Avid readers of Modern Mopar Magazine with a sharp eye know about our section called “Modern Mopars Gone Bye”, where we celebrate various special models that Mother Mopar has put out over the last 20 years or so and are no longer in production. Furthermore, if you’ve flipped through the last few issues you no doubt would have concluded that we’re big fans of the recently departed Dodge Dakota. It was a nimble, well-built truck that could do pretty much anything. The limited R/T models especially, with their big 360 cubic inch engines and low 3.92 geared rear ends to launch hard, and tuned suspensions that were the predecessors to today’s SRT ingenuity. To put it simply, we think Dodge Dakota R/Ts are badass trucks and we hate that they don’t make them anymore.

For our subscribers that were fortunate enough to read ‘The Road to SEMA’ (See Issue #7), you’ll recognize the feature truck in this week’s blog. George Hooper of Wichita, Kansas is the lucky owner of this immaculate 1999 Deep Amethyst Dodge Dakota R/T regular cab. In 1999, only a sparse 170 Amethyst regular cabs were churned out of Warren, Michigan. We’re willing to bet that not a lot of them have survived the last 15 years, and George has done a fantastic job of preserving a precious piece of modern Mopar history. George is the original owner of the R/T and one of the founding members of the National Dodge Dakota R/T Club. George is as big of a Mopar enthusiast as they come. The inside of his home is adorned with Mopar memorabilia and collectibles in virtually every room. When we sauntered off into the garage, we saw what can only be described as “Purple”.

Stock Dakota R/Ts are awesome, no doubt. But when you see one with a list of subtle performance and appearance mods that make you snap your neck, it’s something truly special. When you’re dealing with a purple vehicle, you have to be very careful with your choices in modifications, because it’s very easy to dance into the realm of “tacky”. George kept the outside of the truck clean by adding a Profinish-Proglass “shaker” hood, reminiscent of the ‘70-‘71 ‘Cudas and Challengers, and painted the scoop in a nice contrasting silver. To protect any precious cargo, a low profile Checkmate F/X tonneau cover was installed and the R/T logo was airbrushed on. A set of APC clear one-piece marker lenses give the nose a clean look and the windows received a 35% tint on the side, and 15% tint on the rear. At the rear of the truck, a Profinish fiberglass roll pan replaces the factory rear bumper. Underneath the Checkmate cover, a comfortable carpet kit from Bedrug, was laid in and a full set of Mopar splash guards helps protect that gorgeous Deep Amethyst paint.

Inside the cab, George rests his tush on a set of seats plucked from a Dodge Neon SRT4, which are basically the same as Viper seats but wrapped in cloth instead of leather. They’re supportive and look a lot better than the standard high back buckets that come in the Dakotas. All automatic Dodge Dakotas came with column shifters, but that wouldn’t do for George. So a B&M floor shifter was installed to give a more muscular feel. George added a platinum gauge face from Nu Image for some style and a pair of custom embroidered “R/T” floor mats rest under his feet. George left the factory AM/FM/CD/Cassette radio in the dash, but rocks out to tunes from a set of Alpine 6.5″ mid-range speakers, a pair of 1″ Infinity tweeters, a Rockford Fosgate Punch 160a2 amplifier and a whopping 4 Rockford Fosgate 8″ subwoofers. That’s a lot of boom for such a small cabin!

If you looked under the hood of this purple speed demon, you’d never think you were looking at a 15 year old engine. George took his time in making it fill the shoes of both show and go. The original 360 block was warmed over with a set of Mopar Performance 1.92 valve cylinder heads, filled with Harland Sharp’s 1.7:1 roller rockers. Stuffed between the heads is a single plane Mopar Performance M1 intake manifold, fed by a Holley 52mm throttle body. The exhaust gasses are expelled through a pair of Mopar Performance Tri-Y headers and oversized downpipes, and leave the truck through an MBRP cat-back system and reproduction ‘Cuda exhaust tips. A set of Accel 8.5mm wires keep the spark intact, and the clutch fan was replaced with an electric unit out of a Dodge Viper to keep things cool. All of the engine’s actions are dictated from a Mopar Performance computer. The engine isn’t all “go” though. All of the pulleys have been replaced with billet aluminum, along with the battery tie-down, fluid handles and the fuse box cover. The crowning jewel is the Mopar “Magnum” valve covers that have been custom painted with matching Deep Amethyst.

The suspension wasn’t left alone either. George put in a call to Hotchkis Suspension for their 2″ front/3″ rear drop kit and added a set of Hotchkis sway bars for better handling. The shocks are re-valved Bilstein units and George’s R/T rides on fully polished Dakota R/T wheels wrapped in Nitto NT-450 tires measuring 275/50R17 all around.

Over the years, George has racked up numerous car show awards from very prestigious events. He’s taken “Outstanding Truck” at the Wichita Area Mopars show almost every year and “Lowest Regular Cab” and “Best Stereo” at the 2001 Dakota R/T Nationals. George was also featured in his local newspaper in the ‘Wichita on Wheels’ section, spotlighting him and his impressive Dodge. We’re glad to see George has maintained his committed relationship for a decade and a half, and he tells us at Modern Mopar Magazine that he has zero plans of ever selling “Purple”!

By: Shawn Kaufman

The post Just Call it “Purple” appeared first on Modern Mopar Magazine.

Built at Chrysler Group LLC’s Brampton, Ontario assembly plant, the Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and Challenger SRT8 models in historic Plum Crazy arrive at Dodge dealerships nationwide this spring. The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic in Plum Crazy is $33,995, while the high-performance SRT8 model is $44,775 (both prices exclude $995 destination, SRT8 includes gas-guzzler tax).

In addition, head-turning HEMI Orange paint follows Plum Crazy in May and wil be available on 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T, R/T Plus and R/T Classic models, as well as the Challenger SRT8 392. The 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T model is America’s most affordable V-8 muscle car at $29,995 MSRP (excluding $995 destination).

 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T
Designed for the performance enthusiast, the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T builds off the SXT and adds the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with cold-air induction delivering up to 375 horsepower, Tremec six-speed manual transmission, performance-tuned suspension, performance-disc brakes, performance-tuned steering calibration, 3.73 rear-axle ratio, Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, console-mounted USB port with iPod control and auxiliary audio input jack, SiriusXM Radio, automatic headlamps, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with 160-mph primary speedometer, instrument panel with mini-carbon bezel, fog lamps, “R/T” grille badge, “HEMI” hood badges and rear body-color deck-lid spoiler.

2013 Challenger R/T Plus
For drivers who want even more feel of the road with premium refinement and details, the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus adds premium Nappa leather seating in Dark Slate Gray or Radar Red, heated front seats, six Boston Acoustics premium speakers with 276-watt amplifier, ParkSense rear park assist, power heated mirrors, EVIC with temperature gauge, location specific tire-pressure monitoring and compass, vehicle security alarm, and HomeLink universal transceiver. Remote start is included with the five-speed automatic transmission.

2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic
Designed for the Dodge enthusiast who wants performance with even more nostalgic muscle-car cues, the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic adds dual throwback A-line bodyside R/T stripes in matte black or white, large 20-inch aluminum “Envy” wheels or available forged “Heritage” wheels, 3.92 rear-axle ratio, “Challenger” fender badges in classic script, heritage “R/T” grille badge, functional hood scoops and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.

 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392
For 2013, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 adds even more new and improved high-tech performance features to solidify its place as the brand’s ultimate modern American rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe. Powered by the proven 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI V-8 with 470 horsepower, the performance machine promises a balanced performance approach with outstanding straight-line acceleration, world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the most up-to-date technologies that deliver more driver excitement and control. And it still delivers up to 23 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.

New for the 2013 model year is an expanded adaptive-damping suspension that allows for three-mode selectable suspension tuning, while new launch control is standard and provides enhanced straight-line acceleration. Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 accelerates from 0-60 mph in the high 4-second range; runs the quarter mile in mid-12-second range with the automatic transmission (high 12-second range with the manual); goes from 0-100-0 mph in the low 15s, reaches a top speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission (175 mph with the automatic) and stops from 60-0 mph in just 117 feet.

Full-length dual center stripes are also available with the limited-edition Plum Crazy or HEMI Orange Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. For a from-the-factory customized look, three SRT-specific stripe colors are available, including Black, Silver and Medium Metallic Gray, all finished in high-gloss.

The post Heritage Hues: Muscle-car Buff Desired Plum Crazy and HEMI® Orange High-impact Paint Colors to Coat 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T and SRT8 392 Models appeared first on Modern Mopar Magazine.

January 31, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich.  – While ice cold winter weather sweeps across Lake Shore Drive, the Dodge brand heats up the 2013 Chicago Auto Show by building on Challenger’s red-hot record selling year, and now at the show, the introduction of the new Challenger R/T Redline with modern muscle-car cues, a potent HEMI® V-8 engine throwing down 375 horsepower and a performance-tuned chassis for world-class dynamics — this new Challenger delivers exactly what Dodge fans want.

“Building on Challenger’s all-time sales record in 2012, the new Challenger R/T Redline fuses our iconic heritage with a one-of-a-kind customized appearance,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “Featuring unique body-side stripes and black chrome wheels with red accents, the new R/T Redline combines unmatched personalization with the unmistakable performance of the legendary HEMI V-8.”

The new 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Redline builds on the success of the 305 horsepower V-6 Challenger Rallye Redline model that arrived in the middle of the 2012 model year.

2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Redline
Based on the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T — America’s most affordable V-8 muscle car at $29,995 MSRP — or R/T Plus, the new Challenger R/T Redline adds even more attitude and style with a right-from-the-factory custom look to the brand’s iconic coupe.

Following Dodge Challenger’s signature A-line bodyside character line, an all-new two-color Redline Red and Graphite stripe runs from behind the front wheel arches to the tail. For a distinctive look, the rear-quarter section of the stripe features the “Redline” name in Red over Graphite color scheme. For a distinctive look, the R/T Redline features a body-color grille surround.

Filling the wheel wells, the Dodge Challenger R/T Redline features 20-inch Black Chrome wheels with a Redline Red lip and inner backbone for a one-of-a-kind look. For even more performance and driving precision at-the-limit handling, the available Super Track Pak adds Goodyear Eagle F1 P245/45R20 three-season performance tires, high-performance brake linings and a lowered ride height.

With its two-color stripe and four available exterior colors, including Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Bright White and Pitch Black, each new Dodge Challenger R/T Redline will stand out from the crowd. Dodge Challenger R/T Redline features a Dark Slate Gray interior with Dark Slate Gray (R/T) performance seats, or premium Nappa leather performance seats in Radar Red or Dark Slate Gray (R/T Plus). Automatic transmission models also feature bright pedals, a Mopar® T-Handle shifter and remote start.

HEMI Power
For the performance enthusiast, the 2013 Dodge Challenger R/T Redline features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers up to 375 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 25 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway. When paired with the track-proven Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, the Dodge Challenger R/T delivers smooth shifts, while delivering even more power through unique performance-tuned dual exhaust and under-floor mufflers with low-restriction bottle resonators. The result, 0-60 mph runs in the low-5-second range and a sinister exhaust growl for the cars left in its rear-view mirror; a trademark of the original Challenger HEMI from more than 43 years ago.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is also available with a five-speed automatic transmission producing 372 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, this version of the engine includes Chrysler Group’s innovative Fuel Saver Technology to seamlessly transition to high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. And for even more control, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters with “sport mode” transmission calibration are included.

Loaded with standard features
Dodge Challenger R/T Redline also includes a tremendous level of standard equipment found on every 2013 Challenger R/T, including the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with cold-air induction delivering up to 375 horsepower, Tremec six-speed manual transmission, performance-tuned suspension, performance-disc brakes, performance-tuned steering calibration, Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, console-mounted USB port with iPod control and auxiliary audio input jack, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 12-months subscription, automatic headlamps, LED-illuminated instrument cluster with 160-mph primary speedometer, instrument panel with mini-carbon bezel, fog lamps, “R/T” grille badge, “HEMI” hood badges and rear body-color deck-lid spoiler. Remote start, bright pedals and Mopar T-handle shifter are also included with the five-speed automatic transmission.

For drivers who want even more premium refinement and details, the new Dodge Challenger R/T Redline can also be built on the 2013 Challenger R/T Plus, which includes premium Nappa leather seating in Dark Slate Gray or Radar Red, heated front seats, six Boston Acoustics premium speakers with 276-watt amplifier, ParkSense rear park assist, power heated mirrors, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with temperature gauge, location specific tire-pressure monitoring and compass, vehicle security alarm, and HomeLink universal transceiver. Remote start, bright pedals and Mopar T-handle shifter are also included with the five-speed automatic transmission.

Just in time for spring
The 2013 Dodge Challenger with R/T Redline Group is available for ordering now and arrives at dealerships this April with a U.S. MSRP of $1,995. When configured on the Challenger R/T or R/T Plus models, the MSRPs are $31,990 and $33,990 respectively (both prices exclude $995 destination).

The post New Dodge Challenger R/T Redline Delivers Red-hot Muscle Car Performance and Styling at the Ice-cold 2013 Chicago Auto Show appeared first on Modern Mopar Magazine.