Mopar customs and crate engine kits revealed at SEMA 2016

On invitation from Fiat-Chrysler, we were in Las Vegas last week. The Mopar brand debuted six modified vehicle creations at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Some of these cars were created to highlight the possibilities with Mopar accessories and aftermarket parts, while others were created to get feedback on future accessory offerings. The show was also used to launch new Mopar Crate HEMI engine kits that provide classic hotrod restorers a factory-backed, efficient option for plugging modern HEMI engines into Mopar vehicles from the 1970s and earlier. The kits include a power distribution centre, PCM, engine and chassis harnesses, accelerator pedal and more to create virtual “plug and play” options for owners.

Of the six vehicles built specifically for the 2016 SEMA Show, two of the SEMA customs — the Challenger and the Jeep — were using this new kit, which costs a bit above Dhs 6000, not including the engine. We were given a preview of these vehicles before SEMA, at the Neon Boneyard tourist attraction in Las Vegas.

Dodge Shakedown Challenger

The Dodge Shakedown Challenger weaves together design cues from the past and present. The Shakedown drives 485 hp to the pavement via a Viper Tremec T6060 6-speed transmission and is further augmented by a Mopar concept cold-air intake and Mopar custom dual exhaust with black powder-coated Mopar exhaust tips. The custom front and rear suspension is lowered, and braking power is supplied by Brembo-red SRT Hellcat six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes.

Heading inside, Dodge Viper front seats are re-trimmed in black Katzkin leather bolstered by black Alcantara inserts and red stitching matching the embroidery on the Dodge Viper steering wheel, which features a custom satin black airbag cover and shroud. The black leather shift boot adds additional modern Challenger DNA, capped by an SRT Hellcat gearshift knob. Mopar instrument panel gauges are black, contrasted with the gloss carbon fibre instrument panel cluster trim. The centre console, steering wheel trim and door panels are also gloss carbon fibre. A black “Shakedown” badge outlined in red is stamped on the dash.

The Shakedown’s potential as a track performer is catered to with a custom roll bar and rear seat delete, replaced with netting and a console shelf for storing racing essentials. The fuel cell and lines are stored in the black-carpet lined trunk.

Jeep CJ66

Take a Jeep Wrangler TJ frame, hang a 1966 Jeep Wrangler CJ universal Tuxedo Park body on it, add in Wrangler JK elements and fuelled with new Mopar-powered products, and you’ve got the Jeep CJ66.

The narrow-bodied Jeep CJ66 harnesses horsepower with a 6-speed manual transmission. A Mopar engine cover shelters the powerplant and a Mopar cold-air intake and Mopar cat-back exhaust bump up off-road performance a notch or two. Front and rear Mopar Dana 44 Crate axles ride high on giant 35-inch BFG all-terrain tyres paired with a two-inch lift kit. The BFGs are wrapped around functional, Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) 17-inch beadlock wheels that assist the rubber in negotiating the off-road, with custom beadlock rings painted to match the body color. A concept two-way air system allows off-roaders to quickly air up or air down tyres to the desired pressure. Oversized, concept fender flares offer defence against trail obstacles at the front and rear, with added protection delivered by Mopar 10th Anniversary Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kits, JPP skid and front bumper plates and concept JPP rock rails custom cut to fit the Wrangler CJ body.

Looking out from the two-inch cropped windshield are custom Viper seats featuring concept seat risers. The cockpit is surrounded by a custom-built roll cage, mandril-bent to match the windshield surround. A bikini top netting offers shade and cover from the elements. The centre of the custom steering wheel, stamped with the special 50th Anniversary Moab Easter Jeep Safari logo unveiled by the Jeep brand earlier this year, reveals the CJ66’s Moab-inspired origins. A Wrangler JK centre console and shifter were transplanted, with Mopar instrument panel gauges and Mopar all-weather mats completing the interior.

Dodge Durango Shaker

The Dodge Durango Shaker concept gets a custom-fabricated, functional Shaker Hood embellished with matte-black graphic accents that run from the hood to the roof. In the performance department, the custom Shaker hood feeds a 6.4-litre HEMI engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with a functional Mopar cold-air intake included. Customised chrome Mopar cat-back dual exhausts are located in the centre of the rear bumper, replacing standard side exhausts. SRT six-piston big brakes and rotors, cooled by functional brake ducts in the front, complete the Dodge Durango Shaker.

The Dodge Durango Shaker, dropped 3 inches closer to the street courtesy of a custom lowering kit, sits on concept Satin Black 22-inch x 10 1/2-inch Mopar wheels protected by custom fender flares. The crosshair grille is replaced with an open grille design for better breathing, and an aerodynamic Satin Black chin splitter projects out from the fascia.

The interior also boasts three rows of Viper seats, trimmed in Katzkin leather with B5 Blue stitching. The performance flat-bottom steering wheel comes from a Dodge Charger SRT. The centre console and entertainment centre console bezels are also coloured B5 Blue, and a unique console shifter replaces the standard rotary knob. Mopar accessories include remote start, EVTS system, bright door sill guards, wireless charging, pedal kit and an emergency kit.

Ram Macho Power Wagon

The Ram Macho Power Wagon owes its moniker to a popular Power Wagon trim level from the 1970s.

Its adaptability is showcased in the large bed of the Macho Power Wagon, where a Mopar concept Satin Black accessory sliding RamRack securely stores toys to fit a variety of lifestyles. The Ram Rack is designed to neatly slide up and stow under the cab’s sail panel when not in use. The bed rack works in concert with a RamRack roof system that locks down items with six unique tie downs.

The Ram Macho Power Wagon is elevated by a four-inch custom lift kit and giant 37-inch x 12 1/2-inch Nitto Trail Grappler MT tyres, set on concept 18-inch beadlock wheels. The vibrant Macho Mango body colour, which also extends to the beadlock wheel rings, is accented with painted black graphics on the side and rear. The concept, aggressive hood is Satin Black, and a new front bumper is equipped for the trail with a winch, winch guard and tow hooks.

Macho Mango also brightens the interior, coloring the steering wheel Ram logo and the trim on the gauges, HVAC, infotainment centre and side door panels. Interior Mopar accessory upgrades include wireless charging, a pedal kit, front and rear all-weather mats and “RAM”-letter logo sill guards. Under the Macho Power Wagon’s hood is a 6.4-litre HEMI engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. A Mopar cold-air intake injects added performance and concept, dual-wall five-inch Mopar exhaust tips are black-powder coated and provide a deeper note.

Ram ProMaster Pit Stop

Ram Commercial’s Class 2 full-size van is “highly customisable,” set up here as an entertainment-ready Ram ProMaster Pit Stop.

ProMaster Pit Stop is Mopar-customised with a hinged door on the driver’s side, outfitted in Mopar graphics, that swings open towards the roof. A drop-down bar counter hinges and opens out from the side as well, and the best-in-class cargo width between the wheel wells of the ProMaster has been modified with keg refrigeration capacity to serve beverages from four on-board taps. Of course, ordinary taps wouldn’t suffice — Mopar T-handle, billet aluminium, cue ball and pistol grip shifters help dish out drinks. An added “Brewmaster” badge is appropriate, as Mopar stools stored in the cargo area can be placed out front to quickly create a soda shop on wheels.

Power comes from a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine. The interior is upgraded with premium Katzkin leather seats, while in the cargo area, a slotted board displays Mopar gear, including vintage neon signs. ProMaster Pit Stop is packed with Mopar accessories, including LED lights, a full-size cargo mat, a walk-through, all-weather mat, D-pillar grab handles, splash guards, a receiver hitch, running board and more.

Chrysler Pacifica Cadence

Mopar pulled from its portfolio of more than 100 accessories available for the Pacifica to customise the Chrysler minivan and create the Chrysler Pacifica Cadence concept.

Aside from decals, side-steps and black wheels on the outside, Mopar also splurged on accessories on the inside of the Pacifica Cadence. A pet kennel safely allows four-legged family friends to join in the fun. Wireless charging powers up mobile devices and a Chrysler-branded first aid kit is available for emergency duty. Chrysler logo door sill guards, all-weather floor and cargo mats and a light duty vinyl mat for the second row complete the Mopar accessory upgrades.

Photos by Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles.