A lot of us may be too young to remember the glory days of auto movies in the 70s, but for those old enough to remember a movie called Vanishing Point starring Barry Newman, this little tuning project may be if interest. In the movie, Newman plays the role of Kowalski, man who makes some sort of bet that he could take a white 1970 Dodge Challenger and drive it all the way the from Colorado to San Francisco in just 15 hours. Apparently, Vanishing Point was one of the most iconic car movies of the era, having enjoyed cult status to its fans, including one Bob Frederick.

As the dealer of New Wilmington Dodge->ke28 and a long-time fan of the movie, Frederick decided to do something really cool to pay homage to one of his favorite flicks by unveiling a special edition model of the 392 Inaugural Edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 and calling it the “Kowalski Edition”.

Hit the jump to read more about the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 "Kowalski Edition."

dodge-challenger-srt8-392-kowalski-edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: dodge-challenger-srt8-392-kowalski-edition
Pros
Cons

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 "Kowalski Edition"

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 "Kowalski Edition"
  • Engine/Motor: 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 engine
  • Horsepower: 470 horsepower
  • Torque: 470 lb/ft of torque
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

In his own words, Frederick said: “I met with the team and told them what I wanted: 2011 Challenger SRT8 392, six-speed manual, Bright White, stripe delete, Dark Slate SRT seats, WP3 Alcoa SRT aluminum 20-inch wheels, 730 Nav and SRT Option Group II…. I reminded them that the paint was already in the plant and that the unique SRT8 parts were already there in white as well, so it seemed logical that it could be done.” He went on to add that he knew putting together a car like this was not going to be easy, especially since he really wanted the cars to have sequential VINs.

The whole intention was to recreate the car Kowalski used in the movie and add some minor touches and detailing to it, including wood grain ’70-style Hurst Pistol Grip shift handles and a six-speed shift-pattern insert. The Challenger also gets a special numbered dash plaque and a custom fender tag mounted in the engine bay, as well as a few Scat Pack bee decals for the quarter windows like the ones used on Dodge’s 1970 performance models. There are also custom decals paying homage to its specially designated “Kowalski Edition” billing on the rear spoiler and under the hood, and a reproduction Colorado license plate with the same digits as the one found on the car.

Engine

Since the "Kowalski Edition" is a decorated Challenger SRT8 392, the customer will be riding along with the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 powertrain with 470 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine can get the Challenger from 0 to 60 mph in the high 4-second range and can achieve the quarter-mile in the high 12s. Top speed has been increased to more than 180 mph with the manual transmission (173 mph in the automatic).

The deep rumble of the engine can be heard through the Mopar chrome quad exhaust tips.

Pricing and Availability

All in all, Frederick and his team were able to build ten models of the special edition muscle car, all of which, unfortunately, already have their owners.

Tough luck for us.