollcage, rated for quarter-mile runs as fast as 7.5 seconds, is integrated into the body.

New for the fourth-generation, the Strange Engineering rear axle assembly uses adjustable coil-over shocks, four-link suspension with wishbone and an anti-roll bar. Wheelie bars and a parachute mount are integrated into the chassis and are standard.

Up front, a unique engine cross member lowers the centre of gravity and improves weight distribution. The front-end also includes specific Bilstein double-adjustable struts.

Other features include front and rear racing brakes, Racetech seats, an unlocked Racepak Smartwire fully programmable power distribution centre and a new, exclusive Wed Racing lightweight wheels and Mickey Thompson drag tyres.

For do it yourself racers, various Drag Pak parts will also be available in various modules.