Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

SkunkWerks team gives Chrysler some dream cars

|
Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectTecnic
Alex Law
From theChrysler Group's SkunkWerks (the name of which may be the cleverest thing tocome out of the Mercedes-Benz takeover of Chrysler) comes six new conceptvehicles, all of which are on display at the industry's huge aftermarket partsshow in Las Vegas.

SkunkWerks is agroup of designers, engineers, marketers and product planners from Detroit that has createdwhat team leader Ralph Gilles calls a ''selection of one-off custom vehiclesthat may be considered dream applications, or test beds, for future vehicle andMopar Performance parts ideas.''

There's noguarantee that any or all of these things will make it onto the road, butGilles does allow as how such concept vehicles ''often result in futuredirections for performance vehicles and parts.''

They're also funto look at, which is probably a good enough reason for creating them. But forthe accountants and other unbuttoned types, the concepts are also supposed to ''stretchimaginations and gauge consumer interest.'' Whatever.

The sixSkunkWerks vehicles are as follows:

-Chrysler PT Speedster
is said to be developedby and for true hot rod enthusiasts, with a Borla dual exhaust, four slotteddisc brakes with twin-piston calipers from Stainless Steel Brakes, and aproduction engine that's good for 235 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque thanks to theMopar Performance Parts Stage 1 Turbo Upgrade kit. 

 The Chrysler PT Speedster's stance begins witha lowered suspension, courtesy of a Mopar Performance Stage 2 coiloversuspension kit and a Mopar decklid spoiler. The 18-inch wheels are from BudnikWheels, and they hold up Bridgestone Fusion ZRi P235/40R18 tires.

Mopar alsocontributes a sway bar kit, turbo boost gauge, blow-off valve and Hurst short-throwshifter. Custom floor mats were provided by Falcon Enterprises, and custombadging by Craft Originators.

A unique hoodscoop from Quality Metalcrafters is the hood cherry, while Katzkin leatherseats and custom two-tone Brilliant Black over Viper Red paint gives some more attitudeto the Chrysler PT Speedster.

-The latest speedsports craze comes to the Mercedes roadster turned Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 inthe Chrysler Crossfire Drifter, which features what Gilles calls a variety of''drift-oriented'' modifications.

Its stance ishighlighted by a full body kit that includes a front and rear fascia withintegrated ground effects, an air dam, lower rocker panels and a carbon-fibre wing.A chopped windshield adds to the outre appearance of the Drifter, while acustom dual exhaust rounds out the performance enhancements.

Sparco hasprovided a shifter, steering wheel, racing seats and pedals to spruce up theinterior, while Ultra-light BBS wheels, Michelin competition tires and aspecial RennTech limited slip rear differential adorn the exterior.

Drifter is alsoequipped with Sports Car Club of America Formula D rules-approved steering,suspension, exhaust and roll cage modifications.
Alex Law
Alex Law
Automotive expert