Rumor Mill

Spy Shots: 2015 Charger SRT … Hellcat?

Lisa — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 16:29:43 +0000

Here’s the first look at a production-spec prototype for the next Dodge Charger SRT, running camouflaged on the streets of Detroit. The prototype allows a good feel for how the SRT’s aggressive design touches will be applied to its new, Dart-inspired front fascia. We see a deeper front air dam, a jutting chin spoiler up front, and deeper-breathing front air-intakes. We also get a glimpse at the Charger’s new air duct on its hood, likely styled in the manner bold duct found on the overhauled 2015 Challenger SRT. Meaty wheels and tires, and beefy twin exhausts round out the package at the rear.

This new Charger SRT is almost certainly getting the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 that was just unveiled in the top-tier Challenger SRT–judging from the rumor mill and from Fiat Chrysler’s very own image laying out the company’s five-year model plan. The graphic shows the same engine specs for the upcoming Charger SRT (caught testing here) as the Challenger SRT, both referencing “RWD S/C V8”. We can’t say for sure if this particular prototype was running the Hellcat engine, or the standard HEMI 392 engine, but the spy photographers said it certainly looked and sounded formidable as it hustled back to the safety of its engineering lab.

Complete Gallery:

Spy Shots: 2015 Challenger SRT w/ SHAKER

Lisa — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 17:28:41 +0000

This 2015 Challenger SRT sporting a SHAKER hood was spotted testing in the Rocky Mountains and the Shaker hood has been heretofore relegated to the lower R/T trim levels. Will Dodge offer this retro touch to its top-performing trim level?

The prototype caught testing here is wearing the same wheels that debuted on the 2015 Challenger SRT 392. It’s also clearly badged SRT on its tail, although its SRT badge sits between the Challenger’s new tail-lights, instead of on the right side of its rear spoiler as seen on official ’15 Challenger SRT photos. We have now seen undisguised Challenger Hellcat prototypes testing, with its SRT badge in the same position as on this Shaker-hooded prototype. All-in-all this prototype exhibits numerous outward signs suggesting that the test vehicle is outfitted with proper SRT Challenger bits…and then there’s that Shaker hood.

With the arrival of the range-topping, 600 hp Challenger SRT8 Hellcat, the line between the Challenger’s SRT and the R/T trim levels has gotten a bit murkier. A new model, the 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker, has given the R/T trim level access to the same 6.4-liter 392 Hemi V8 as the “entry-level” Challenger SRT model. So if the Shaker hood is available on the 392 Hemi-powered R/T, offering it on the the Challenger SRT seems far more plug-and-play than before, something that might explain the testing revealed here.

2015 Challenger SRT Spy Shots

Lisa — Tue, 13 May 2014 20:53:50 +0000

“Hellcat” Engine Bay Spy Shot

Lisa — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 21:08:13 +0000

Is this the supercharged 6.2L “Hellcat” engine running around in the current Challenger 392 skin? It sure looks like it. We say a big “Hell yeah!!”

Sneak Peek of New Mopar ‘14

Lisa — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 13:50:43 +0000

Chrysler Group LLC today released an image of its new limited-edition Mopar ’14, which will debut at next month’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

“Our new Mopar ’14 will instantly resonate with enthusiasts,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “This limited-edition ride is for muscle-car fans who love high octane and customizable performance.”

The new Mopar ’14 will be one of 20 customized vehicles on display in the brand’s 15,300 square-foot exhibit. The limited-edition vehicle follows the Mopar ’10 Challenger, Mopar ’11 Charger, Mopar ’12 300, and Mopar ’13 Dart. In addition to custom vehicles, the brand will showcase new Jeep® Performance Parts from its newly created Mopar Off-Road Division. The SEMA Show runs Nov. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

426 HEMI in Chrysler 300 S?

Lisa — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:10:44 +0000

Our sources tell us that the 426 cubic inch HEMI engine will be an option in the Chrysler 300 S model. We know fatchance 2.0 recently installed a Mopar 426, so it’s been assumed a 426 factory option was in the works … now we hear it’s going to happen. We love this idea!

Mopar Tuning … Coming this Fall?

Lisa — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:59:56 +0000

We all know that 2011 tuning is a hot topic, and on the heels of breaking the news that DiabloSport has cracked the code, our sources tell us that mother Mopar will be releasing tuning soon! We believe it will be announced either at SEMA (or more likely) at the L.A. Auto Show, both of which take place this November.

Stay “tuned”.

2011 Tuning Cracked; Protecting it is the Next Step?

Lisa — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:21:53 +0000

Our sources tell us that DiabloSport has cracked the 2011 tuning code. We hear that the tuning is pretty much figured out, but the real trick is developing a way to now protect their hard work and locking out would-be hackers and those who would try and copy their genius.

We aren’t sure if the Predator (U7135) will be able to handle the speeds of the new computers, but the soon-to-be-released InTune and Trinity (T-1000) will surely be capable devices.

Be sure and stay tuned to Modern Mopar Magazine, as this is bound to be one of the biggest developments in recent memory. We know there are thousands of you awaiting 2011 tuning, and we are alongside you. As we have more information, we’ll bring it to you.