Chrysler has isssued the following press release:
Chrysler Group’s SkunkWerks team ’ a group of in-house enthusiasts brought together as part of the company’s growing emphasis on performance, parts, accessories and customization ’ is at it again.
Made up of designers, engineers, marketers and product planners, the Chrysler Group SkunkWerks team turns their dreams into stunning performance-themed sheet metal, which often results in future directions for performance vehicles and parts. Six new SkunkWerks vehicles are on display this week at the 2004 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
’The Chrysler Group SkunkWerks team combines the best of engineering discipline with the excitement and pizzazz of the creative process,’ said Ralph Gilles ’ Director, Interior/Exterior Product Design and Specialty Vehicles, and leader of the SkunkWerks team. ’The result is a selection of one-off custom vehicles that may be considered dream applications, or test beds, for future vehicle and Mopar Performance parts ideas.’
The annual SEMA show provides a forum for the Chrysler Group to demonstrate its commitment to aspirational vehicles, while stretching the envelope in the area of vehicle customization and personalization.
In addition to SkunkWerks vehicles, which represent Chrysler Group custom vehicles ’straight from the factory,’ the Company continues to partner with SEMA members to help them create their own ’dream applications’ of Chrysler, Jeep’ and Dodge vehicles. This year, more than two dozen such vehicles ’ created by SEMA members in tandem with Chrysler Group’s Image Team ’ are displayed on the SEMA show floor.
’The purpose is to stretch imaginations and gauge consumer interest,’ Gilles said. ’We do that through our SkunkWerks interpretations ’ and those of our SEMA partners who work with our Image Team ’ pushing the envelope with Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. At Chrysler Group, our goal is to be the leader in performance and design. Vehicles that we showcase at SEMA demonstrate that we’re doing just that.’
Following are highlights of the six SkunkWerks show cars for the 2004 SEMA show: — Hennessey Venom GT concept.
Chrysler PT Speedster
Chrysler PT Cruiser customization reaches new heights with the Chrysler PT Speedster.
Developed by and for true hot rod enthusiasts, the PT Speedster is equipped with a Borla dual exhaust, and generates 235 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, courtesy of the Mopar Performance Parts Stage 1 Turbo Upgrade kit. Four-wheel slotted disc brakes with twin-piston calipers from Stainless Steel Brakes add to the PT Speedster’s performance capability.
The Chrysler PT Speedster’s aggressive stance begins with a lowered suspension, courtesy of a Mopar Performance Stage 2 coilover suspension kit and a Mopar decklid spoiler. Budnik Wheels provided 18-inch custom wheels, which are wrapped in Bridgestone Fusion ZRi P235/40R18 tires. Mopar also contributes a sway bar kit, turbo boost gauge, blow-off valve and Hurst short-throw shifter. Custom floor mats were provided by Falcon Enterprises, and custom badging by Craft Originators.
A unique hood scoop from Quality Metalcrafters adorns the hood, while Katzkin leather seats and custom two-tone Brilliant Black over Viper Red paint adds to the dramatic appearance of the Chrysler PT Speedster.
Chrysler Crossfire Drifter
Chrysler Crossfire meets the latest motorsports craze.
Powered by a 400-horsepower supercharged version of the 3.2-liter V-6 found in the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6, the ultra-lightweight Chrysler Crossfire Drifter features a variety of ’drift-oriented’ modifications. Its extreme stance is highlighted by a full body kit that includes a front and rear fascia with integrated ground effects, an air dam, lower rocker panels and a carbon fiber wing. A chopped windshield adds to the dramatic appearance of the Chrysler Crossfire Drifter, while a custom dual exhaust rounds out the performance enhancements.
Inside, Sparco has contributed a shifter, steering wheel, racing seats and pedals. Ultra-light BBS wheels, Michelin competition tires and a special RennTech limited slip rear differential are also included.
The Chrysler Crossfire Drifter is equipped with Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Formula D rules-approved steering, suspension, exhaust and roll cage modifications. — Mitsubishi Concept-RA global debut.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Mojave
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Mojave is a rugged, trail-rated rock crawler.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Mojave features a modified 5.7-liter HEMI’ engine, 22-inch wheels and tires, a matte-black hood and corresponding accents, and a functional ’off-road enthusiast bumper’ that includes a winch and tow hooks.
Dodge Dakota Warrior H.O.
Inspired by the highly specialized ’pre-runner’ desert racing trucks, the Dodge Dakota Warrior H.O. (High Output) delivers what the SkunkWerks team calls the logical evolution of the versatile Dodge Dakota Quad Cab.
Powered by the Dodge Dakota’s 260-horsepower 4.7-liter High Output engine, the Dakota Warrior H.O. represents the ultimate off-road mid-size pickup truck. It features a water-fording intake system, a wider track, front-bumper winch with tow hooks, decoupling sway bars and off-road tires. The interior features two-tone orange and black racing bucket seats from Katzkin.
A hood scoop, wheel flares, custom spare holder, a special tubular tail gate, light bar and sport bar add to the rugged character of the Dodge Dakota Warrior H.O.
Dodge Durango ’Dude’
A Dodge Durango as a hot rod street truck?
The Chrysler Group SkunkWerks team has developed the Dodge Durango ’Dude’ ’ powered by the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a unique pickup configuration off the Dodge Durango platform. — New Fiat Uno Mille evolution.
Modifications include a cat-back dual exhaust, lowered suspension, custom front and rear fascias, sill extensions, a composite hood inspired by the Viper-powered Dodge Ram SRT10, 20-inch billet wheels from Budnik, custom seating from Lear and PPG Tangerine Pearl paint.
Dodge “Hot Rod’ Magnum
Developed by engineers from Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) organization, who also happen to moonlight as SkunkWerks members, the Dodge ’Hot Rod’ Magnum gets an extra dose of performance.
The ’Hot Rod’ Magnum includes ties to 1970 Chrysler muscle cars, including HEMI Orange paint and graphics from Kustom Haus, a ’70s blackout hood treatment, 1970 Dodge Challenger exhaust tips and 1970 Dodge Charger HEMI medallions.
A unique interior is highlighted by custom-leather quad seating and a full-length center console with a silver upper surface to match the shifter and center-stack bezels.
Engineers added 22-inch wheels from TIS (Twenty Inches Strong), a Kicker audio system, Bilstein shocks and other SRT suspension and braking enhancements.
Decoma
In addition to Chrysler Group, there are other interesting modified vehicles based on Chrysler Group products. Decoma International, one of the biggest suppliers of Chrysler showed customized versions of the 300C and the Dakota. “Forget the power lunch, here is the power car for today’s upwardly mobile business professional. Decoma modified this Chrysler 300C so you can take care of business with the mobile computer, then celebrate the deal with a cigar from the console-mounted humidor. Decoma products include the front fascia, rockers, rear fascia and spoiler”
