Dodge Brings Engine and Vehicle Concepts to Life at SEMA 2022

Dodge wanted to show off some Muscle for the Sema Show 2022. As many of us know Dodge is in the midst of some significant changes with more of its focus on EV vehicles. But that doesn’t mean they still won’t bring the heat to SEMA with their crate engines and “Last Call” vehicles.

Dodge is showcasing to performance enthusiasts future-product hints in the lead-up to the launch of the world’s first electrified muscle car. Yes, we understand that sounds like an oxymoron but the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept will once again use a respected gathering of automotive builders and tuners to offer a peek at the future of the Dodge brand. “The SEMA Show is one of the great gatherings of the performance culture, and Dodge isn’t going to shy away as we develop the next generation of muscle car and one that just happens to be fully electric,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer.

Consumers will have the choice between three different battery-electric power levels that will be shown at SEMA, as well as two levels of Dodge Direct Connection performance upgrades for each power level. Dodge illustrates a stair-step approach to its electrified performance, with 400-volt system output levels of 340 kilowatts (456 hp) and 440 kilowatts (590 hp). Those are no numbers to scoff at especially with the torque that these electric engines can put out.

Dodge performance brand, Direct Connection’s family of Hellephant engines all feature a 3.0L IHI supercharger and GENIII HEMI engine block available in cast iron or aluminum and are designed for either premium or E85 fuel. Expanding from the original 1,000-horsepower Hellephant 426 Supercharged crate engine, Direct Connection will offer three new variants with upgraded hardware and fuel systems to maximize power output.

The new lineup of high-horsepower Direct Connection crate engines will launch with a new naming convention that indicates engine block material (cast iron or aluminum) and fuel type. Each engine name begins with an “A” or “C,” for aluminum or cast-iron block respectively, followed by a numeric representation of fuel type — “30” for premium fuel (E15 max) or “170” for E85 fuel — with numbers corresponding to the alcohol content “proof” in the recommended fuel type.

The Hellephant lineup of four crate engines includes:

• A30 Crate Engine: Formally known as the Hellephant 426 Supercharged HEMI crate engine, the A30 makes use of a 426 cubic-inch bored and stroked GEN III HEMI aluminum block and features 4340 H-beam rods with forged aluminum pistons and 3.17-inch supercharger pulley to achieve 1,000 horsepower on premium fuel
• A170 Crate Engine: Building on the performance of the A30 with upgraded fuel system with flex fuel capability, the A170 delivers over 1,100 horsepower with E85 fuel, based on preliminary estimates
• C30 Crate Engine:  This new entry in the Hellephant lineup starts with an upgraded 376 cubic-inch cast-iron long block and features a 3.0L IHI supercharger with larger throttle body, stronger rods, pistons, upgraded hardware, and an improved valvetrain to produce approximately 900 horsepower on premium fuel, based on preliminary estimates
• C170 Crate Engine:  Building on the performance of the C30 with upgraded fuel system and flex fuel capability, the C170 will deliver over 1,000 horsepower with E85 fuel, based on preliminary estimates

The C30 and C170 Hellephant Series crate engines include several upgrades to optimize cylinder pressure capability and deliver maximum performance on premium or E85 fuel configurations. Highlighted features for the C30 and C170 crate engines include:

• New 3.0L IHI supercharger with improved intercooler, larger snout and a 3.02-inch pulley for increased boost
• 105mm throttle body with new housing, blade, shaft and geartrain for increased airflow
• Upgraded cylinder heads with upgraded valve guide and seat material
• Upgraded pistons with top land cutback to improve combustion sealing
• Upgraded connecting rods with new material and revised bushing material to support increased combustion pressure
• Main and rod bearing material upgraded to copper-lead for increased load capability
• Upgraded crank damper to absorb torsional impacts due to increased combustion pressure
• Improved head and main cap fasteners for increased clamp load capability
• Billet steel main caps for improved strength
• Ethanol sensor and upgraded fuel rail and injectors for improved fuel flow to support E85 fuel (C170)

MOPAR also dropped some really exciting new concept cars as well!

“With a spotlight on electrification, Mopar is in a great position to fully enhance the customer experience with quality-tested, factory-backed parts and accessories,” said Mark Bosanac, North America senior vice president, Mopar service, parts and customer care. “The Jeep CJ Surge concept explores a future zero-emission propulsion system kit and supports the Jeep brand’s mission to become the leading electrified SUV brand in the world. Separately, our Ram 1500 Backcountry X and TRX Gold Shot concepts showcase a truckload of innovative Mopar accessories for our award-winning full-size trucks.”

Jeep CJ Surge Concept
In a market that seems to be niche at first glance, actually has many offroaders clamoring for. Custom designed and engineered to explore an efficient battery-electric propulsion system for classic Jeep models, the Jeep CJ Surge electromod concept allows Mopar designers and engineers to gain a better understanding of potential battery-electric vehicle (BEV) parts kit applications, leading to a future propulsion-system offering for enthusiasts to build or convert classic and current cars and trucks into zero-emission vehicles.

Ram 1500 TRX Gold Shot Concept
The  Ram 1500 TRX Gold Shot concept transforms the apex predator of the production truck world into a custom high-performance toy hauler for the motocross enthusiast. This truck is made for people hat have some toys and want the truck to be pulling them to be a toy as well! Built upon the 702-horsepower Ram 1500 TRX – the quickest, fastest and most powerful pickup truck in the world – the Satin Bitter Yellow/Satin Black concept carries massive TRX side graphics and brings the proven high-speed capability and durability to arrive at the off-road trails in record time.

Custom-designed, Vintage Bronze 18-by-9.5-inch Black Rhino Chamber wheels ride on 37-inch BFGoodrich tires for a performance-inspired appearance at all four corners. Providing easy access to a pair of motorcycles in the truck bed is a Mopar bed step that lowers for easy access and, with a gentle push, retracts to a stored, out-of-the way position.

Ram 1500 Backcountry X Concept
A little more understated but still all business is the Ram 1500 Backcountry. For the truck owner who is serious about combining work and play, the Ram 1500 Backcountry X concept builds upon the class-exclusive RamBox cargo management system with custom-designed RamPack and RamRack features that significantly increase the secure storage space without compromising the functionality of the pickup bed.