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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Mopar ’10 Challenger

While Fiat is busy launching the ultra-economical TwinAir engine, events at its recently acquired Dodge subsidiary are taking a very different direction.

Perhaps in an effort to help get over the recent demise of the Viper, it has just unveiled the Mopar ’10, a special edition based on the Dodge Challenger R/T. Limited to just 500 examples, this is the first time Dodge and Mopar have combined to produce a complete car that can be bought from a dealer.


Power comes from a 5.7 litre Hemi V8, and it’s reckoned the standard car’s 372 bhp (277 kW / 377 PS) has been increased by around 15 bhp (11 kW / 15 PS). That’s thanks to a functional bonnet scoop which feeds a revised cold air intake system. Chassis enhancements meanwhile are restricted to Mopar front and rear strut braces, although the Mopar ’10 has 20” forged black finish wheels in place of the standard 18” items.

The only colour option is Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, and the grille gets a black chrome surround to match. Apart from the copious Mopar logos dotted about the car, there are also prominent side stripes which can be specified in either blue, red or silver. The chosen colour is then carried through to the stitching on the leather steering wheel and black Katzkin leather seats. Other interior features include a dash plaque and a special gear shifter - either a pistol grip for manual cars or a T-handle for automatics.

In the US, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the Mopar ’10 with automatic transmission is $38,000, including destination charges. Buyers who opt for a manual gear change will, surprisingly to European eyes, have to pay $1,000 more. Those prices put the Mopar ’10 right between the $34,940 R/T Classic and $43,680 SRT8 in the Challenger line-up.

The Mopar ’10 Challenger is available from August, and orders are being accepted now.