Dodge’s Challenger Gains Factory-Backed Drag Package

Although Dodge has proven that its new Challenger SRT8 pony car is excellent at cornering, tearing up race tracks, and braking, there’s no denying that one of the things it’s best at doing is burning rubber and tearing down the quarter mile, making use of each and every one of its 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

Before the production model was officially introduced, Dodge put together a little something special for Challenger fans around the world. At the 2006 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Dodge constructed a custom-built drag machine out of the Challenger Concept Car called the Super Stock. Wearing a red, white and blue paint job, it sported classic drag-style wheels with wide rear tires and skinny front Goodyear slicks, a giant hood scoop, and a clean grille and front end. It’s the car that’s pictured here.

Besides creating a lot of commotion, the Super Stock Concept also served as a showcase for Mopar’s latest crate engine, the 392. As a tribute to the original 398 cubic-inch V8 engine, a popular swap for most performance enthusiasts, its new counterpart features the same displacement, but a bit more tech. The 392 is offered in two crate forms, with a carburetor it makes 540 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque, and with fuel injection it makes 525 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, which is more than the original Dodge Viper!

Fans of the Super Stock Concept and drag-prepped Mopars should rejoice as Chrysler has announced that it will indeed be offering factory-built Challengers with a drag package, and that the car could be announced as early as July. In addition, the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) is in the process of sanctioning the package, which would run in the Stock Eliminator Class.