Highway 61 2008 Dodge Challenger Concept Super Stock Red/White/Blue 1/18 Scale

2007 marked the 50th anniversary of an engine that revolutionized not only drag racing, but the entire automotive industry as well: The legendary 392 HEMIÃÃÃÃî. Mention the word "HEMI" to an automotive enthusiast and little else needs to be said. Or, perhaps a lot more needs to be said depending on your perspective. "The 392 HEMI is a legend so rich in automotive tradition that hundreds, if not thousands, of books and accounts have been written about its historical significance," said Chris Cortez, senior vice president - Global Service & Parts, Chrysler Group." The History of the 392 HEMIÃÃÃÃî The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chryslers and Imperials. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951. Compared with the 354, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft, and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often referred to simply as the "92," was perfect for drag racing. More than a few racers bolted on six or eight carburetors, slipped in a hotter cam, tipped some nitro into the tank and went racing. Racing legend Don Garlits ran a 392 in his Swamp Rat I at record speeds of over 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J. in 1964. Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept with 392 HEMIÃÃÃÃî by Mopar To further commemorate the legacy of the 392, Chrysler Group and Mopar are unveiling a SEMA first: a concept vehicle tricked out just for SEMA. From Detroit's 2006 North American International Auto Show and a year before its production debut, the stunning Dodge Challenger Super Stock with 392 HEMI by Mopar. "There was really only one vehicle choice to showcase our new crate motor-the bold, powerful and capable, Dodge Challenger," said Cortez. One of the most iconic muscle cars of the 1970s, it debuted in the fall of 1969 as a 1970 model. Although it was only produced from 1970 to 1974 (188,600 sold), the Dodge Challenger earned a reputation as one of the most desirable of the original "pony cars," with meticulously restored and rare examples today selling for six-figure prices. The Challenger went racing in its first year and HEMI-powered Challengers tore up the drag strips across the country in the SCCA Trans-am series and NHRA Pro Stock classes. In 1971, a Dodge Challenger paced the Indianapolis 500. "The HEMI legacy lives on," said Cortez. "But this Dodge Challenger Super Stock concept will no doubt bring that legacy to a whole new generation." Specifications " Built by Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, Inc., Chrysler LLC Skunkwerks Team, Mopra Performance, UAW Local 412 & MPR Race Cars. " 392 HEMIÃÃÃÃî, 525hp, 510 lb./ft. torque, Fuel Injected " Chrylser A999 Automatic Transmission modified for racing with Turbo Action Shifter " Modified Dana 60 Solid Rear Axle & Rear Suspension from Dodge Ram SRT10 " Mopar Performance Super Stock Rear Leaf Springs " Charger SRT8 Front Suspension " Mark WIlliams Drag Racing Brake Calipers & Rotors " Goodyear Eagle 15 Drag Racing Tires mounted to American Racing Trakstar Bead Lock Wheels " Performance Hood Scoop with Fresh Air Ducting, and Front & Rear Spoilers (similar to 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A) " Unique AEM Exhaust Headers & Collectors Source Chrysler LLC Press Release - 2006