Chrysler is smokin' at SEMA. The company will showcase eight vehicles at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which runs from Nov. 4-7 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Dodge Challenger SRT 10 Concept The opportunity for SRT engineering to "one-up" the modern-day pony car war comes to fruition with the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept. Power for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept comes from the Dodge Viper 8.4-liter, all-aluminum V-10 engine with 600 horsepower and 560 lb. ft. of torque. This new halo concept car delivers the well-known SRT credo of benchmark performance.

The 2009 Challenger SRT10 concept was developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization, Street and Racing Technology (SRT) with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.

"The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept resurrects authentic American muscle car for the Dodge brand," said Kipp Owen, Director — SRT, Chrysler LLC. "SRT has engineered a superb example of performance engineering capability with a resourceful and creative flare."

At the heart of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept is the proven Dodge Viper powertrain — a V-10 engine with 600 hp and 560 lb. ft. of torque. The driveline is comprised of a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission with Dodge Viper gear ratios. The torque routes through a single-piece, four-inch steel drive shaft to an aluminum differential with a 3.73:1 final drive and torque-sensing limited-slip.

With 600 horsepower comes the need for benchmark braking, one of the pillars of SRT. The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept features an SRT-engineered braking system. All four corners are equipped with silver painted Brembo fixed calipers that feature six pistons in front and four pistons in back. Two-piece 390mm vented rotors are up front and 355mm vented rotors are in the rear. The SRT-exclusive braking system includes knockback mitigation software for even better track response. The system recognizes lateral acceleration and effectively primes itself, anticipating the next brake application.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept is equipped with a significantly re-tuned version of the 2009 Challenger SRT8 suspension, featuring a multi-link short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension with BILSTEIN® mono-tube shocks at all four corners. The front suspension cradle combines hydroformed steel tube side rails with a stamped box section lateral member to provide the appropriate level of stiffness. The stiffness is tuned to avoid the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) into the passenger compartment.

Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept (2009)
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In the rear, a five-link independent suspension (IRS) with 20 percent stiffer spring rates and a larger rear sway bar offers a better ride by allowing for independent tuning of ride and handling characteristics. Multiple links maintain independent control of camber and toe during suspension movement. Lower unsprung mass offers a better ride and the de-coupling of left and right wheels over road imperfections maintains better tire contact with the ground and results in better ride comfort. Multiple bushings in the IRS offer the flexibility to tune for ride and comfort. In addition, stabilizer bar attachments to the knuckles provide maximum response to vehicle lean.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept rides on unique 20 x 9-inch and 20 x 10-inch fully-forged Alcoa aluminum wheels wrapped with Pirelli P-Zero 275/35R20 tires in the front and Pirelli P-Zero 275/40R20 in the rear.

The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept exterior features a fresh coat of Tornado Red paint and unique forged aluminum wheels. The shaker hood is a nostalgic representation of the 1970 HEMI Cuda giving the 600 hp V-10 room to breathe and the driver an incredible view of the torque lean of the engine.

To reduce weight and complement the vehicle's appearance, a carbon-fiber hood and deck-lid were added. Also, carbon-fiber aerodynamic treatments were developed to keep the car on the track at high speeds. Using technology learned from the Dodge Viper ACR, a front splitter and rear spoiler were engineered to enhance down force and maintain overall vehicle balance.

A race-inspired interior includes leather seats with added bolstering and red-stripe stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel. Four-bomb gauges with tachometer and 180-mph speedometer keep an eye on vital signs. The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept also comes equipped with SRT's exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performance Pages. This system provides drivers instant feedback on zero-to-60 mph, 60-to-zero mph braking, g-forces and 1/4-mile times. Carbon-fiber accents are throughout the interior and of course, the Dodge Challenger SRT 10 Concept inherits the red, dash-mounted, push-button starter from Dodge Viper.

SRT performance vehicles, including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the Dodge Challenger SRT8, are engineered by Chrysler's in-house performance organization: Street and Racing Technology.