2016 Dodge Shakedown Challenger Concept
We’re going downhill in horsepower with this restomod, but the drivability and ease of driving goes way up. Dodge showed this “Shakedown” concept at SEMA awhile back, and as with most concept cars, getting a chance behind the wheel is a special opportunity.
Turns out a modern 6.4-liter V8 in a 1970s muscle car body is a hell of a lot of fun. This restomod goes about as far as you might want to go in the “new car” direction, even pasting on Challenger headlights and taillights to the front and rear ends. It looks menacing, squatting on the pavement with no wheel gap to speak of.
The transmission is spectacular, and one would assume it would be, after learning it’s the same Tremec six-speed found in the now-discontinued Dodge Viper. Throws are ludicrously short, and the power feels just right for the car, unlike the completely over-juiced Hellvedere. The ergonomics and seating position are far from ideal, but it’s hard to care that much after mashing the throttle and hearing the burly, aggressive soundtrack we’re so used to from these wonderful V8s.