This rare Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is a result from very productive co-work. For years Pennzoil and Penske Racing have collaborated on track-proven technology that aids performance and improves efficiency. So, Pennzoil thought it would be a cool idea to create a custom, Penske-themed street car. And Penske, dominating NASCAR with Dodge’s top models, figured the brand’s all-American Challenger would be a perfect starting point. Hands were shook, papers were signed and, before we knew it, Dodge had shipped Penske a copy of its latest and greatest Challenger: the mighty SRT8 392. Fans of each brand were then encouraged to spread the word and, even if they didn’t want to buy any of the companies’ products, enter the contest. And finally, the car you see here, Pennzoil Challenger number 001 of 001, was given to one lucky contestant. If you’re a Mopar collector who wants the ultimate late model Challenger, make no mistake, this car is the ultimate trump card!
In September of 2011 Pennzoil announced their “Join the Pursuit” sweepstakes, offering this Penske Racing-inspired Challenger SRT8 392 as the grand prize. As the only 1 of 1 Challenger Chrysler has ever built, this car is entirely unique — evidenced by its Pennzoil Limited Edition dash plaque that simply reads “001/001”. And with only 1,455 miles on its soft green odometer, it’s a black on black boulevard bruiser that’s factory fresh in virtually every way! You know, we’ve sold or driven just about every variation of the new Challenger, from Mr. Norm’s, to Saleens and even Hennessey cars. And from a total driving experience, this is probably the best one we’ve ever found. The car’s drivetrain, brakes and suspension have been fine tuned to the max, and our own CEO even said the car probably wouldn’t have made it to the sales floor if he had more garage space. Read more for images and interesting info!
Pull this razor-sharp Dodge under the lights and you’ll see original two-stage that’s clean, shines like new and puts a modern twist on the trusted ‘solid paint and two war stripes’ theme. Below that conservative canvas, original sheetmetal fits precisely and displays great build quality. A close look down the car’s fuselage, which began life at Chrysler’s excellent Brampton, Canada manufacturing facility, reveals not so much as a dent or ding anywhere. And overall, this super slick Mopar conveys a technical style that’s extensive and well-thought-out. At the front of the car, a yellow-trimmed grille hangs “CHALLENGER” and “SRT” scripts between detailed parking lamps, high intensity headlights, a new-for-2011 bumper, and a heritage-inspired chin spoiler. At the sides of the car, clean fenders ride beneath bold “392 HEMI” emblems, custom Penske Racing emblems, body-matched mirrors and monochromatic door handles. At the top of the car, a familiar challenger hood and a small factory spoiler trace original greenhouse glass. And at the back of the car, a small “SRT8” emblem rides between a traditional chrome fuel filler, a body-width tail light panel and bright Corsa exhaust tips.
As we all probably know, Chrysler’s SRT division has never been defined by mere stripes and stickers. Straight from the factory this new-for-2011 Hemi makes an impressive 470 horsepower and produces almost 100 more lb./ft. of low-end torque than its predecessor. And with the help of a custom tune by the folks at Penske Racing, its performance goes from wild to insane. Measuring in at roughly 392 cubic inches, the big mill uses a revised block, aluminum alloy pistons and variable cam timing to crank out a whopping 507 horsepower and 486 lb./ft. of torque. Visually, the engine compartment comes together just as well as the outside of the car. Chrysler’s install is exceptionally clean and forgoes the current ‘plastic dome of doom’ engine cover trend in favor of “392 HEMI” branded rail shrouds that actually resemble tall valve covers. The big block is coated in a nice shade of traditional orange paint that contrasts well against the car’s black engine bay. And, best of all, this is a Hemi that’ll fire up in any weather, drive thousands of miles before anyone needs to turn its bolts, and probably lay waste to any old school muscle car that’s brave enough to stage a challenge.
Straight from Auburn Hills, Chrysler’s LH platform was a solid foundation that could easily spawn rear and all-wheel drive applications. And when this Challenger’s engineering team shortened its wheelbase, bolted up a Mercedes S-Cass front suspension, threw in a Mercedes E-Class rear suspension, and re-christened it “LC”, they created the perfect blend of American attitude and European manners. The 507 horsepower Hemi sends its torque to a factory Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. That transmission spins a fresh limited slip differential that’s equipped with tall 3.92 gears. The car’s sport-tuned suspension, which has been upgraded with lowering springs, is equipped with standard stability and traction control. Variable ratio, speed-assisted power steering ensures you’ll want to do more than make traditional NASCAR lefts. Braking is handled by yellow Brembo calipers that, with the help of standard anti-lock software, clamp 14 inch slotted rotors. The engine breaths through a three inch Corsa cat-back exhaust system that exits under the car’s big rear bumper. At the corners of the car, custom Forgiato wheels spin 245/45ZR20 Pirelli P Zeros around bright yellow accents. And, judging by the looks of this Challenger’s super clean undercarriage, the car has never seen a mud puddle.
Take a look inside this Dodge and you’ll find a comfortable and stylish cockpit that’s ready for long road trips and plenty of summertime fun. At the center of the car, highly bolstered seats feature diamond tufted suede that’s trimmed by yellow accent stitching and monochromatic Penske logos. In front of those seats, a simplistic black dash seals highly detailed gauges behind chrome trim rings and a small Penske Challenger plaque. Below that plaque, a factory stereo combines touch-screen navigation with modern MP3 compatibility, Sirius satellite capability and standard Bluetooth connectivity. Below that sound system, a wide console props a modern pistol grip shifter in front of ample storage space. Beneath that storage space, like-new carpet centers “CHALLENGER” branded floor mats under stainless-trimmed foot pedals. At the sides of those pedals, retro door panels hang full-length armrests between small metal handles and flush accessory buttons. And naturally, all the luxuries you’d expect in a high dollar muscle car are present and accounted for including: cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors and remote keyless entry. It’s never easy to describe a stable of showroom-fresh cars because you feel like you’re boring readers to death by saying the same string of words over and over again. But repetition of words makes them no less true and, as with all our essentially new offerings, everything from this Dodge’s ice cold air conditioning to its slick power driver’s seat works well, looks good and promotes an overall sense of reliability.
