The 2012 SEMA Show is about dazzling the world with the capabilities of tuning companies and it takes a strong presence to be able to pull out ahead of the crowd. Chrysler Group's Mopar and SRT brands are attempting that very feat by teaming up with comedic ventriloquist, Jeff Dunham.

For this build, Dunham is putting aside Walter (the retired, grumpy old man), Achmed (the dead terrorist), Peanut (the hyperactive, purple-skinned "woozle"), and Jose Jalapeño on a Stick (well, that one's pretty self-explanatory) so that he can team up with Chrysler on "Project Ultraviolet," the tuning package that started off as a Dodge Challenger SRT8. The purpose behind this build is for Chrysler to show off some newly developed technology and a brand new engine. Nothing else is said about the car in this video, but there are two more videos to follow before the 2012 SEMA Auto Show opens its doors.

Are we excited to see what this purple Challenger has to offer? In the words of Jose Jalapeno on a Stick, "Siiiiii, señor!"

Hit the jump to read more on the Dodge Challenger SRT Project Ultraviolet by Jeff Dunham.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT Project Ultraviolet by Jeff Dunham

Specifications
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  • Model: 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT Project Ultraviolet by Jeff Dunham
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the outside, Mopar draped the UltraViolet Challenger in two-tone paint, with the top being black and the lower portion being the “Ultra” Violet – hence the name. Up front and on the rear, you’ll notice that the fenders are widened to help make room for the massive 22-inch HRE wheels. In total, the body is widened by four inches. Also added to the front end is a functional hood scoop to allow the monster under the hood to breathe just a little more freely.

The overall goal of this project was to obviously take the already stout appearance even more intimidating. Mopar had to modify the front and rear bumpers slightly to help them flow better with the wired fender flares. To help match the front bumper, a custom-built grille was made from a ¼-inch plate of 441 aluminum, then was positioned two inches farther forward than the original grille.

On the outside, Mopar also strapped on plenty of handmade body upgrades, including a rear diffusor, dive planes, front splitter, rocker panels, lower-rear spoilers, deck-lid spoiler, and custom-built aluminum side sills with side-exit exhaust just in front of the rear wheels. These are more styling additions than anything, as we highly doubt these parts add any significant downforce to the SRT8’s chassis, but damn they look cool…

Capping off the outside of this tricked out SRT8 Challenger are headlight lenses and tinted taillights.

Interior

The customization continues as you enter Jeff Dunham’s creation. Mopar went to Lear to have a set of one-of seats created for this project, then covered them up with full-grain Nappa leather. Setting off the seats are color-keyed accent panels, accent stitching, and custom embroidery. Between the front seats sits a Hurst short-throw shift that allows Jeff to rip through the gears with effectiveness.

Engine and Drivetrain

Under that massive hood scoop lays a brand-new Mopar 426 crate engine. This 426-cubic-inch, V-8 monster bellows out 515 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. The engine exhales through a specially tuned exhaust system to optimize its power. For those keeping score at home, that is 45 horsepower and 20 pound-feet of torque more than what the base 2012 Challenger SRT8 pumps out. We’re going to go out on a limb and say that this is good to drop the Challenger SRT8’s o-to-60 time from 4.5 seconds down to 4.3 seconds, maybe even 4 seconds flat. This engine isn’t all about muscle either, as Mopar fitted it with ornamental valve covers that read “UltraViolet.”

There is no mention of the vehicle’s transmission or the rest of its driveline. This leads us to assume that it features the same 6-speed transmission and driveline as any 2012 Challenger SRT8 that you would see on the road.

Engine and Drivetrain Specifications:

Engine

426-Cubic-Inch V-8 HEMI Crate Engine

Horsepower

515 Horsepower

Torque

490 Pound-Feet

Transmission

6-Speed Manual


Conclusion

First of all, it seems like only Dodge vehicles look right wrapped up in purple – err – UltraViolet paint. We really couldn’t imagine seeing a Mustang or Camaro donning a lovely shade of purple, but still remain as manly as Chuck Norris on an ass-kicking spree. Something about the design of the car just fits it.

The engine upgrades are phenomenal and the extra 45 ponies likely give it plenty of get up and go. We wish Mopar had done a little more work to the transmission and suspension system. The big deal is the lack of suspension work. This really screams “I was designed by an old-school muscle car guy,” which we can’t fault Jeff for doing, but Mopar should have added in a few upgrades to the undercarriage.

Overall though, we can’t deny the fact that this car is flat out awesome.