Now they’ve done it! Those chichi Europeans over at Stellantis — the folks who have discontinued the third coming of the Hemi, if not the second coming of the Dodge Challenger —are now trying to ruin our old cars. If you dare to see how, just stop by the Mopar display at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The idea is this: Y’know that old Mopar sitting in your yard? The one that your wife notices hasn’t moved in 12 years? Mopar wants you to consider sacrificing it for a battery-electric vehicle conversion kit that the company is entertaining. The 1967 Plymouth GTX Electromod Concept that will be at SEMA November 5-8, 2024 is supposed to show “a potential future … e-Crate propulsion system for enthusiasts to build or convert classic and current cars and trucks.”
This “striking” Frostbite Blue, zero-emissions concept vehicle has had its rear wheel openings widened “for an aggressive and modern look.” Clearly, this former 440 looks the part of a restomod with its body-color bumpers properly nipped and tucked for that modern $100 million look. Note the Satin Black grille, window trim, mirrors, and tail panel too.
A custom carbon fiber hood with a pair of functional air extractors and stripes will annoy the purists who wish they mimicked those on the original GTX, but let’s be honest: You probably were already annoyed. There’s even a front splitter and subtle rear spoiler – also carbon fiber.
A 400-volt, 250-kilowatt electric drive module (EDM) attaches to the unibody with custom motor mounts. On top of the EDM is an integrated dual-charging module with a special cover paying homage to the Hellcat supercharger (irony much?). And if you E-body fans feel left out, rest assured that Mopar has created the opportunity for this to fit into your rangy, old Barracuda that’s sitting in your “I’ll restore it some day” barn.
Four battery packs (weighing approximately 230 pounds each) carrying 384 lithium-ion battery cells power this Plymouth. Three of the packs are enclosed in a custom-built aluminum frame mounted in the trunk for easy removal/replacement. The fourth battery pack is mounted under a set of radiators behind the grille to aid in weight distribution and under-hood appearance. All together, they are rated at 73 kilowatt-hours. Output is approximately 335 horsepower, which is about 15 shy of the net rating of a 426 Hemi. Driving range is about 250 miles, which outpaces the Elephant.
Riding on a lowered three-link suspension with 18 x 9-inch BTG Vintage Bronze forged magnesium wheels and Pirelli P-ZERO tires, this GTX won’t have you missing those poverty caps that have succumbed to the elements on your property.
Inside, you’ll note a combination of classic and modern. The seats are modified Wrangler buckets upholstered in IndiGo Blue premium leather with Gunmetal suede inner bolsters. Vintage Bronze accentuates the blue door panels. A custom center console features a rotary shift knob (copped from the Durango) and even a cup holder (no surprise there). Custom gauges include a 160-mph analog speedometer with instruments for the battery charge level, instantaneous current, and battery and motor coolant temperatures.
Yep, the only thing that’s guaranteed in life is death and taxes. Only one we can control, so think of your loved ones before you reach the point of no return at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas November 5-8.
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