Chip Foose to build limited run of modernized Challengers

[nadepalma]

Source: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../60612009/1024

Chip’s Challenger
Foose to build a limited run of modernized Challengers
AutoWeek | Published 06/12/06, 11:20 am et



Designer extraordinaire Chip Foose and Texas-based Unique Performance will build a limited run of cars based on the 1970 Plymouth Challenger. Production begins in July to transform 1970 and 1971 Challengers into modern muscle cars equipped with Hemi engines and five-speed manual transmissions, along with new wheels, tires, suspensions and interiors.


PRESS RELEASE:
Chip Foose and Unique Performance create MOPAR madness with limited edition ’70 Challenger

Team to Build A Handful of HEMI-Powered American Supercars

DALLAS – June 10, 2006 – A new line of limited edition supercars based on the 1970 HEMI Challenger from Unique Performance and Foose Design will stoke the imaginations of MOPAR fans worldwide. The two companies will turn a limited number of the Plymouths into world-class performance machines with ultra-cool design and 21st century speed technology. The prototype will be completed by June 15, 2006, and production will begin in July. Unique Performance is the premier manufacturer of signature series American muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles.

“The response to our Foose ’69 Camaro was fantastic, which led to an outpouring of requests for a similar car from MOPAR fans,” said Unique Performance President and CEO Douglas Hasty. “Our 1970 Challenger program is designed to fulfill those wishes with a very, very small run of an even more exclusive MOPAR. Working with Chip, our team will turn a handful of these vintage muscle cars into pink slip winning, Z06 eating supercars.”

The team will transform 1970 and 1971 Challengers with contemporary wheels, engines, suspensions, transmissions and interiors. Each Foose Challenger will be clad in DuPont’s Hot Hues™ custom finish and have a sleek custom interior. Either a 347 c.i.d. HEMI small block or a 426 c.i.d HEMI big block can be mated to the TKO 5-speed transmission. The car will feature a Unique Performance Parts rear suspension, 4-wheel disc Wilwood Brakes, Foose 18” wheels and BF Goodrich tires. Styling cues include Foose emblems, a custom front grill, shaved bumpers and custom hood. Each car will have a unique serial number for documentation purposes.

“I’ve always loved the lines of the ’70 Challenger,” stated Chip Foose. “It may be the quintessential American muscle car from that period. We’re adding contemporary speed gear and updating the Challenger’s style to redefine the vintage car as the ultimate limited edition MOPAR.”

Award-winning Chip Foose penned the Foose Challenger. He is the creative head and driving force behind the respected automotive and product development company Foose Design (www.chipfoose.com). Headquartered in Huntington Beach, Calif., it specializes in illustration, graphics, ideation model making, surfacing and complete construction of automobiles and automobile-related products.

“Nobody does it better than Unique Performance and Chip Foose,” added Hasty. “Every car is a piece of art that is equally at home on the track, street or a Concours. With sizzling design and supercar capabilities, the new HEMI powered Foose Challenger will rocket past the pretenders on the road. It’s the ‘bad to the bone’ MOPAR that fans have wanted for the last 35 years.”

Unique Performance, which began as a hot rod shop 20 years ago, has evolved into a premier limited volume auto production manufacturer. Unique Performance manufactures the Shelby G.T.500E and G.T.350SR continuation cars based on vintage Ford Mustangs, as well as the Foose ’69 Camaro. The company offers a line of Foose designed cars based on the current Ford Mustang in cooperation with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide.

[Ultra Magnus]

Interesting. I think these will be really something to see. AND it will make Chrysler want to get their Challenger to market faster.

[Z16monte]

"Designer extraordinaire Chip Foose and Texas-based Unique Performance will build a limited run of cars based on the 1970 Plymouth Challenger."
Personally, I prefer the Dodge Challenger.
Ed

[AJR]

Who wrote this article? The Challenger was a Dodge, not a Plymouth.

[IROCNROL1]

Yes, this is cool. But they're not going to start out in the mid 20's.

[saturnsteve]

Very cool, Chip Foose is the man!

[ProjectRS]

wow, neat idea. Can't wait to see them!

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

Well, since Yenko ain't around nomore, how about GM working with Foose to create a 'Foose Camaro'?

[longtooth]

I'd like to see a TV show (and there'll probably be one) based on this. However, instead of a limited run, how about if it is mandated that it be "unlimited"? By the fourth year of the show, picture a weary Chip Foose, his analyst in tow questioning why he'd ever decided to do this. Then have guest shots for Paul senior, and Mikey.

[fjehlik]

The E body Cuda's have superior lines to the Challenger in everyway- though, this is a good advertising means for the Mopar group to prime the incoming Challengers, keep the interest at a fever pitch following the NAIAS introduction of the next replacement. With the success of such shows as Overhaulin', Orange County Choppers, Monster Garage, etc., it would be a good bet that the OEM's are going to continue to align themselves with such talents and personalities; it brings with it much sales potential (plus an outside industry aesthetic perspective).

[61BelAir]

Good Morning! Quick question for anyone here. I have a picture I took this morning that I would like to share with GMI but don't know how to do it. The car was on the freeway this morning, had mfg. plates (MI) and had Chevy Bowties on it but no model identification. It was a small/compact car. Maybe someone can post it

[Sporer65]

Sounds cool.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

Originally Posted by longtooth

Then have guest shots for Paul senior, and Mikey.

Dose somebody see a "Challenger bike" or a "Camaro bike"?

[WishIhadatruck]

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

Well, since Yenko ain't around nomore, how about GM working with Foose to create a 'Foose Camaro'?

It was mentioned in the article.
http://www.uniqueperformance.com/Camaro.aspx

[Ty_99]

Foose has already done a 69 Camaro with Unique Performance, with the responce leading to the Challenger. Either way this is going to be a super kick ass car, cause pretty much anything Foose does is Kick Ass
Can't wait to see the final result.
Foose has worked with GM before for a couple SEMA Caddy's. But it would be cool for them to do a limited production run with them.