Coming to SEMA: Armageddon

Now they do it! Those Europeans at Stellantis – the same people who have stopped rolling out the Hemi for a third time, if not a second for the Dodge Challenger – are now trying to destroy our old car. If you dare to see how, come visit the Mopar display at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Here’s the idea: You know that old Mopar sitting in your yard? Has the one your wife noticed not been touched in 12 years? Mopar wants you to consider sacrificing it for the company’s interesting battery-electric vehicle conversion kit. The 1967 Plymouth GTX Electromod concept will be unveiled at SEMA from November 5-8, 2024, and is expected to showcase “the potential of future… e-Crate propulsion systems for enthusiasts to build or modify classic and current cars and truck.”

The “eye-catching” Frostbite Blue zero-emissions concept features widened rear wheel openings “giving it an aggressive and modern look”. Clearly, this predecessor 440 looks like a hot rod, with its body-color bumpers trimmed and folded appropriately to create a $100 million modern look. Also look out for the satin black grille, window trim, mirrors and tailgate.

A custom carbon fiber hood with a pair of functional air extractors and stripes will annoy purists looking to emulate what’s on the original GTX, but let’s be honest: you’re probably already pissed. There’s even a front splitter and subtle rear spoiler – also in carbon fiber.

A 400-volt, 250-kilowatt Electric Drive Module (EDM) is attached to the unibody body via a custom motor mount. On top of the EDM is an integrated dual charging module with a special cover that pays homage to the Hellcat supercharger (sarcasm?). If you’re feeling left out, E-body fans, rest assured that Mopar has created the opportunity for you to fit that long, old Barracuda in your “I’ll restore it one day” barn.

Four battery packs (each weighing approximately 230 pounds) carry 384 lithium-ion cells to power this Plymouth. Three of the bags are enclosed in custom aluminum frames mounted in the trunk for easy removal/replacement. A fourth battery pack is mounted behind the grille, beneath a set of radiators, to aid weight distribution and under-hood appearance. Their combined power rating is 73 kWh. Output is about 335 horsepower, about 15 horsepower less than the 426 Hemi’s net rating. Range is about 250 miles, more than an Elephant.

Riding on a lowered three-link suspension with 18 x 9-inch BTG Vintage Bronze forged magnesium wheels and Pirelli P-ZERO tires, this GTX won’t let you miss those succumbing to the poverty-stricken upper limits of your property.

Inside, you’ll notice a mix of classic and modern. The seats are modified Wrangler bucket seats, finished in Indigo premium leather with gunmetal suede inserts. Antique bronze highlights the blue door panels. The custom center console features a rotary shift knob (sourced from the Durango) and even a cup holder (no surprise here). Custom gauges include a 160-mph analog speedometer, as well as gauges to measure battery charge, instantaneous current, and battery and motor coolant temperatures.

Yes, the only guarantees in life are death and taxes. We can only control this, so before you put yourself in a situation of no return at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 5-8, think of your loved ones.