The EV conversion kit underpinning the classic muscle car could be coming as a kit for a DIY engine swap on older vehicles
SEMA stands for the “Specialty Equipment Market Association,” and this annual auto-palooza is a trade show where companies show off their latest-and-greatest aftermarket items in the hopes that auto parts stores and other distributors will carry them. But it’s also a showcase for automakers, and that’s where Mopar steps in. It’s the aftermarket arm of Stellantis, making official accessories for Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, and all of its other brands.
Along with existing products, some companies such as Mopar display concept items, to see if there’s enough interest to bring them to market. It’s also common to build full vehicles with these aftermarket items to show their potential, and that’s the story behind these three feature vehicles.
1967 Plymouth GTX Electromod Concept
A resto-mod (or resto-rod) is an old car that’s restored and modified, but typically the customization is mostly mechanical and it still looks close to original, at least on the outside. In this case, “Electromod” means that while it’s still fairly close to its original 1967 Plymouth GTX appearance overall, there’s an electric motor under that hood.
That motor kit is one of those “let’s see if it flies” items — Mopar said it’s gauging interest in an EV conversion kit for older cars, and perhaps newer ones as well. It’s also being realistic about it, since the motor spins out some 335 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. That’s pretty much a rarity at SEMA, where everyone stuffs in as much power as possible to grab attention, even if the car just sits on display.
Here, Mopar’s looking at electric conversions intended for Sunday drives and cruise nights, and without the extra work and cost of reinforcing everything so the torque doesn’t break the car into pieces. It could also potentially be done by DIY car hobbyists, just as they’re now doing engine swaps in their garages.
Three of the battery packs – a total of 348 lithium-ion cells – are mounted in the trunk in a custom-made aluminum frame, with the fourth under the hood for weight distribution. The range is estimated at 402 km (250 miles) per full charge.
The GTX Electromod retains its original torsion-bar independent front suspension, but gets a three-link coil-over lowered rear suspension with 18-inch BTG forged magnesium wheels. One of the few major body modifications was creating a larger rear wheel arch that reveals the tire; the original arch covered part of the rim. It also has a one-of-one carbon-fibre hood with functional air extractors, and carbon-fibre front splitter and rear spoiler. The original flip-style gas cap has been modified into the charging port cover.
Ram 2500 Power Wagon Concept
Mopar-branded items include the performance hood, spray-in bed-liner, bed steps and tubular side steps, floor mats, and stainless steel pedal covers.
The most noticeable stuff is atop the truck, with a Leitner Designs cargo system with eight integrated GearPODS, so cargo can be stored above the bed rather than in it. For stuff that is in the box, there’s a drop-in bed slide system that pulls out for easy access to it. On the roof is an aluminum rack with TYRI 12-inch LED off-road lights, and brackets painted “Hemi Orange” in honour of the powerplant.
Inside, the Power Wagon has a new accessory rail on top of the dash, which can hold phones or other devices, including for making videos when going off-road. The seats are custom-clad in Katzkin leather upholstery with orange stitching and Mopar logos.
“Moparized” Ram 1500 RHO
It shares that engine with some of the other top Ram trims, but also exclusively adds a low-restriction true-dual exhaust; dual engine-oil pickups; and high-flow air induction with an easily-accessible filter, so you can shake the sand out if you’re running on the dunes.
This show truck wears 37-inch tires, and includes such Mopar accessories as a RamBar light bar with TYRI lights, stamped side steps, bed-mounted spare tire carrier, and spray-in bedliner. Over its satin Diamond Black paint are bodyside graphics that include cascading waves of the Mopar logo. Inside, the Moparized RHO shares the Power Wagon’s dash-top accessory rail, and its custom upholstery has accents and suede bolsters in Mopar’s signature blue.
But wait, there’s more—
The SEMA Show runs from November 5 to 8, 2024 in Las Vegas.
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