Kind of a drag. Mopar launches two versions of its new Dodge Challenger Drag Pak.
Just because life’s a drag doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. And for performance fans, Fiat Chrysler says it has just the cure – the new Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak which will offer a choice of engines including Mopar’s first supercharged package.
The Drag Pak is a factory-prepped package car specifically tuned for drag racing, and gives buyers the option of either a 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 or a supercharged 354-ci Hemi.
“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, Mopar President and CEO, “Our brand,” he added, “is committed to supporting Mopar drivers who compete at all levels.”
Classic Hemi fans might get a sense of déjà vu thinking about the new supercharged Hemi. The 354 displacement has had a long history of success for Mopar racers.
The Drag Pak can be ordered with a supercharged 354 ci Hemi, or a naturally aspired 426 V-8.
As for the 426 ci Hemi, the naturally aspirated package uses a special aluminum Mopar block with pressed-in steel liners and aluminum cylinder heads.
Both engines undergo custom calibration, and carry unique graphic identification. And they’re paired with a newly upgraded, race-prepped automatic transmission.
The Drag Pak Challenger itself isn’t just a stock street coupe. It gets a unique Mopar K-Member suspension with, among other things, double-adjustable compression and rebound struts. The back end has a four-link rear suspension with Panhard bar, a 4-inch solid axle and other modifications designed to maximize traction and launch.
(Lotus amping up sports car game with 3-Eleven. For more, Click Here.)
The Challenger also will get an NHRA-spec roll cage. Though the cabin carries over the look of a stock Challenger, it adds a Mopar gauge pack, driver and passenger lightweight racing seats, safety net and five-point harness.
(Click Here for the power details for the new Ford Focus RS.)
The package is completed with 15-inch front and rear lightweight wheels with the Mopar logo. There are special 28-inch diameter Hoosier drag radials up front, 30×9-inch real tires. The Drag Pak Challenger also gets unique brakes.
(To see more about the new maxi Mini Clubman, Click Here.)
As for performance, “In the first runs the new Drag Pak ran consistently in the eights (eight second range),” said Dale Aldo, Mopar Motorsports Marketing Manager, “while improving times at the 60-ft. mark and also performing very well in the quarter mile. Once our customers get the car on the track, we feel it’s going to be a clear winner.”
The supercharged 354 is to try and keep pace with the supercharged Mustangs. Superchargers are for those who don’t know how to make high HP from an NA engine. Anyone can bolt on a supercharger to go fast. I’d take the legendary 426 Hemi any day.
I hope that the Drag Pak cars are not still using the aftermarket GM based 2-spd. Powerglide race trans. It’s absurd to not use the Mopar 727 trans which is better and stronger in race trim, though it is heavier.
The 4″ “solid rear axles” is probably the durable and very reliable Ford 9″ rear end that the majority of race cars in the weight/power range use as there are plenty of gear ratios and the diff is reliable due to better pinion support. The Dana 60 used in the original Hemi cars would be my first choice but for practicality and weight reasons I can see using the Ford 9″ rear.
These are fun cool cars but nothing equals the original factory Hemi race cars. It’s cool that the Hemi cars have a special class just for those original Hemic Cudas and Darts to race in. They are amazing race cars for the time that have been drastically updated to outrageous power levels today – without using superchargers.