Chrysler made a significant impact at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, showcasing a lineup of eight vehicles that highlighted the company’s performance and customization capabilities. Among these impressive vehicles, the Dodge Challenger Srt10 Concept stood out, capturing the attention of attendees and enthusiasts alike. This concept car wasn’t just another Challenger; it was a bold statement from Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division, demonstrating their ability to push the boundaries of performance and design.
The Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept was conceived as the ultimate expression of American muscle, injecting the modern pony car war with a serious dose of Viper-inspired venom. At its heart lay the formidable 8.4-liter all-aluminum V-10 engine borrowed directly from the Dodge Viper. This powerhouse delivered a staggering 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque, instantly establishing the SRT10 concept as a benchmark for performance within the Challenger lineup and beyond.
Developed in-house by Chrysler’s SRT engineers, the 2009 Challenger SRT10 concept was meticulously crafted to embody the five core pillars that define every SRT vehicle. These pillars are:
- Bold Exterior Design: Instantly recognizable and deeply rooted in the Dodge brand’s heritage, projecting power and aggression.
- Race-Inspired Interior: A cockpit designed for performance driving, offering both functionality and a sporty aesthetic.
- World-Class Ride and Handling: Engineered for dynamic performance across a wide range of driving conditions, from the street to the track.
- Standout Powertrain: Packing immense power and torque, delivering exhilarating acceleration and top-tier performance.
- Benchmark Braking: Providing exceptional stopping power and control, essential for high-performance driving.
Kipp Owen, Director of SRT at Chrysler LLC, aptly summarized the concept’s impact: “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 Powertrain: The Heart of the SRT10
The defining feature of the Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept was undoubtedly its engine. Sourced directly from the legendary Dodge Viper, the 8.4-liter V-10 engine was a testament to raw American power. Producing 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque, this naturally aspirated engine provided breathtaking performance.
To handle the immense power, the SRT engineers paired the V-10 with a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission, utilizing Dodge Viper gear ratios for optimal performance. The torque was channeled through a robust single-piece, four-inch steel driveshaft to an aluminum differential equipped with a 3.73:1 final drive and a torque-sensing limited-slip differential. This drivetrain configuration ensured that power was efficiently transferred to the wheels, providing maximum traction and acceleration.
Benchmark Braking and Handling
With 600 horsepower on tap, stopping power became paramount. True to SRT’s commitment to benchmark performance, the Challenger SRT10 concept featured an SRT-engineered braking system designed to deliver exceptional stopping power and track-ready responsiveness.
Brembo fixed calipers, painted in a striking silver finish, were employed at all four corners. The front brakes featured six pistons, while the rear utilized four-piston calipers. Massive two-piece 390mm vented rotors were installed up front, with 355mm vented rotors at the rear. This high-performance braking system was further enhanced with SRT-exclusive knockback mitigation software. This intelligent system recognized lateral acceleration and proactively primed the brakes, anticipating the driver’s next braking input, particularly beneficial during spirited driving or track conditions.
The suspension of the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept was a significantly retuned version of the 2009 Challenger SRT8 setup. The front suspension featured a multi-link short- and long-arm (SLA) design, incorporating BILSTEIN® mono-tube shocks at all four corners. The front suspension cradle was constructed from hydroformed steel tube side rails combined with a stamped box section lateral member, carefully tuned for stiffness to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) entering the cabin.
At the rear, a five-link independent suspension (IRS) system was implemented, featuring 20 percent stiffer spring rates and a larger rear sway bar. This IRS setup allowed for independent tuning of ride and handling characteristics, improving both comfort and performance. The multiple links maintained precise control over camber and toe during suspension movement, while reduced unsprung mass enhanced ride quality. Decoupling of the left and right wheels over road imperfections further improved tire contact and ride comfort. Multiple bushings within the IRS provided additional flexibility for fine-tuning ride and comfort. Stabilizer bar attachments to the knuckles maximized responsiveness to vehicle lean, enhancing handling precision.
The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept rolled on unique 20 x 9-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear fully-forged Alcoa aluminum wheels. These lightweight and strong wheels were wrapped in high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tires, sized 275/35R20 at the front and 275/40R20 at the rear, providing exceptional grip and handling.
Exterior and Interior Design Enhancements
The exterior of the Challenger SRT10 concept was finished in a vibrant Tornado Red paint, immediately grabbing attention. The unique forged aluminum wheels further distinguished the concept from standard models. A prominent feature was the shaker hood, a nostalgic nod to the 1970 HEMI Cuda. Beyond its retro appeal, the shaker hood provided functional benefits, giving the tall 600 hp V-10 engine ample breathing room and offering the driver a visually engaging display of the engine’s torque lean.
To reduce weight and enhance the vehicle’s aesthetics, carbon fiber was strategically used for the hood and decklid. Furthermore, carbon-fiber aerodynamic elements were developed, drawing on technology learned from the Dodge Viper ACR, to improve high-speed stability and track performance. A front splitter and rear spoiler were engineered to enhance downforce and maintain overall vehicle balance, crucial for optimal handling at high speeds.
The race-inspired interior of the Challenger SRT10 concept featured leather seats with enhanced bolstering, providing increased support during spirited driving. Red-stripe stitched accents on the seats and steering wheel added a touch of sporty flair. The instrument cluster housed four-bomb gauges, including a tachometer and a 180-mph speedometer, keeping the driver informed of vital vehicle parameters.
The concept also incorporated SRT’s exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD) with Performance Pages. This system provided drivers with real-time performance data, including zero-to-60 mph times, 60-to-zero mph braking distances, g-forces, and quarter-mile times. Carbon-fiber accents were integrated throughout the interior, further enhancing the sporty and premium feel. As a final touch, the Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept inherited the iconic red, dash-mounted, push-button starter directly from the Dodge Viper, reinforcing its Viper-inspired performance pedigree.
SRT Heritage and Performance Legacy
The Dodge Challenger SRT10 concept was a powerful representation of SRT’s engineering prowess. SRT, Chrysler’s in-house performance organization, was responsible for developing a range of high-performance vehicles, including the Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler 300C SRT8, and Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, in addition to the Dodge Challenger SRT8. The SRT10 concept further solidified SRT’s reputation for creating vehicles that delivered benchmark performance and thrilling driving experiences.
The Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept at SEMA 2008 was more than just a show car; it was a statement of intent from Dodge and SRT. It showcased the potential of the Challenger platform when infused with Viper DNA, creating a muscle car that not only paid homage to its heritage but also pushed the boundaries of modern performance. While remaining a concept, it left a lasting impression, fueling the dreams of enthusiasts and hinting at the future possibilities of the SRT lineage.
