Ringbrothers Dodge Charger Hellcat Captiv

In the worldwide scene of restomods, the American company Ringbrothers is one of the longest-standing manufacturers. On the basis of the classic Dodge Charger from 1969, a new vehicle was recently created. This received a technical update to the drive of the current Charger SRT Hellcat. Ringbrothers calls this new combination the “Captiv” because it is the perfect combination of classic design and current power. The upper section of the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine can be seen through the hood. It produces 527 kW/717 hp and 880 Nm of torque on the crankshaft. The engine power is transmitted to the rear axle via a six-speed manual gearbox and a carbon driveshaft. In the donor vehicle, the power is sufficient to accelerate to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and on to a topspeed of 204 mph. A freely programmable MoTec control unit is also used.

Conversion in New Zealand and the USA

HRE rims with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are used all around the Charger Hellcat Captiv. Behind it sit large-dimensioned brakes with six-piston calipers from Baer and an adjustable suspension. A Flowmaster exhaust system discharges into two tailpipes each directly behind the rear wheels. Around 4,000 man-hours went into building the restomod. It all began with an order placed by four-time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg Murphy from New Zealand. The first work on the vehicle also took place there. In a disassembled and partially prepared state, it then went by container to the Ringbrothers workshop in Spring Green, Wisconsin. For the exterior, Greg Murphy opted for a BASF “Pile Up Yellow” paint finish with matte black trim stripes. Below the front bumper, a spoiler lip provides more downforce. A new unibody was created to match the restored and modified body.

Modernized interior

While the exterior retains a link to the 1969 Charger, Ringbrothers significantly modified the interior. Digital instruments sit behind the carbon-fiber aluminium steering wheel with yellow 12-o’clock markings. There is another display in the center console. Toggle switches, two aluminium rotary switches on the left side of the dashboard and a long shift lever with yellow ball are also used. In front of the shifter sits a rotary-push switch with menu buttons for the infotainment system. As with the modern Charger SRT Hellcat, there are two different car keys. One activates valet mode, drastically reducing engine power. The other releases full power. Black leather and yellow decorative stitching enhance the interior.

Images: Ringbrothers