In support of United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM), a package of Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne’s customized 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and Mopar’s latest HEMI® V-8 crate engine will be auctioned with all proceeds going to UWSEM. The auction will take place during the Barrett-Jackson auction in Palm Beach, Fla., April 4-6, 2013.
This special contribution runs concurrent with United Way’s annual community giving campaign that was launched in September with a $35 million fundraising goal for the organization. Marchionne, who serves as Campaign Chair for the campaign, helped kick-off the annual campaign on Sept. 14 with a symbolic torch lighting ceremony on Detroit’s Hart Plaza.
“It gives me great pleasure to thank Sergio Marchionne and Chrysler Group for their commitment to Detroit and its surrounding communities,” said Michael J. Brennan, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Through the generous support of those who open their hearts and wallets during the Barrett-Jackson auction, United Way can capitalize on the ability to accelerate the impact of its work in three interconnected areas: education, income and basic needs.”
Marchionne’s personal, one-of-a-kind 2011 Pitch Black Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features a set of custom mixed “Dark Charcoal” racing stripes that were hand laid by the designers in the SRT brand design studio and applied by the master painters from the Chrysler Group’s Product Design Office.
The Challenger SRT8 392 has been lowered using a Mopar adjustable coil-over suspension kit to add even more performance attitude to its aggressive stance. The car also features a Mopar exhaust system. The SRT designers wanted a sinister look from every angle, so the tail lamps have been “smoked” and the iconic 392 HEMI® fender badges have been re-created in gloss and satin black finishes. The factory forged 20-inch-by-9-inch wheels have been finished in matte black to complete its menacing looks.
The interior features custom-trimmed black leather seats embroidered with SRT and 392 logos. Inside the instrument cluster, the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center with performance pages provides the driver with trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback for 0-60 mph, 60-0 mph braking, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile elapsed times along with various G-force measurements.
As equipped from the factory, Marchionne’s Challenger SRT8 392 is powered by the proven 392-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) HEMI V-8 engine that pumps out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque across a wide rpm range while still delivering up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway with its six-speed manual transmission. This legendary V-8 has gained some serious technology over the years and now features an active intake and an innovative cam in cam variable-cam timing that manipulates timing and overlap. Like the original 392 HEMI models from Chrysler Group, this Challenger backs its road presence with performance numbers such as 0-60 mph in the high 4-second range and quarter-mile elapsed time in the high 12s.
Mopar’s newest all-aluminum crate engine – the Gen III 426 HEMI V-8 is rated at 540 horsepower and 530 ft.-lbs. of torque for the buyer who wants even more hard charging horsepower from under the hood.
