Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler SEMA concepts unveiled

Fiat Chrysler’s Mopar special parts division is known for pushing the boat out at the SEMA show each year, and 2016 is no different. The firm has unveiled a grand total of six modified concept cars ahead of their debut on the Las Vegas show floor including a HEMI-engined Jeep Wrangler and a re-engineered 1971 Dodge Challenger.

As usual, the concepts have been created by Mopar in order to get feedback from enthusiasts and potential buyers. If they like it, FCA will consider adding some (or all) of the modification parts to the Mopar brochure for customers to buy. Here is a rundown of each of the six concepts:

Dodge Shakedown Challenger

Probably the most exciting  FCA SEMA concept from an enthusiast’s perspective is the Dodge Shakedown Challenger. The Frankenstein creation uses a classic 1971 Challenger as a base, with a powertrain and body parts transplanted on from today’s Challenger.

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The exterior is unique, with the original Challenger body shaved and removed of its door handles, drip rails and fuel filler cap. Mopar has also added a functional Shaker bonnet scoop, ‘Bitchin Black’ satin paintwork with decals and redesigned the front and rear ends to incorporate the LED lights from today’s Challenger. Inside, the interior has been heavily upgraded with seats  and a steering wheel from a Dodge Viper and modern instruments. Where the rear seats used to be, there’s a storage space for racing gear and a fire extinguisher, while the doors pop open via the car’s remote locking. 

Under the bonnet, things get even better. That scoop feeds a 478bhp 6.4-litre  HEMI V8, putting power down through a modern six-speed manual gearbox. Mopar hasn’t provided performance details, but expect it to be considerably quicker than the 1971 base car.

The chassis is completely overhauled, too, with the Shakedown Challenger moving from a unibody to a body-on-tubular frame design for better handling, There’s also lowered suspension, staggered wheels (19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear) and Brembo brakes all-round. 

Jeep CJ66

Another unique creation fusing old and new, the Jeep Wrangler CJ66 combines the body of the 1966 original, the wider chassis of a 2004 ‘TJ’ Wrangler, and styling elements inside and out from today’s 2016 model - including the front facia and skid plates. It has no doors and a stripped-back cabin layout, with some more of those racy Dodge Viper seats to liven things up and a few modern touches. There’s a 5.7-litre V8 shoehorned under the bonnet, too, producing 378bhp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, with Mopar accessories such as a cold air intake and cat-back exhaust aiding performance further.

A two-inch suspension lift kit and swollen arches allows huge 35-inch off-road tyres to be fitted, with special 17-inch ‘beadlock’ wheels and a two-way air system allowing tyre pressures to be lowered and raised at the press of a button. Custom graphic stripes and matte black styling details complete the concept’s look.

Dodge Durango Shaker 

The Dodge Durango is a humble six-seat SUV sold in the States, but the Mopar Shaker concept version offers a bit of menace missing from the range. A fabricated ‘Shaker Hood’ intake sits over a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a Mopar cold air intake and cat-back exhaust system. Performance SRT brakes, with function cooling ducts, have also been added to reign it all in. 

The Durango Shaker also benefits from a three-inch lowering kit, satin black 22-inch Mopar wheels and custom bodywork additions including an open-style grille and chin splitter. Special side sills, mirror caps and a rear spoiler also feature, and a neat touch includea the fuel filler cap from a Dodge Challenger.

Ram Macho Power Wagon

A SEMA concept car lineup is never complete without a huge pick-up truck, and Mopar has worked its magic on a Dodge Ram 2500 for the 2016 show. The ‘Power Wagon’ name harks back to a historic four-wheel drive truck first sold in 1945, with today’s concept offering a more lifestyle bent. That means there’s a sliding ‘RamRack’ roof storage system that can slide up and down the load bed to suit a variety of loads, and stow away when not needed. 

The Ram Macho Power Wagon also gets a four-inch custom lift kit, 37-inch off-road tyres, off-road running boards, a 21-inch light bar and black exterior details. Of course, there’s also a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 with various Mopar performance upgrades to give it a boost. 

Ram ProMaster Pit Stop

While most of Mopar’s concepts are themed around performance and aggressive styling, The RAM ProMaster Pit Stop offers up something a little different. Based on a regular ProMaster van (sold over here as a Fiat Ducato), it’s had the usual rear loadbay converted into a “soda shop/pub on wheels”.

Four of Mopar’s own billet aluminium taps have been fitted to a drop-down bar counter, with keg refrigeration for beer kegs to get the party started. 20-inch wheels and various Mopar styling accessories ensure this is no ordinary roadside drinks dispenser.

Chrysler Pacifica Cadence

The final Mopar concept uses a more base car in the form of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan/MPV. Built from many parts already available on the Mopar accessories range for the car, it features custom graphics, 20-inch tri-colour wheels, a raft of neat interior storage options and new features such as conductive wireless phone charging. 

Read more about the SEMA 2016 show here...