Dodge “Shakedown” Challenger Rocks SEMA
Dodge has a way with retro that other manufacturers can’t quite pull off. Their display at SEMA is direct proof of this, with their wild “Shakedown” Challenger. You may look at the front and back of the car — and even underneath — and think it’s a new car, but in reality, it started life as a 1971 Challenger.
What Dodge wanted to do was connect the family DNA in the Challenger, so the Shakedown Challenger takes the old shell, but puts modern tech under the hood. The venerable HEMI 392 V8 pumps out all of the SRT’s 485 horsepower, with a functional hood scoop from the current “Shaker.” Power is dispatched to the rear wheels via a 6-speed gearbox nicked from the Viper. And the way it rides definitely won’t feel like 1971.
Other updates include a complete re-styling of the interior, which would be difficult to tell apart from today’s showroom lineup. Dodge’s current two-dial cluster, along with seats that would be familiar to a Viper owner sit inside.
What do you folks think of this modernized retro throwback?
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
Via [Car & Driver]
