2009 Dodge Challenger SRT to be shown at SEMA 2006

HEMISPERICAL BLOG | CARLSBAD - - Well, it finally it is here. SRT inhouse tuners are planning on SRT coupe. Lets hope it is packing with the next super Hemi 426-CUI, 575-HP V-8 engine. Seeing its competition, the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang, the car will need it. Let alone the next Camaro SS.


SEMA 2005, SRT revealed the latest crate engine called the 6.4-Liter or a.k.a. the 392-CUI. A local sub-contractor in the LA basin, name withheld, taken a 6.1-Liter and increased the bore size and made some extensive modifications to bring the 425-HP to the next level performance of 500-HP. some other features which was made known to the public as they displayed the engine next to the 1970 plum colored Dodge Challenger SRT8 convertible.

That being said, what was told by our insider guru, that Chrysler was working on two more engines dubbed the 'Super Hemis'. Using its past muscle car heritage, he remarked that one was the legendary 426-CUI and the other the 440-CUI Wedge. Both of which will be designed around the 5.7-Liter engine as a base but adding the latest technology since then.

It has been discussed earlier that these two engine was to be used on limited basis. One with SRT and the other with a truck-line.

Seeing that the wind has changed again, a term we use quite frequently around here, meaning further errosion of sales with large truck based vehicles utilizing Hemi engine, SRT may get both of them for the sole purpose of providing added option to its growing vehicle lists. This is a good thing since the Ram SRT line didn't fair well in its third year of production with disappointing sales.

I tell you, this news almost made me wet my pants, noting my first ride was a old muscle car from the late sixties when I first hesard of it. Today, as a baby boomer, I am glad I can drive something that can the old performance heritage but now with updated safety features, latest electronics, and egonomics that fit well while driving the coupe.

Congrats to the boys in the design department and SRT. This car will sell.....

Photocropped by SuzyQ044