Mopar® announces 2010 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak program for grassroots racers

Randy Warford launches his Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak

• Dodge Challenger Drag Pak built for sanctioned NHRA Stock, Super Stock and Comp Eliminator configurations
• Priced at $39,999, production to start this summer
• First-year build program in 2009 sold out

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb 22, 2010 - Following a first-year sell out of 100 factory-built program vehicles in 2009, Mopar announced its 2010 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak program.

"Big Daddy" Don Garlits drives his Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak at the 2009 Mac Tools U.S. Nationals

For 2010, the non-street legal V-8 powered, rear-wheel drive Dodge Challenger is available with the 6.1 liter HEMI^® that may be set up with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

“We’re proud of our drag racing heritage at Mopar and we will continue to support our drag-race customers where they compete,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer - Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dodge Challenger Drag Pak program was a success last year, and we’ll be carrying that momentum into our 2010 build.”

Based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8^® and finished in a Stock Eliminator configuration, Mopar engineers eliminated select production components and systems to reduce vehicle weight by approximately 1,000 pounds. To accentuate weight savings, the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak features unique drag-race components including: composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Dodge Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, a light-weight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack-and-pinion steering, a special cable-operated deck-lid release, special light-weight front-brake assemblies and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.

The Dodge Challenger Drag Pak features a retro Stone White paint scheme and is sanctioned for NHRA Stock, Super Stock and Comp Eliminator drag racing. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $39,999 and production begins this summer.

The 2009 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak program commemorated the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1968 Dodge Hemi Dart and Plymouth Hemi Barracuda package cars. The ’68 Package Cars were sold as actual running cars with VIN identification. The 2009 and 2010 Package Cars are not running cars and do not come with VIN identification.

Orders for the 2010 Challenger Drag Pak must be submitted using the Dodge Challenger Drag Pak Application which is available now at www.mopar.com or from the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4363). Customers should work with their local Dodge dealer to submit their application.

[Source : CHRYSLER]