SEMA Challenger Concepts

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — If you don't think the production Dodge Challenger looks tough enough, get a load of these two 2008 SEMA Show specials from Mopar: the Dodge Challenger Targa and the Dodge Challenger Blacktop.

The Challenger Targa is strictly a racing car, named for the Targa Newfoundland competition. Dodge started with a Mopar Challenger drag-racing package car, added a deep chin spoiler and hood scoop, and painted everything an eye-catching snakeskin green.

Underneath lurks a KW-prepped racing suspension and Stop-Tech brakes, adapted from the Dodge Viper ACR. Powering the Challenger Targa is a 392 Hemi Mopar crate engine developing 540 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque, driving the rear wheels through a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox.

The Mopar Underground design team created the Challenger Blacktop, starting with a 5.7-liter Hemi-equipped Challenger R/T. Breathing is enhanced with a cold-air intake and a cat-back dual exhaust system. A Mopar coil-over suspension lowers ride height and tightens handling. The car is fitted with 22-inch Viper wheels from Factory Reproductions, shod with Dunlop performance tires (265/35R-22 front, 305/30R-22 rear).

Inside, the Challenger Blacktop gets bright-red Katzkin leather seating and a Mopar Kicker premium audio system. The car adds custom spoilers and is painted black, with black racing stripes.

Inside Line says: We knew the Challenger was ripe for SEMA make-overs.