Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept Coming to SEMA

What could be better than a new

Challenger SRT8? A Challenger SRT10, as long as someone else is paying the fuel bill.

Such sentiments are obviously not in sync with all consumers' attitudes, considering the current popularity of V8-powered muscle cars. The Challenger SRT8 has been selling well in top-line SRT8 trim and anticipation for Chevy's upcoming 2010 Camaro is high, while Ford's Mustang continues to attract buyers in all trim levels. Yes, also in V8-powered GT trim and especially Shelby GT500 and Shelby GT500KR guises.

These last two models make a stunning 500- and 540-horsepower respectively, which is substantially more than their pony car rival from Dodge, at 425-horsepower, or the expected 422-horsepower from the Camaro SS. Does this mean that Mopar will up the ante with a special higher output model of the Challenger?

If

Chrysler's skunkworks SRT division had any say in the decision, it would be a collective thumbs up, business case or not. And to prove this point the team concocted a one-off Challenger with Viper V10 power dubbed Challenger SRT10.

It was a no-brainer from the beginning, especially given that the Viper's 8.4-liter V10 had already been sandwiched into the engine bay of an original Challenger and shown on the auto circuit a number of years ago. That car didn't feature the revised engine, however, making 600-horsepower and 560 lb-ft of tire smoking torque, or for even more important the modern independently sprung undercarriage with specially fitted Bilstein shocks to make the most off all the power and upgraded four-wheel discs to improve stopping power.

The

Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept, shown to SEMA participants this week, features '70 Hemi Cuda style “shaker hood”, giving the big lump some breathing room, which sticks out of a lightweight carbon fiber hood. The rear deck lid is carbon fiber too, contrasting beautifully with the Tornado Red paint scheme.

The SRT team has added carbon fiber trim inside to spice up the look, enhanced by a Viper-like red starter button to give the car a race-ready appearance.

Will Dodge build it? There are no doubt many, cash in hand, that would say they'd be crazy not to, but the car business isn't quite that simple anymore and therefore it might not get the nod. Then again, Chrysler did name it the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept, giving it a model year that's different than the year it's hitting the show stand. Either way, kudos to the SRT team for dreaming this one up.