Dodge hopes to steal the thunder at this year's SEMA show with a trio of concepts based on its retro Challenger muscle car.

First of the special Challengers is the Blacktop. Described as "menacing", it features black-on-black paintwork and a deep front air dam. The structure is reinforced with a strut-brace in the engine compartment to provide a base for the uprated suspension that carries 265/35 front and 305/30 rear tyres on 22-inch Dodge Viper wheels. Power comes from a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 equipped with cold air intake and dual exhausts.

Despite the name, the Challenger Targa does not feature a removable roof panel. Instead it is named after the Targa Newfoundland race in which the Dodge competed this year. Based on the Challenger drag race package, the snakeskin green racer features a 6.4-litre, 533bhp V8, suspension and brake upgrades from the Viper ACR and a subtle chin spoiler.

The final Challenger variant is a concept car for anyone who thinks eight cylinders are not enough. The 2009 Challenger SRT10 concept is fitted with the Viper's 8.4-litre, 592bhp V10 motor. In a nod to the 1970 HEMI Cuda the SRT10 features a "shaker hood", where the cold air intake for the engine sticks through the carbon fibre bonnet. The same material is used for the boot lid and the black finish contrasts with Tornado red bodywork.

The trade-only SEMA show takes place in Las Vegas from 4th to 7th November, bringing together the latest trends in aftermarket car modifying.

John Lambert - 17 Oct 2008