2016 Dodge Shakedown Challenger

The 2016 SEMA Show is upon us and the Las Vegas event is once again packed with hot cars and aftermarket parts. Nearly all major automakers brought at least one new product or concept to SEMA. Mopar is once again among the brands that have set up a booth at the event and, as usual, the FCA-owned company has plenty of concept cars on display. They all have all sort of exciting features to brag about, but none is as spectacular as the Shakedown Challenger.

Although the name suggests we’re looking at a modern Challenger loaded with concept and aftermarket accessories, the vehicle is actually based on a first-generation car. Specifically, Mopar used a 1971 Challenger body and interior for this build. Pretty much a restomod as far as styling goes, the Shakedown rides on modern underpinning and features a large number of parts borrowed from the 2017 Challenger. On top of that, it showcases some of Mopar’s newest concept parts, some of which will be offered as production accessories starting 2017.

Find out what makes the Shakedown Challenger special in our review below and don’t forget to check out other Mopar builds from this year’s SEMA Show, including the Dodge Durango Shaker or the Jeep CJ66.Essentially a modern Challenger in a classic, 1971 body, the Shakedown concept is unique yet so familiar. The Bitchin’ Black paint adds a restomod feel to the car, while a heritage-inspired Shaker hood scoop is accented by a black “Shakedown” badge outlined in red. The gloss-black and gloss-red stripes that hug the hood scoop flow down to the fascia and up and over the roof, creating a livery that reminds me of the Dodge Viper ACR.

Essentially a modern Challenger in a classic, 1971 body, the Shakedown concept is unique yet so familiar.

The headlamps and taillights are taken off the 2017 Challenger, but slightly modified to blend seamlessly with 1971 Challenger proportions. The Satin Black headlamp bezels and taillight surround, as well as the black grille give the muscle car a murdered-out look. The coupe also features a concept rear spoiler and splitter, as well as fog lamp bezels and mirror caps. All these features are based on vintage accessories.

The 1971 Challenger body is shaved, deleting the door handles, drip rails and fuel door, enhancing the clean and modern look. Other highlights include red "Mopar 392" logo decals on the front fenders, black powder-coated Mopar exhaust tips, and concept SRT Hellcat Slingshot-designed wheels measuring 19-inch at the front and 20-inch to the rear.

Interior

The interior is as exciting as the exterior and also brings together vintage and modern elements. The dashboard retains the classic, boxy look, but the gauges have been replaced by Mopar instruments, while the background panel is made from carbon-fiber. The center console, steering wheel trim, and door panels are also gloss carbon fiber, while a black “Shakedown” badge outlined in red is stamped on the dash. Borrowed from the Dodge Viper, the flat-bottom steering wheel is wrapped in black leather and features a custom satin black airbag cover and shroud, as well as red contrast stitching.

Borrowed from the Dodge Viper, the flat-bottom steering wheel is wrapped in black leather.

The same combination can be found on the Viper seats, which also boast black Alcantara inserts. The black theme continues on the center console, which includes a leather shift boot capped by an SRT Hellcat gearshift knob and a gloss carbon-fiber base. The muscle car also comes with a custom roll bar and rear seat delete, replaced with netting and a console shelf for racing gear. The fuel cell and lines are stored in the trunk.

Drivetrain

Note: Standard Dodge Challenger drivetrain shown here.

The Shakedown Challenger gets its juice from the naturally aspirated, 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that is offered in the 2017-model-year coupe. There are no power upgrades, meaning the V-8 cranks out the standard 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of twist. However, the concept car is equipped with a Tremec T6060 six-speed transmission from the Dodge Viper, a Mopar concept cold-air intake, and a Mopar custom exhaust. The custom front and rear suspension lowers the car closer to the road for a more aggressive stance. Stopping power is provided by Brembo SRT Hellcat six-piston front brakes and four-piston rear brakes. Needless to say, this concept car is ready to hit the race track.

Conclusion

Judging a restomod contest is incredibly difficult nowadays as there are many builders who design fantastic looking cars. Be that as it may, the Shakedown Challenger is the kind of build that should be advertised as a perfect example of craftsmanship and how to blend classic and modern cues, as well as dress a vintage interior in modern materials. I rarely says this, but the Shakedown is the perfect restomod and it should appeal to both young Challenger enthusiasts as well as elder gearheads that got to see the 1971 Challenger launched as new back in the day. I know Mopar won’t put the Shakedown in production, not even in a very limited series, but such a vehicle would sell like hot cakes, especially if it also came with a Hellcat engine option.