Photo: detroitspeed/instagram
We've been discussing builds sporting the HEMI insanity that is the Hellephant 426-ci (7.0-liter) crate engine for six months now. And while examples include both classic and modern Chargers and Challengers, the project we have here stands out thanks to its currently-invisible aero bits. That's right, you Mopar junkies, we're looking at a 1970 Dodge Charger that's being turned into an overly muscular Daytona tribute.
Sure, the nose cone, front fender air extractors, and super-sized rear wing that allowed the Daytona to set a 200-mph (322-kph) closed course record back in the day can't be seen yet. But that's only because the priorities have been different up to this point.
To be more precise, Detroit Speed, which is handling the build, took off most body panels in its quest to rework the underpinnings of the machine.
The North Carolina specialist, whose suspension kits have made a serious impact on the world of muscle cars, is currently in the advanced stages of this pro-touring proposal.
For one, getting the 1,000-pony crate motor into the engine bay of the Charger Daytona required the installation of custom hydroformed subframe rails from the 1967-69 Camaro/Firebird built by the company. And would you look at that double-wishbone delights!
While there's still plenty of work to be done, the impressively low ground clearance of the machine is one of the ingredients ensuring this project has the handling to match its muscle; while those skinny tires will obviously be left behind, we are told this is the final ride height.
The developer lists its tech partners for the build in the pair of Instagram posts below. And you can expect goodies from Bowler Performance Transmissions, Baer Brakes, BF Goodrich Tires, Vintage Air, and others.
Oh, and speaking of the air-conditioning system that will be fitted to the muscle car, we should also mention the man who'll be using it on those hot summer days. This Dodge will land in the hands of Chris Tawil, who co-founded the Morphe cosmetics company with his younger sister Linda Tawil.
In fact, Chris, who is also a car collector, had shared the Hellephant crate engine on his Instagram account last April.
There are still multiple unanswered questions, with one of the most important revolving around the hood clearance - will this Hellephant-powered beast require a scoop? Well, if the global health crisis is overcome in time for November's 2021 SEMA show to take place, we hope to see the completed project on the Vegas floor.
Nevertheless, until we get our answers, we'll enter daydreaming land and remind you that we featured a rendering of a Hellephant-animated Daytona with a tiny ride height last summer. While Abimelec Arellano, the digital artist behind the work, doesn't mention any link to a real-world project, you'll find the pixel painting in the final Insta post below.
To be more precise, Detroit Speed, which is handling the build, took off most body panels in its quest to rework the underpinnings of the machine.
The North Carolina specialist, whose suspension kits have made a serious impact on the world of muscle cars, is currently in the advanced stages of this pro-touring proposal.
For one, getting the 1,000-pony crate motor into the engine bay of the Charger Daytona required the installation of custom hydroformed subframe rails from the 1967-69 Camaro/Firebird built by the company. And would you look at that double-wishbone delights!
While there's still plenty of work to be done, the impressively low ground clearance of the machine is one of the ingredients ensuring this project has the handling to match its muscle; while those skinny tires will obviously be left behind, we are told this is the final ride height.
The developer lists its tech partners for the build in the pair of Instagram posts below. And you can expect goodies from Bowler Performance Transmissions, Baer Brakes, BF Goodrich Tires, Vintage Air, and others.
Oh, and speaking of the air-conditioning system that will be fitted to the muscle car, we should also mention the man who'll be using it on those hot summer days. This Dodge will land in the hands of Chris Tawil, who co-founded the Morphe cosmetics company with his younger sister Linda Tawil.
In fact, Chris, who is also a car collector, had shared the Hellephant crate engine on his Instagram account last April.
There are still multiple unanswered questions, with one of the most important revolving around the hood clearance - will this Hellephant-powered beast require a scoop? Well, if the global health crisis is overcome in time for November's 2021 SEMA show to take place, we hope to see the completed project on the Vegas floor.
Nevertheless, until we get our answers, we'll enter daydreaming land and remind you that we featured a rendering of a Hellephant-animated Daytona with a tiny ride height last summer. While Abimelec Arellano, the digital artist behind the work, doesn't mention any link to a real-world project, you'll find the pixel painting in the final Insta post below.
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