Mopar, Chrysler'->ke21s parts, service and customer care division, has been using the SEMA Show->ke216 to display numerous wild concept cars->ke169 for quite a few years now, and the 2015 edition is no exception. This year's display was a bit more special, however, as alongside the visually-enhanced Chryslers,->ke21 Dodges,->ke28 Rams->ke4211 and Fiats,->ke30 Mopar also showcased an all-wheel drive Challenger.->ke249

Yes, you read that right! Mopar just built a V-8-powered muscle car->ke507 that combines power and performance with the confidence of increased traction that comes with an AWD system. Most old-school enthusiasts might find it profane, but to others the Challenger GT AWD Concept may be like a dream come true.

Unfortunately, since this show car isn't likely to become a production vehicle, chances of seeing it in showrooms anytime soon are rather slim. It remains to be seen whether the next-generation Challenger will get an AWD option or not, but until then all we can do is have a closer look at this unique concept car.

Continue reading to learn more about the Dodge Challenger GT AWD Concept.

dodge-challenger-gt-awd-concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: dodge-challenger-gt-awd-concept
Pros
Cons

2015 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Concept
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Essentially a Challenger on steroids, the GT AWD Concept stands out thanks to its special paint job and Mopar's new concept wide body kit. The latter adds massive fender flares, a front splitter, and a trunk lid spoiler, making the coupe as menacing as a Hellcat. The standard wheels have also been replaced with bespoke, 20-inch, five-spoke wheels finished in matte-gray. Other features that enhance the Challenger's appearance include Mopar exhaust tips painted in a powder-coated Satin Black, a Mopar fuel cap painted Satin Black with a unique "Mopar" logo, and a concept Mopar Design decklid badge.

The coupe also sits closer to the road thanks to a concept Mopar suspension kit. Featuring performance front and rear strut tower braces, the new suspension system lowers the vehicle's center of gravity and delivers "race-inspired handling."

Then there's the special livery that combines a Destroyer Grey body with a Matte Black upper section, as well as Header Orange accents. The bright-orange hue, which can be had on the production Challenger, highlights both the front and rear fascias, the mirror caps, as well as the grey stripe that runs through the black engine hood, roof, and trunk lid. Finally, the concept received orange "GT AWD" badges on the front grille and the rear spoiler.

Interior

The interior is not as spectacular as the exterior, but the GT AWD Concept boasts a few features you can't have on the production Challenger. The bolstered seats are wrapped in black leather and taupe seating surfaces, and have Header Orange contrast stitching. The same stitching is visible on the shifter and the unique, flat-bottom steering wheel. Chrome Mopar door sill guards with "Challenger" lettering round out the bespoke cabin.

Drivetrain

The GT AWD Concept gets its juice from a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine upgraded with the Scat Pack 3 Performance Kit. The tweaked mill can deliver up to 450 horsepower and 454 pound-feet of torque, which is a 75-horsepower and 44-pound-feet improvement over the standard unit. All that extra oomph comes from the Mopar Performance, CNC-ported cylinder heads, Mopar hi-flow manifolds and hi-flow catalysts, exhaust manifolds, and the exhaust adapter that come with the Scat Pack 3 Performance Kit.

The power travels to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Dodge had nothing to say about the AWD package, but it's safe to assume it is sourced from another Chrysler product.

There's no word on performance either, but given that the standard 5.7-liter model needs about five seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start with the automatic transmission, the extra power and torque, as well as the AWD system should make the GT AWD Concept significantly quicker than that. My best guess is 0-to-60 comes in around 4.7 seconds, which would make the concept nearly as quick as the 6.4-liter, V-8 Challengers.

Conclusion

Arguably, the most interesting vehicle the folks over at FCA showcased at the 2015 SEMA Show, the Challenger GT AWD is the kind of concept car I love and hate at the same time. I love it because of its tremendous livery and for the fact that it proves that Chrysler can think out of the box when it comes to muscle cars. On the other hand, I hate it because it will remain just a concept. As an old-school gearhead that would trade a brand-new BMW M4 for a beat up 'Cuda, AWD muscle cars aren't my cup of tea, but it's the 21st century and AWD Challengers, Mustangs, and Camaros shouldn't be a definite no-no. A production version of the Challenger GT AWD could revolutionize the whole segment. Just think about what a Challenger Hellcat with AWD would do to all the fancy supercars out there...