Dodge unwrapped a full slate of new additions to its factory-backed Direct Connection performance parts line today, including a Direct Connection Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak Rolling Chassis for grassroots drag racers, a Dodge Challenger body-in-white kit, Direct Connection-licensed carbon fiber SpeedKore parts, a licensed vintage Dodge Charger carbon fiber body from Finale Speed, licensed American Racing Headers for the Dodge Charger, Challenger and Durango, and more.
Drag Pak Rolling Chassis
The new Direct Connection Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak Rolling Chassis offers a foundational blueprint for National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) competitors, giving the grassroots racers that fuel the sport the tools to create their own vision of a drag race car. The Drag Pak Rolling Chassis with 4130 chromoly tubing and a fully TIG-welded roll cage is NHRA-certified for 7.50-second elapsed times.
The Direct Connection Drag Pak Rolling Chassis arrives already equipped with a four-link rear suspension engineered to launch hard and stay planted down the quarter-mile. Double-adjustable Drag Pak-specific tuned Bilstein coilover shocks, Strange Engineering 9-inch rear end and Strange Pro Series II racing brakes and Weld beadlock lightweight wheels with Mickey Thompson drag racing tires combine to provide racers a formidable quarter-mile package. Working off the Drag Pak Rolling Chassis, racers have the freedom to finish building their dream drag machine with the powertrain, driveline and engine management system of their choice.
Also for grassroots racers, a newly available Dodge Challenger body-in-white kit, delivered without the roll cage, is available with standard e-coat or with an optional choice of exterior vehicle colors for the 2023 model year.
The Direct Connection Drag Pak Rolling Chassis is available at a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $89,999, while the Dodge Challenger body-in-white kit is offered at an MSRP of $7,995. Both are available by contacting the Direct Connection Tech hotline at (800) 998-1110.
Carbon Fiber for All
Direct Connection is teaming with SpeedKore to offer Direct Connection-licensed carbon fiber parts for the modern-era Dodge Challenger. SpeedKore offers high-quality carbon fiber upgrades that meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality standards and shed weight through custom, lightweight carbon fiber. Direct Connection-licensed carbon fiber parts include the rear spoiler, front splitter, rocker panels and rear diffuser.
Direct Connection will also work with Finale Speed to license a 1970 Dodge Charger carbon fiber body which can be built into a complete, finished vehicle. The carbon-fiber-body vehicles, engineered to OEM body specifications, integrate the legendary look and feel of iconic muscle cars with the performance and technology of modern muscle. Future Direct Connection-licensed carbon-fiber bodies through Finale Speed will include the Plymouth Barracuda and Road Runner.
Modern Performance
Direct Connection also bolsters its modern performance portfolio with several new products, including:
- Direct Connection TorqueFlite 8HP70 transmission — the same transmission used in the 392 HEMI®-engine-fueled Scat Pack models — is now a plug-and-play option for use with Direct Connection crate engines, delivering greater torque capacity
- Direct Connection now offers 2.7L and 3.0L supercharger kits, based on proven superchargers from the Dodge SRT Hellcat Redeye production vehicle and Hellephant 426 supercharged crate HEMI engine, respectively, for grassroots racers
- Direct Connection-licensed American Racing Headers for the Dodge Charger, Challenger and Durango, made from 304 stainless steel, work with an X-pipe exhaust crossover system to handle huge HEMI engine power, including supercharged applications
More information on availability, pricing and vehicle applications for new Direct Connection products will be announced at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-4.
Fender Flare/Fascia Kit and Challenger Hellcat Hood. In the Drag Pak category, Direct Connection offers kits for the Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak, first introduced in 2008 as a factory-built, turn-key drag car for racers who compete in NHRA and NMCA events. Direction Connection offers 13 race-ready kits and four graphics packages for the Drag Pak, including a body kit and 354 supercharged HEMI engine.
The Direct Connection crate engines category features a horsepower-packed lineup of five popular crate engines. The lineup ranges from the 383-horsepower, 345-cu.-in. crate HEMI engine to the 1,000-horsepower Hellephant 426-cu.-in. supercharged crate HEMI engine. Direct Connection vintage muscle products are available for a variety of applications, including drivetrain, engine, suspension and exterior parts.