Chrysler's Dodge and Mopar brands are 'shaking' it up at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association annual show in Las Vegas, with two new models - the 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker and the Mopar '14 Challenger - engineered for hard-core enthusiasts who want more retro muscle-car style with easily upgradable performance.
Dodge boss Tom Kuniskis said: “The legendary Shaker performance bonnet is back, with its high-flow intake mounted on the engine and exposed for cold-air induction - that makes the new 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker the real deal.
“And there's even more power available with new 'Scat Package' performance kits.”
DODGE CHALLENGER R/T
As its name suggests, the legendary 'cold-air grabbing' Shaker not only looks good with its satin black centre-mounted bonnet scoop sticking up from the engine compartment to direct cold, dense, oxygen-rich air into the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 through a conical air filter and optimised airbox but, because it's mounted directly on the intake manifold, it 'shakes' visibly as the engine moves gently on its mountings, just like on the original 1970 Challenger R/T.
Lift the bonnet and there's another “Shaker” badge, reminiscent of the 1970s original.
In addition to its driver-selectable sport-mode engine and transmission calibration and performance-tuned suspension, the Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker comes with the Super Track Pak, which includes performance-calibrated sports steering, sports-spec brake pads, monotube shock absorbers, P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tyres and three-mode electronic stability control with “full off” mode for the brave and the foolhardy.
DO IT YOURSELF
The new engine setup provides the perfect foundation for hard-core 'do-it-yourself' Challenger owners to bolt on any or all three of the new Dodge 'Scat Packages' for the 5.7-litre Hemi V8, from cold-air intakes and performance camshafts to 'optimised' ECU mappings.
The no-nonsense Challenger R/T Shaker's special three-spoked flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with black accent finish and integrated vehicle controls matches the special 'K-Black' painted instrument panel and centre-console bezel, while the numbered 'Shaker' dashboard plaque matches the door bolsters with graduated contrast.
LEATHER TRIM
The centre armrest and sports front seats are finished in nappa leather in either dark grey with sepia contrast stitching, or red, with red stitching, and the 'Shaker' logo embroidered on the seat back,
An aluminium pistol-grip shifter modulates the standard Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, while a black leather-wrapped shift-knob and die-cast paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel look after the optional performance-tuned five-speed automatic.
The Challenger R/T Shaker will arrive at Dodge dealerships in North America in the first quarter of 2014, with prices starting at $36 995 (R378 000). Sadly no right hand-drive version is planned so we won't be seeing it here.
MOPAR '14 CHALLENGER
Taking the new Challenger R/T Shaker one step further, the Mopar '14 Challenger will be the rarest limited-production Challenger model yet (only 100 will be made), with a distinct 'Moparised' look - plus, it will take any combination of the three new 'Scat Packages'.
The Mopar '14 Challenger comes in either bright white or gloss black and, in keeping with tradition to its limited-edition predecessors - the Mopar '10 Challenger, Mopar '11 Charger, Mopar '12 300 and Mopar '13 Dart - it's highlighted by a 'Shaker style' stripe in Mopar blue.
Two more Mopar blue stripe options are available - a 'rocker panel' triple stripe 'MOPAR' across the doors or an A-line body-side stripe that wraps over the boot lid with the Mopar 'Omega M' logo on the rear-quarter panel.
SHAKER SCOOP
The satin black Shaker bonnet scoop stands out with its raised profile and 'Shaker' logo moving gently while the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 is running.
Special design elements to contrast the bright white paint include 20” gloss black aluminium rims with Mopar centre caps, a special black vapor grille surround, black fuel-filler door and gloss black boot-lid spoiler.
The dark slate interior features sports front seats in black nappa leather with Mopar blue contrast stitching and Omega M logos embroidered on the seat backs.
There's also more Mopar Blue contrast stitching on the centre armrest, pistol-grip shifter boot and three-spoke leather-wrapped performance steering wheel.
MATCHING NUMBERS
Each of the 100 Mopar '14 Challengers will cone with a be personalised owner's kit, Mopar '14 key fob and memorabilia, each item numbered to match the car.
Ordering will open in March 2014 and the 1000 lucky owners will receive their cars, delivered straight from the plant in Brampton, Ontario, in the second quarter of the year. Prices will be announced closer to the time.