XV Motorsports 1970 Dodge Challenger - Jumping the Tracks

Dodge's '70 E-Body could be dressed with a variety of diverse packages: SE, R/T, T/A, and-now expected in 2008-the SRT-8. XV Motorsports in Irvington, New York, has made it their mission to convert their shop into the end-all facility for classic Mopar modernization. their web site states, "Our prospect is simple: take the hottest classic Mopar musclecars and apply the finest state-of-the-art engineering and technology. The result? A modern supercar with head-turning style, mind-bending performance, corner-carving handling, reliability, and modern creature comforts. Cars that can be used as a reliable daily driver, run competitively in open track events, or trounce on many of today's most exotic performance cars."

But it's not all high-tech suspension components, monster braking systems, or computer-blueprinted, heavily engineered new-generation Hemi conversions. Much of XV Motorsports resources are applied to building "highly select, original, and unmodified musclecars" that appeal to the private collector or long-time enthusiasts wanting to recapture a little bit of their youth. As the company pursues the "raw materials" to build their tailored, high-tech Mopars, it comes across many rare and collectible musclecars, including some unmolested "survivors." As such cars grow increasingly scarcer, the preservation and restoration of these vehicles helps to retain the hobby's true roots, but it's the development of the brand's own variation on the supercar that draws the younger generation's attention.

Targeting the two most readily accessible platforms-the '68-'70 B-Body and the '70-'74 E-Body-XV is revolutionizing the performance and modification market. With nearly everything needed to complete a project Mopar available for a fee and given the influx of aftermarket suppliers, restoring one of these vehicles has become nearly pain free. But the metamorphosis of one of these machines from a stocker to a course carver is a totally different venture.

XV had to start from the ground floor and work its way up when it came to producing replacement suspension and driveline components that would not only pass computer simulations and road testing, but also have the capibility to be installed by the motivated do-it-yourselfer. This sent the designers and engineers at XV to the drawing boards. Wanting to make 5.7L and 6.1L Hemi swaps as accessible as possible, XV started by reconfiguring the factory K-frame, which in turn led to the redesign of the factory suspension structuring. Boxed upper and lower A-arms, adjustable coilover shocks, a personally crafted antisway bar, rack-and-pinion steering, aluminum spindles and K-frame compose the front package made for both the B- and E-Body applications. The rears would get the same attention with a three-link, coilover shocks, rear sway bar, and heavy-duty leaves.

The second most potent plant available from the company, this number one production supercar is stocked with XV's modified 5.7L Hemi pushing out 440 horses. This is thanks in part to custom-forged pistons, ARP bolts, a single-plane intake, a four-barrel throttle body, trick exhaust, and a custom-ground camshaft. You can have a 5.7L or a SRT-style 6.1L, which when fully outfitted can make 600 hp!

Available as separate packages or as a complete set, the suspension package would be incomplete without XV's chassis stiffening equipment, including laser-cut subframe connectors, lower radiator supports, framerail connectors, and a precision inner-fender shock tower brace.

What is found between the shock towers distinguishes the XV brand from the rest of the custom builders. XV not only mastered the installation of the next-gen Hemi, but also the tuning of said powerplant. The shop learned how to eke out the most power and reliability available from the 5.7L, leaving them with three different variations of the cross-platform engine. With a beginning choice of a 360, 440, or 485hp 5.7, a potential buyer can also pick from a 525- or 600-horse 6.1L.

XV's engines are fitted with custom-crafted forged pistons, ARP hardware, and custom-ground camshafts, as well as in-house ported single-plane intake manifolds and four-barrel throttle bodies. the quintuplet of available transmissions seals the powertrain package for most interested buyers. two takes on the T-56 six-speed (one standard, the other up to Viper-specifications), a TKO 600 six-speed, a bulletproof 727 TorqueFlite, or a four-speed computer-controlled automatic with pushbutton overdrive give XV's clients 50 different combinations (five engines, five transmissions, and two different suspension packages). Wanting to offer their equipment either as separate, individual components or as complete package vehicles, XV decided it was time to build a car to showcase their capabilities.

Stamped XV001 and coated in visible-from-space XV Orange, the car is stripped of any cluttering badging except for the simple "XV" tags in the grille, on the steering wheel, gauges, and license plate. A blacked-out T/A hood and matching deck spoiler hint at the Challenger's Trans Am history, while the rest of the car screams 21st century. Built in-house, the number one XV Challenger rides on the Level II suspension package, offering more superior road handling attributes than the lower tier. Inside the cabin, the Recaro seats are wrapped in custom black leather, as are the dash, door panels, kick panels, rear quarter-panels, A-pillar trim, and steering wheel. air conditioning, power windows, a pair of three-point seat belts, custom instruments featuring a 200-mph speedometer, and an Alpine sound system top off the list of creature comforts.

The T/A hood helps to give the XV supercar a little hint of its nostalgic Trans Am racing history.

The car had been making appearances at shows and events, but is now up for sale. Of course, if you'd like one but in TorRed, XV will be happy to build one for you.

Many of the road course photos were taken at Mosport International Raceway, a facility that is the perfect place to demonstrate the car's aptitude at taking turns and banks while eating up the straight-aways.

If you would like to own what could be considered the definitive modernized musclecar, XV is happily taking orders for their custom-built machines and equipment.