Mopar Celebrates 80th Birthday with Limited-Edition Dodge Challengers
Performance
Sports Cars
Mopar is celebrating its 80th
anniversary this year with the production of a limited-edition 2017 R/T 392 Dodge Challenger.
Although Mopar produces parts and accessories for all Fiat and Chrysler automobiles, the company is best known for add-on equipment that enhances performance—whether it’s a high-flow intake system for the track or a lift kit that makes the Jeep Wrangler a stronger rock crawler. Although the company has been in business since 1937, Mopar became a household name in the 1960s at the height of the muscle-car era. During the period, owners of dragsters and high-performance street cars referred to their vehicles simply as “Mopars.”
Mopar chose the Challenger to mark the anniversary because it is the most customized of all Fiat-Chrysler vehicles, averaging about $1,000 in accessories per car. “The ability to customize is one of the most important factors in the car-buying decision process,” said Pietro Gorlier, Mopar’s head of parts and service. “The Mopar brand holds an unparalleled place in the automotive world.”
Production of the Mopar ’17 Challenger is limited to 80 vehicles in each of two available colors: Contusion Blue and Billet Silver, both with Pitch Black accents. Cars begin shipping to dealerships in the spring.
The Challenger's 80th Anniversary badge
Each car is hand-masked, painted, and polished at one of 12 Mopar Custom Shops in the US. The satin black Shaker hood and hood scoop - opens in new window or tab. enhance airflow into the Challenger’s 6.4-liter, 485-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine, while a cold-air kit - opens in new window or tab. utilizes the inner headlamps as air intakes. That’s similar to the system on the Challenger SRT Hellcat - opens in new window or tab.. SRT dual black exhaust tips - opens in new window or tab. minimize backpressure to help the engine breathe better. Each car is numbered, indicated by a badge inside the engine bay.
Powder coated strut tower braces - opens in new window or tab. enhance torsional rigidity. All cars come with a six-speed manual transmission.
The ’17 Mopar Challengers ride on 20 X 9-inch aluminum wheels with a performance-tuned suspension. Four-piston Brembo brakes - opens in new window or tab. provide plenty of stopping power. Inside, Mopar replaces stock upholstery with performance seats bearing the Mopar logo.
The satin black Shaker hood and hood scoop enhance airflow.
Buyers receive a special owner’s kit that includes a welcome letter, “birth certificate” with vehicle specs, hand-signed Mopar ’17 rendering produced by FCA’s design department, acrylic memorabilia show-piece, Mopar Valve stem caps and a keychain with the Mopar ’17 anniversary badge.
The rear decklid spoiler of the Mopar ’17 Dodge Challenger receives the Pitch Black treatment.
Base MSRP is $55,790 excluding destination.
Over its 80-year history, the Mopar brand evolved from an antifreeze manufacturer to a global brand with 500,000 part numbers. The company ships a whopping 120 million parts annually.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.