For years this car has been almost like an urban legend, with rumours calling it a Dodge Challenger, a Plymouth Cuda, a Hemi this, or a Nascar that. Greg Murphy’s 1969 Dodge Charger truly does exist, and it’s even better than what the rumours make it out to be.

Being a serial car build follower, I’ve known the truth about it for some time now, constantly finding excuses to pop into West Auckland’s Moselle Panel and Paint, where the car has been in the build, to check on progress. Seeing cars like this come along is one of the perks of the job, especially when they’re being built behind closed doors we’re allowed behind.

Those with a good memory may recall seeing the car in the Moselle marquee at the Kumeu Car Show a few years back. Hidden at the back of their stand, you either saw it and realised what it was, or walked straight on past.

When the car was unveiled in its current form at the recent triennial American Muscle Car Club show, walking past wasn’t an option. Even those who’d seen the car many times before couldn’t help (more…)

Dodge will have a sting in its tail next week as it heads to the LA Auto Show. The iconic American manufacturer will be debuting its latest special edition the 2012 Charger SRT8 Super Bee. The hardcore Charger has been created for enthusiasts and the muscle car faithful and has plenty to excite Mopar fans.

Inspired by the original Super Bee series that was first introduced in 1968 as a member of Dodge’s Scat Pack performance group, the nameplate was then revived with the limited-edition Charger SRT8 in 2007. This new edition brings exclusive content inside and out to the 2012 Charger SRT8.

In terms of power, the Super Bee keeps the 6.1-litre HEMI V8 and five-speed automatic transmission. Power figures haven’t increased, but 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet are serious numbers. The Super Bee edition Charger will feature the 392 HEMI badge, which was brought back for the 2010 Challenger 392 model. (more…)

There are burnouts and then there are extreme burnouts. This latest clip to come out of the States shows a Dodge Ram driver who is committed to burning out till he can burn out no more.

Most burnout practitioners are ready to destroy tyres, some have even made a mess of a rim or two but to destroy tyre, rim, possibly the transmission and even the tarmac underneath – that’s dedication. While his mates cheer him on this amateur hoon takes extreme burnouts to a new level.

But don’t just take our word for it unleash your inner hoon and check out the video below. (more…)

The next-generation Dodge Viper isn’t due for another year or two but that doesn’t mean Mopar can’t give you a taste of Viper power – if you have the cash.

Chrysler Group’s Mopar performance division has just announced the availability of a V10 crate engine at the SEMA show. It’s an impressive lump – it’s a hand built 512 cubic-inch (8.4 litre), aluminum block V-10. In terms of power it pumps out 800 horses and 941Nm of torque.

Mopar claims that the engine is designed for drag racing which may mean it has emissions issues for on-road use. There are future versions planned for off-road racing and circuit racing but don’t expect these crate engines to come cheap. (more…)

Ram continues to add special editions and extra models to its pickup range in the States.

In 2012 the popular Power Wagon line will be expanded with the addition of ST and Laramie trim levels. ST guise is a no frills specification designed for companies and government agencies that need a rugged truck without too many luxuries.

The Laramie trim rolls includes leather seats, a premium audio system and plenty of wood-grain in the cabin. The exterior of the truck is treated to body-color fender flairs and chrome mirrors and bumpers.

Ram also plans to roll out a 1500 Mossy Oak Edition (pictured). Those readers into hunting may recognise the Mossy Oak brand name as one of the leading companies in the camouflage industry. This new addition will will boast a tub liner and a tail gate wrapped in the Mossy Oak Breakup Infinity camo pattern. In the cabin the treatment continues with door panels finished in camo, and the Mossy Oak logo embroidered on the seat headrests. With all that camo trim the only risk is that your truck will get shot by accident. The Ram 1500 Mossy Oak Edition will cost USD $39,910 ($49,800 NZ). (more…)

Taking inspiration from the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, the Chrysler Group’s Mopar Underground tuning team applied a similar hardcore treatment to the latest Challenger SRT8 392 before it debuts at the upcoming SEMA Show in the States.

The hard-tuned model is staunchly track-focused but remains street legal and has been upgraded with a range of Mopar performance parts. The new additions include a coil-over suspension, front-and rear-strut tower braces, short-throw shifter, front splitter, cat-back exhaust, custom exhaust headers and a set of Goodyear F1 Supercar tyres.

Mopar Underground didn’t stop there either and made changes to the modern muscle car’s interior and exterior appointments. The car wears white paint with a charcoal coloured roof, there’s a carbon fibre bonnet and rear boot lid, red flame stripes, painted mirror caps and “ACR” badging. (more…)

The November issue of NZV8 Magazine has just hit shop shelves so it’s time to get a fresh fix of all that’s happening on the kiwi V8 scene. The new issue is a beaut and comes packed with feature cars, news and event reports so get your copy before they are all gone.

In this month’s issue we have an epic cover article that celebrates high power Fords. There’s a 1970 Ford Torino Type N/W cover car that’s immaculately finished and uses a 514ci big block motor to produce 700hp plus. If the Torino wasn’t enough this V8 lover also has a late model FPV GT-P daily driver with 413kW on tap – that makes for a high horsepower garage. Other feature cars include a beautifully chromed 1957 Chevy Bel Air which is simply stunning inside and out. There’s also a ’72 Dodge Challenger finished in slime green and packing a 528ci motor it can achieve 9-second passes. No issue would be complete without a Chev Camaro and this months is a classic 1969 RS/SS model with a 410ci small block engine and a track-spec fit out. Away from the feature cars we have a article celebrating kiwi automotive success stories and we visit a huge private collection of Packards and motorbikes. We report back from the recent Pukekohe Hot Rod and Horsepower Show and also the annual Father’s Day Drags.

All this plus the usual technical advice, readers’ rides, posters and news to keep you up to date with all that’s happening on the NZ V8 scene. This is a stellar issue so make sure you pick up a copy today before they sell out!

Big power, immaculate presentation and the perfect stance, what more could you ask for in a muscle car.

Knock, knock, knock. Many of us have heard it at some stage. It’s a noise no one wants to hear coming from under the bonnet. The one that sounds like there’s a little man with a hammer going to town on the inside of your engine. If it hasn’t happened to you, cross your fingers, bless your good fortune, and pray to the automotive gods that it never does.

Kyle Kitson, owner of this 1970 Dodge Challenger, clearly hadn’t been praying devoutly enough.

As a member of active West Auckland’s Huapai Hot Rod Club, Kyle regularly takes part in the club’s annual drag day held each November. The 2009 edition will be an event Kyle won’t forget in a hurry. Nor for that matter will his older brother Mike (whose Ford Galaxie was on the cover of NZV8 issue 40). (more…)