Smoke machine: Dodge launches Challenger Drag Pak

Dodge car dealers in the US can now sell you a 2015 Challenger built to National Hot Rod Association specs.

Beginning life as a standard Challenger, Dodge's official Drag Pak adds a full roll cage, a huge 7.0-litre Hemi Race V8 and the drag racer’s tranny of choice — a Chrysler 727 three-speed auto with the mandatory racing-style manual shifter. A 5.8-litre supercharged version will also be offered.

No power or torque has been quoted for either versions, but a Challenger equipped with the Drag Pak (with either engine) is said to be able to nail the quarter-mile (402m) in 8.0 seconds dead, making it quicker than most supercars.

Forget independent rear suspension — according to Dodge it’s not tough enough for racing. Instead, there’s a beefed up solid rear axle, adjustable shocks and an anti-sway bar. Completing the suspension package, at the front there are struts that are adjustable for both compression and rebound.

Ditching the road tyres for 28x4.5-inch tyres at the front and fat 30x9.0-inch rubber at the back, the drag-spec coupe's regular interior is also stripped and thrown away, replaced by lightweight race seats, five-point safety harnesses and new gauges.

Dodge says the Drag Pak version of its Challenger has not been created to use on the road.

Pricing for the turn-key dragstrip hero begins at just $126,000 in its native US, stretching to $139,000 for the presumably more powerful still 5.8-litre supercharged V8.

As we've reported, Fiat Chrysler Austramobiles Australia is working up a plan that could see big Challenger coupe finally sold in Australia as early as next year, so there's at least some chance you could see one fitted with the frankly awesome Drag Pak at a dragway near you one day.