Here’s a small taste of what’s it’s like to ride in a rally car – in this case the Dodge Challenger Targa, which completed the grueling Targa Newfoundland in September. The Challenger Targa, a full-blown competition car, was affectionately nicknamed “Samantha” by co-drivers Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Vice President of Design, and Karen Wagner, the Rally America National U.S. Champion 2006-2008.
The tandem raced the “super sublime” green Challenger Targa over 2,200 kilometers (1,365 miles) around the Canadian maritime province of Newfoundland over six days. The one-of-its-kind event attracts competitors from around the world.
The Challenger Targa was built by Chrysler employees, many of whom volunteered their time. The car is powered by a 540-horsepower 392 HEMI® V-8 Mopar crate motor crammed under a Mopar hood. With only a few exceptions, the Challenger Targa was built using Mopar parts.
