Dodge Challenger Super Stock
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The History of the 392 HEMI
The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chryslers and Imperials. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951.
Compared with the 354, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft, and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often referred to simply as the "92," was perfect for drag racing.
More than a few racers bolted on six or eight carburetors, slipped in a hotter cam, tipped some nitro into the tank and went racing. Racing legend Don Garlits ran a 392 in his Swamp Rat I at record speeds of over 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J. in 1964.
The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chryslers and Imperials. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951.
Compared with the 354, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft, and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often referred to simply as the "92," was perfect for drag racing.
More than a few racers bolted on six or eight carburetors, slipped in a hotter cam, tipped some nitro into the tank and went racing. Racing legend Don Garlits ran a 392 in his Swamp Rat I at record speeds of over 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J. in 1964.
One of only two Dodge Challenger concept bodies built, the Dodge Challenger Super Stock is designed to commemorate the legacy of the 392 Hemi. With the introduction of the Super Stock concept, Chrysler also announced the release of the 392 Hemi crate motor, available with either fuel-injected or carbureted induction. The 6.4-liter fuel-injected Hemi in the Super Stock concept utilizes 10.5:1 compression, twin-plug cylinder heads, forged pistons, a forged crankshaft and forged connecting rods to generate 525 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The engine is available completely assembled, with a plug-and-play wiring harness.
SkunkWerks engineers, the in-house group of enthusiasts responsible for many Chrysler concept cars and performance parts, made significant changes to the LX platform on which both the original Challenger concept and the production car are based to create the Super Stock. Most significant is the absence of the platform's independent rear suspension. A live axle, complete with — get this — leaf springs, is utilized to reduce wheel hop and improve straight-line performance. A set of Mark Williams axles improves the rear end's durability. American Racing wheels and Goodyear slicks put power to the ground.
Ralph Gillies, DaimlerChrysler's vice president of design, told us the car would likely be capable of high 9- or low 10-second quarter-mile times. Based on the way it shook the rafters in the Las Vegas Convention Center's South Hall when a DCX official brought the Hemi to life, we believe him. Even though the paint scheme on the Super Stock concept emulates the colors used by the Sox and Martin race team on its Super Stock Plymouth Barracudas back in 1970 (Dick Landy raced Dodge Challengers), we can't deny this car embodies the spirit of the original Super Stock drag-racing class. At the very least it's proof that the minds at Mopar eat, drink and sleep gasoline and burnouts. And that's something we can respect. — Josh Jacquot
Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept Specifications
| Chassis | |||
| Brakes F/R: | ABS, vented disc/disc | ||
| Tires F-R: | n.a. | ||
| Driveline: | Rear Wheel Drive | ||
| Engine | |||
| Type: | V8 | ||
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 392 (6420) | ||
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 540(403) / n.a. | ||
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 490(664) / n.a. | ||
| Redline at RPM: | n.a. | ||
| Exterior | |||
| Length × Width × Height in: | n.a. | ||
| Weight lb (kg): | n.a. | ||
| Performance | |||
| Acceleration 0-60 mph s: | n.a. | ||
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | n.a. | ||
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | n.a. | ||
Base Price: Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept - Not Available
