More power for Mopar’s new drag racing Challengers

Mopar has revealed the pricing and specifications for its all-new 2015 Challenger Drag Pak model which offers any keen driver with $100,000 to spare the chance to own a car capable of running the quarter mile in eight seconds.

The standard Dodge Challenger is a high-quality American muscle car. So much so that it's not that rare a sight on European roads where keen drivers are discovering that as well as being pretty good looking, it's pretty adept in the corners as well as on the straight.

However, the new Drag Pak edition shows that the company and its Mopar division haven't forgotten the car's true roots or its biggest homegrown fans.

The new factory-fitted package is offered with a one of two HEMI V8 engines, a supercharged 345-cubic inch (5.7-liter) or a naturally aspirated 426-c.i. (7-liter) unit, plus everything needed to keep them glued to the track.

For instance, there's a race-prepared automatic transmission, while the front suspension setup boasts double adjustable compression and rebound struts. The front wheels are 15-inches in diameter and are wrapped in 28-inch diameter, 4.5-inch wide Hoosier drag racing tires. The rear wheels are wrapped in 30-inch diameter, 9-inch wide tires.

"Today, we write the next page in our performance playbook with the reveal of the production Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, a vehicle that offers, for the first time, a supercharged engine that provides our racers more options," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO, Mopar Brand Service, Parts and Customer Care.

Unfortunately that means the car's performance is exclusively for the drag strip. Both models have been developed specifically for nationally sanctioned drag racing series such as the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). So owners won't get a chance to race them on the road. However, when they do line up for a sanctioned race, they can do so with confidence.

That's because the car gets a full NHRA specification roll cage, safety nets and five-point harnesses instead of seatbelts; plus of course slotted front and rear brake rotors with special calipers and master cylinder.

"We are extremely pleased with the results obtained during our testing," said Dale Aldo, Mopar Motorsports Marketing Manager. "In the first runs the new Drag Pak ran consistently in the eights (eight-second range) while improving times at the 60-ft. mark and also performing very well in the quarter mile."

When the order book opens on July 23, the 426-cubic inch Challenger will cost $99,426 while the supercharged 354-cubic inch model will come with a $109,354 retail price.
Source: Relaxnews