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MOPAR CHALLENGER DRAG PAK DELAYED ONE YEAR

The Track-Only Muscle Car Will Now Begin Deliveries In 2021

Mopar Challenger Drag Pak

At the 2019 SEMA Show, Mopar pulled the sheet off the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, a class-specific dragstrip-only muscle car designed for competition in both the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and National Muscle Car Association (NMCA). Only 50 examples are to be built, and they should have started by now. However, official word is that Challenger Drag Pak deliveries now won’t start until next year, as pointed out by Mopar Insiders.

While a highly limited, track-only special that stands as Mopar’s answer to the COPO Camaro and Mustang Cobra Jet, the Challenger Drag Pak humbly begins its life at FCA’s Brampton, Ontario assembly plant alongside production Challengers, Chargers, and Chrysler 300 sedans. But when the body leaves the factory, that’s when things get interesting.

The Challenger Drag Pak is fitted with a SFI-spec Body-integrated welded roll cage, which is certified for ETs as low as 7.50 seconds. After the safety gear is out of the way, the Challenger Drag Pak is fitted with a number of mechanical chassis and suspension upgrades, like a unique engine cross member that lowers the center of gravity and improves weight distribution. Changes to the front of the car also include specific Bilstein double-adjustable struts to help make sure this Mopar is competitive in NHRA and NMCA competitions. Like the factory built COPO Camaro, this race-ready Challenger is intended to compete in sportsman class events sanctioned by either respective series.

Mopar Challenger Drag Pak

Under the hood of this factory racer sits a supercharged 354 cubic-inch Hemi V8 engine mated to a T400 three-speed transmission with a Kwik-Shift manual shifter. While this isn’t a new iteration of the legendary 426 cubic-inch Hemi, we’re sure this motor is more than capable of sending this muscle car 1320 feet rather effectively. Other Drag Pak specific modifications include a unique lightweight driveshaft, front and rear racing-style brakes, Racetech seats, a Racepak Smartwire fully programmable power distribution center and an exclusive Drag Pak lightweight wheel and tire combo.

Of course, if you either can’t get your hands on a Challenger Drag Pak, or prefer something that’s at least street legal, you can help yourself to the newly announced Dodge Challenger Super Stock, which features 807 horsepower, runs on pump gas, and comes with streetable Nitto drag racing slicks pulled from the Dodge Demon. Enjoy your freedom to choose these high-octane beasts while you can.

 

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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