Hellephant: Dodge's New 1000-HP Crate Engine Has the Best Name

Just when you thought the 840-horsepower Dodge Demon was crazy enough, Mopar is going to the next level with this 1,000-horsepower SEMA concept.

This 1968 Dodge Super Charger Concept debuted today at 4:26 pm in honor of the new 426 Hellephant crate engine that was presented alongside it. This concept is actually a customized 1968 Charger that’s been modified to handle the new 1,000-horsepower crate engine. It’s a mix of old and new, featuring a stock T-6060 manual six-speed Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat transmission, Hellcat wheels, six-piston Brembo brakes and Alfa Romeo Stelvio 5-inch exhaust tips that run through the taillamp housing.

The lights have been modified too, as there are no longer pop-up headlights on this car, but lights borrowed from the SRT Hellcat, while the taillights adopt LEDs.

It’s not all fancy new stuff though, as this Charger features shaved door handles and drip rails while the front door vent windows have been replaced with a one-piece side glass. Finally, Mopar puts a set of 1971 Duster side view mirrors for a more modern look. There’s a lot of custom fiberglass bodywork at play here, letting this old car look sleek and modern. The custom fiberglass front chin splitter is influenced by the Demon, while the custom rear spoiler is inspired by the modern Charger R/T. There are satin-black vinyl decals all over the vehicle, sporting Super Charger badging and Hellephant graphics. The fuel door features a custom-milled Hellephant medallion made out of aluminum.

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The interior has been thoroughly reworked. It doesn’t feature rear passenger seats. Instead, there is a custom 2-inch roll cage back there, but the front seats are thrones borrowed from the outgoing SRT Viper as well as four-point Sabelt black racing harnesses. The steering wheel is also borrowed from the Viper, but you’ll also appreciate that Mopar has removed all references to the snake, the Hellcat or Demon instead using a new Hellephant logo throughout the vehicle. The body-color center console is where you’ll find the ignition button and toggle switches for the headlamps, wipers, fog lights, and hazard lights. There’s a whole bunch of Mopar gauges to supply the driver with important information.

Its a shame this concept isn’t a car we can pick up at the dealership, but that powerplant is within grasp. The 426 Hellephant engine is a crate offering that makes 1,000-horsepower and 950 lb-ft of torque.

“Our enthusiasts crave power and performance and our new ‘Hellephant’ Mopar Crate HEMI engine and kit deliver huge horsepower and torque in a plug-and-play package that is unique in the industry,” said Steve Beahm, FCA North America’s head of Parts & Service and Passenger Car Brands. “The 1968 Dodge Charger is one of the hottest classic cars, which is why we decided to use it as a starting point for the ‘Super Charger’ Concept. It’s an amazing vehicle and a great showcase for our ‘Hellephant’ engine.”

The Hellephant features 4.0 inches of stroke while the bore is spec’d at 4.125 inches. It also features a supercharger mounted right on the all aluminum block.

The complete engine assembly includes a water pump, flywheel, front sump oil pan, supercharger with a throttle body, fuel injectors, and coil packs. The engine assembly and kit are designed for installation on pre-1976 street and off-road vehicles that will surely excite car builders and installers.

Mopar will also offer a front-end accessory drive kit that includes an alternator, power-steering pump, belts, and pulleys.

What makes the Hellephant do its thing? Well, the all-aluminum block was used in Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak race vehicles, which are dominant in the 2018 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown class. There are also plenty of items in this engine that are also found on the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, like the valve covers. The Dodge Demon contributed valve train, valves, locks, and retainers. Of course, there are bespoke components too, like a special high-lift cam, as well as custom-forged pistons.

You might call it excessive, but the customizers and hotrodders out there will love Mopar’s latest offering. It should be available in the first quarter of 2019.