The 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas was set ablaze by Chrysler, showcasing eight stunning vehicles. Among them, the Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept stood out, embodying the raw power and performance that enthusiasts crave. This concept car wasn’t just another Challenger; it was a statement, a fusion of iconic muscle car heritage with the venomous heart of a Dodge Viper.
The Birth of a Performance Icon: SRT Engineering and the Challenger SRT10
Born from the minds at Street and Racing Technology (SRT), Chrysler’s in-house performance engineering division, the Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept was designed to push boundaries. SRT engineers took the already formidable 2009 Dodge Challenger and injected it with pure, unadulterated muscle. The mission was clear: to create a halo car that not only captured the spirit of the American muscle car but also delivered world-class performance. This concept adhered to the five core pillars of every SRT vehicle:
- Bold Exterior Design: Instantly recognizable as a Dodge, commanding attention with its aggressive stance and unmistakable Challenger silhouette.
- Race-Inspired Interior: A cockpit designed for performance driving, blending comfort with sporty functionality.
- World-Class Ride and Handling: Engineered for dynamic performance across diverse driving conditions, from track days to open roads.
- Standout Powertrain: A heart of immense power, promising exhilarating acceleration and unmatched performance.
- Benchmark Braking: Stopping power to match the immense performance capabilities, ensuring control and confidence.
Kipp Owen, Director of SRT at Chrysler LLC, perfectly encapsulated the essence of this machine: “The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept resurrects authentic American muscle car for the Dodge brand. SRT has engineered a superb example of performance engineering capability with a resourceful and creative flare.”
Viper V10 Powerhouse: The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept resided the legendary Dodge Viper powertrain – an 8.4-liter, all-aluminum V-10 engine. This monstrous powerplant unleashed a staggering 600 horsepower and 560 lb. ft. of torque. This engine wasn’t just about brute force; it was about refined power delivery, offering a driving experience that was both visceral and controlled.
Alt text: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept in Tornado Red, highlighting its aggressive profile and Viper-derived engine.
The driveline was meticulously engineered to handle this immense power. A Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission, borrowed and adapted from the Dodge Viper, ensured precise gear changes and optimal power utilization. The torque was channeled through a robust single-piece, four-inch steel driveshaft to an aluminum differential, featuring a 3.73:1 final drive and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential. This combination delivered power to the rear wheels with maximum efficiency and traction, ensuring blistering acceleration and exhilarating performance.
Benchmark Braking: Taming the Beast
With 600 horsepower on tap, exceptional braking was not just a feature, but a necessity. The Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept was equipped with an SRT-engineered braking system designed to provide benchmark stopping power. Silver painted Brembo fixed calipers graced all four corners, featuring six pistons at the front and four at the rear. Massive two-piece 390mm vented rotors at the front and 355mm vented rotors at the rear provided immense heat dissipation and fade resistance.
This SRT-exclusive braking system incorporated knockback mitigation software, enhancing track responsiveness. The system intelligently monitored lateral acceleration, proactively priming itself to anticipate the next brake application, ensuring consistent and immediate braking performance even under extreme driving conditions.
Suspension and Handling: Engineered for Dynamic Performance
The Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept took the already impressive 2009 Challenger SRT8 suspension and significantly re-tuned it for even sharper handling. It featured a multi-link short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension, complemented by BILSTEIN® mono-tube shocks at all four corners. The front suspension cradle utilized hydroformed steel tube side rails and a stamped box section lateral member, carefully tuned for stiffness to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) intrusion into the cabin.
Alt text: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept front view, showcasing shaker hood and muscular design indicative of its high-performance SRT pedigree.
At the rear, a five-link independent suspension (IRS) with 20 percent stiffer spring rates and a larger rear sway bar offered an improved balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. The IRS allowed for independent tuning of ride and handling characteristics, ensuring optimal tire contact and control. Multiple bushings in the IRS provided further flexibility in fine-tuning ride comfort. Stabilizer bar attachments to the knuckles maximized responsiveness to vehicle lean, contributing to enhanced cornering agility.
The concept rode on unique 20 x 9-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear fully-forged Alcoa aluminum wheels, wrapped in high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tires (275/35R20 front and 275/40R20 rear). This wheel and tire combination not only enhanced the vehicle’s aggressive stance but also provided exceptional grip and handling.
Striking Exterior and Race-Inspired Interior
The exterior of the Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept was finished in a vibrant Tornado Red paint, immediately capturing attention. Unique forged aluminum wheels further distinguished it from standard models. A prominent shaker hood, a nostalgic nod to the iconic 1970 HEMI Cuda, provided functional clearance for the massive V-10 engine and offered the driver a thrilling visual of the engine’s torque-induced movement.
To reduce weight and enhance aesthetics, a carbon-fiber hood and deck-lid were incorporated. Carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements, inspired by technology learned from the Dodge Viper ACR, including a front splitter and rear spoiler, were engineered to generate downforce and maintain vehicle balance at high speeds, crucial for track performance.
The interior was distinctly race-inspired, featuring leather seats with enhanced bolstering and red-stripe stitched accents on both the seats and steering wheel. Four-bomb gauges, including a tachometer and a 180-mph speedometer, kept the driver informed of vital vehicle parameters. The Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept also featured SRT’s exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performance Pages, providing real-time feedback on performance metrics such as zero-to-60 mph times, braking performance, g-forces, and quarter-mile times. Carbon-fiber accents throughout the interior added to the sporty ambiance. In a final nod to its Viper lineage, the concept inherited the red, dash-mounted, push-button starter from the Dodge Viper.
A Legacy of SRT Performance
The Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept served as a powerful demonstration of SRT’s engineering prowess and commitment to delivering benchmark performance. It joined a distinguished lineage of SRT vehicles, including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, and Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, each embodying the core principles of Street and Racing Technology. While just a concept, the Dodge Challenger SRT10 left an indelible mark, igniting the imaginations of muscle car enthusiasts and showcasing the incredible potential of blending Viper power with Challenger heritage.
Alt text: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept rear view emphasizing its aerodynamic spoiler and widebody design, hinting at its track-focused capabilities.
