Wisconsin-based Speedkore is the same performance company that built an absurd 1,650-horsepower Dodge a few years back. It was seen in the Fast and Furious movie as well. This time around, they’ve built a more balanced, calmer version of the same Dodge Charger and moniker’d it as the ‘Evolution.’ The Evolution packs half the power of its predecessor, but has more utility. Speedkore claims that the Evolution represents “the most advanced 1970 Dodge Charger” anywhere on the globe, which may actually be true. Speedkore is known to play with carbon fiber and has used its skills on this beast as well. Despite the heavy engines and strong body, the company has built a muscle car that weighs just about 3,200 pounds - that's anywhere between 228- and 638-pounds lighter than the original 1970 Dodge Charger!

2018 Dodge Charger Evolution

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2018 Dodge Charger Evolution
• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Pros

Cons

Exterior

From the outside, the Evolution looks just like a 1970 Dodge Charger; but the similarities pretty much end there. The company has built a custom chassis, consisting of a steel ladder frame and an aluminum floor pan. A roll cage has been provided for extra rigidity and safety because 966 horses can twist the car beyond logical reasoning. The grille, fuel cap, and door handles are made from billet aluminum and finished in a bronze-nickel coating to complement the 19x10-inch front and 20x12-inch wheels wrapped Michelin Pilot Sport 2 HRE tires.

2018 Dodge Charger Evolution vs 1970 Dodge Charger Dimensions

Interior

The cabin design is minimalistic yet functional. The Evolution has a CNC-milled steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats while the air vents are circular and placed much lower. The analogue instrument cluster blends in with the overall aura of the cabin fairly well. For controls, the Evolution features flip-over switches, and the stick-shift looks H-O-T. For people who like old-school interiors, there’s no other place you’d rather be - even if there are some modern touches here and there.

Drivetrain

The Mopar engine under the hood is a pulled directly from the Dodge Challenger Demon. The unit has been modified for the Evolution - it has a small drive pulley for the blower, stainless steel headers, a dry-sump lubrication system, larger fuel injectors, a custom cold-air intake, and custom exhaust manifolds with SLP mufflers. Power is sent to rear wheels via a Tremec T-56, six-speed manual transmission.

The transmission tunnel, radiator shroud, and firewall are also made from aluminum. The Evolution has Brembo brakes all around with six-piston callipers for the front wheels, and four-piston callipers for the rear wheels. The suspension system is supplemented with Penske adjustable coilovers for better ride quality and a lower ride height.

2018 Dodge Charger Evolution vs 1970 Dodge Charger Specs

Final Thoughts

When Speedkore started off with the project, they wanted to create something more usable. So, compared to the ‘Tantrum’ that Speedkore threw out in 2015, the power seems less; but thanks to the necessary mods and lightweight structure, the Evolution is not far from the Tantrum. For the record, the Tantrum came with a 9.0-liter, twin-turbo, V-8 that produced a massive 1,650-horsepower. The car is displayed at the SEMA at the Meguiar’s booth.

What are your thoughts on this beast? Share them with us in the comments section below.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Dodge Charger.