{"id":84064,"date":"2024-12-27T12:41:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-27T17:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dodgegarage.com\/news-api\/?p=84064"},"modified":"2024-12-11T16:50:40","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T21:50:40","slug":"sema-las-vegas-2024-the-finale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/events\/2024\/12\/sema-las-vegas-2024-the-finale.html","title":{"rendered":"SEMA Las Vegas 2024 – The Finale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s the place to be, especially when one finds the huge Mopar\u00ae<\/sub><\/strong> and Direct Connection exhibit inside the Convention Center!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitors to SEMA 2024 were treated to a truly fabulous place in the South Hall Lower, where the Mopar\u00ae<\/sub><\/strong> and Direct Connection official trade show exhibit was located. Dodge, Ram and Jeep\u00ae<\/sub><\/strong> brand vehicles were displayed, plus there was a great assortment of factory-engineered Mopar and Direct Connection parts and accessories for all to see. An impressive assortment of Direct Connection crate engines were lined up side-by-side, with full information listed on each one (1500 HEMI\u00ae<\/sup>, Supercharged Hellephant Series, Supercharged HellCrate Series, 392, 345 Crate HEMI Engines), which generated a great deal of interest from show attendees. Add in the new HurriCrate 3.0L Twin Turbo I-6 and there was plenty to see and absorb!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DODGE SRT\u00ae<\/sup> & DIRECT CONNECTION NHRA RACERS IN THE HOUSE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A real highlight at the exhibit was when Leah Pruett, husband Tony Stewart, Matt Hagan and Ida Zetterstr\u00f6m joined in the fun at the Direct Connection area, signed their NHRA hero cards and visited with the crowd! SEMA is all about the top drivers, the “who’s who” of American motorsports being there and very approachable! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DODGE CHARGER DAYTONA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

On display in the center of the exhibit was the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee Concept, everyone dug the “muscle car” shape of the car, they did a fantastic styling job, no doubt about it! With an 800-volt system and a two-speed transmission, the Banshee was created to be the EV equivalent of the V8 SRT Hellcat and even more with expected Direct Connection Stage Kits.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dodge and Direct Connection spokesperson Vanessa Reyes explained all the details of the potent Dodge Charger EV!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sleek styling from the rear has a certain ’60s muscle car flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

R-Wing aero treatment up front, cool Banshee logo, Pirelli P-Zero rubber, “Pentastar” wheel center design and carbon side mirrors are among the visual highlights of the car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CLASSIC MOPAR MUSCLE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

A very special tribute car was incorporated into the Mopar and Direct Connection exhibit as well, the Graveyard Carz<\/em> re-worked 1968 Charger R\/T created by the cast and crew of the reality TV show on Discovery. The chosen powerplant was the 392-cid, 485-horsepower crate engine (part # 68303090AB) backed by a 5-speed Tremec gearbox, linked to a Moser\/Dana 60 fitted with 3.54:1 gears. Suspension and steering upgrades came from Magnum Force. Classic Industries\/OER supplied the seats and interior soft trim, with PPG concept single stage polyurethane black paint with black vinyl top highlighting the exterior. It’s a great example of a classic Mopar muscle car with new, modern performance and technology applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

354 SUPERCHARGED HEMI DIRECT CONNECTION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3.0L Whipple twin-screw supercharger sits atop this 354-cid, 630-hp HEMI engine, a true NHRA Factory Stock Showdown contender! It’s a serious race engine! Part # P5160354AC. The Mopar and Direct Connection exhibit area was filled with cool stuff!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1967 PLYMOUTH GTX ELECTRIC<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

OK, it’s a classic ’67 Plymouth Belvedere GTX that we all love and respect as a legendary “B-body”; however, in the spirit of keeping current, this one is an “Electromod” version, the build team opened up rear wheel arches and increased the wheel diameter to 18 inches (BTG forged magnesium wheels) with Pirelli P-Zero tires,  along with subtle changes here and there from front to rear. Of course, the big deal is the change-over to electric propulsion! Factory specs list it as 335 hp output, 250-mile range and from four battery packs that carry a total of 384 lithium-ion battery cells (920 pounds total). It’s a well-built car that is three inches lower than a standard GTX and the Frostbite Blue paint does jump!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DIRECT CONNECTION GOODIES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There was numerous parts and pieces directly from the current 2nd Edition Direct Connection catalog, including an assortment of the complete crate engines, the area where these were placed provided lots of “wish list” ideas for serious performance buffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MOPAR BRAND<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Mopar brand was well-represented and “Explore Your Passion in Style” being the tag line for the various accessories. Brakes, suspension, exhaust, there was plenty of view and all cater to late-model applications. (Wheels, of course, for a multitude of Mopar vehicles of different eras.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

COOL JEEPS!!!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This vintage 1967 Kaiser M725 Jeep Military Ambulance was a highlight for nostalgia buffs that visited the exhibit! It’s been converted to an ultimate off-road support vehicle, rolling on 20-by-12-inch Armory eight-lug wheels wrapped with 40-inch rubber. The original chassis has been reinforced and suspension upgrades includes the replacement of original leaf springs with heavy-duty link\/coil springs. Painted Desert Tan, the rig has the authentic military appearance. For increased interior space, a pop-up roof panel was fabricated. To assist when putting this beast into reverse, a back-up camera was added in the build process.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

392H stencil markings refers to the Direct Connection 392-cid HEMI V8 crate engine that sits under the hood, which is backed by a rugged TorqueFlite\u00ae<\/sup> 3-speed automatic transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Built to pay homage to the 2009 Lower 40 concept from the 43rd Easter Safari some 15 years back, this Poison Apple Red-hued 2024 Jeep Wrangler Lowdown Concept also appeared in the exhibit. Rolling on some seriously jumbo tires (42-inch tall,14.5-inch wide tread Michelin Krawler Mud-Terrains) with 20-inch diameter Gold 6-spoke bead-lock wheels, positioned under high-clearance carbon-fiber fender flares. The suspension is stock Rubicon, no lift! Included in the design is a custom carbon-fiber hood (with see-through power dome), plus a bikini top with red-tinted sunshade. 6.4L (392-cid) HEMI engine power using an 8-speed automatic, feeding to Dana 60 front and rear axles, incorporating 5.38:1 gearing. It’s a wild off-road capable rig! <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The 2024 Jeep Willys Dispatcher Concept, featuring the nostalgic flavor of the early post-war CJ (Civilian Jeep) painted in Element 115 Green with vintage style steel wheels cream-colored wheels, wrapped with 36×16-inch Super Traxion off-road tires. Dana 50 front and rear differentials (4.70:1 ratios) and 4xe 2.0L Turbo engine for motivation. Add in the Warm winch and custom steel front and rear bumpers, Saddle Tan leather interior with houndstooth cloth inserts, it received a real retro makeover!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Spearminted Green 2024 Jeep Wagoneer Vacationeer was done up to invoke a feeling of a classic family road trip! A Skyloft Roof Top tent greatly increased overall interior space and custom body side wood graphics is a throwback to yesteryear. Fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RAM 4X4<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With Hurricane High Output SST power, there was this fully-equipped Moparized 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Concept, 540 horsepower from the I6 engine, the most powerful in its class!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RADFORD RACING SCHOOL SIMULATION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Chandler, AZ-based Radford Racing School had a pair of SRT Hellcat Challengers staged up in the Mopar area and visitors could sit inside them and “run the race course” on the large screen ahead of the vehicle, a very realistic experience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DODGE RACER MORGAN EVANS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

She was the winner in the Dodge Direct Connection Grudge Match at the Roadkill Nights event in Michigan (M1 Concourse) with her 1987 Dodge Ram! With support from Jeg’s Performance and a lot of wrenching from her Torque n’ Tungsten team, the vintage short-bed truck with a new Direct Connection inline-six HurriCrate engine transplant performed well and earned her the honors of victory! Dodge CEO Matt McAlear was there and congratulated her and the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HER HURRICRATE ENGINE SWAP<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It took hard work and determination with dedication to details, the fitting of the Part # 68643793AA 3.0L HurriCrate powerplant was achieved and the trip from Florida to Michigan showed the crowd the potent   performance capabilities! And it was a completely stock <\/em>Direct Connection crate engine, even still retaining the OEM paper air filter housed inside the factory airbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and Moser-built 8 3\/4″ rear differential puts the HurriCrate HO power to the tarmac, thanks to a set of sticky Mickey Thompson wide tires in conjunction with a set of Calvert Racing split mono-leaf springs and bars for traction. She has a YouTube channel “Torque n’ Tungsten” which documented the build. Cool truck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORGAN DIGS ALL THINGS MOPAR<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Morgan took the time to check out all the Direct Connection product displays, took a liking to the various items including the 2.7L Supercharger Kit, as well as the HellCrate Redeye 6.2L Supercharged Crate HEMI Engine! And then her inspection of the unique front R-Wing that works with the passing air through the front open grille of the car, an integrated aerodynamic design feature, designed for stability and downforce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MOPAR & DIRECT CONNECTION STAFF<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There were so many things to see while inside the exhibit and the pictured staff extremely well informed, knowledgeable and helpful to all visitors who had questions about the various products and vehicles displayed! There was lots of interest in that vintage D150 Dodge Ram pickup with the transplanted 3.0L HurriCrate Cat 3 I-6 crate engine, which delivers 500 horsepower through its twin turbochargers and 26 psi of maximum boost. Here’s the well-versed staff surrounding the vehicle (Vanessa Reyes, Chuck Spieser, Abby Radcliffe) along with hero champion driver Morgan Evans and husband Jason Kastner, who spun the wrenches and sorted out\/tuned the retro truck. A proud SEMA Show moment for all!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Author: James Maxwell<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s the place to be, especially when one finds the huge Mopar\u00ae and Direct Connection exhibit inside the Convention Center! Visitors to SEMA 2024 were treated to a truly fabulous place in the South Hall Lower, where the Mopar\u00ae and Direct Connection official trade show exhibit was located. Dodge, Ram and Jeep\u00ae brand vehicles were displayed, plus there was a great assortment of factory-engineered Mopar and Direct Connection parts and accessories for all to see. An impressive assortment of Direct Connection crate engines were lined up side-by-side, with full information […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":84023,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[497],"tags":[2642,2984,605],"class_list":["post-84064","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","tag-auto-show","tag-direct-connection","tag-srt"],"acf":[],"custom_fields":{"post_thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SEMA24P3_Feature.jpg","social_image":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SEMA24P3_Social.jpg","icon_selection":"article","external_link":"","featured_article":[],"upload_background_image":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84064"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84064"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84064\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84078,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84064\/revisions\/84078"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84064"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84064"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.api.dodgegarage.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84064"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}