When you hear about a 1968 Dodge Charger being transformed into a mid-engine monster, you know something special is going on. SpeedKore, the Wisconsin-based builder known for extreme craftsmanship, unveiled the “Hellacious” Charger as one of its boldest heritage builds yet. This car is more than just a showpiece, it’s a road-going legend with cinematic roots.
A Charger Born from the Big Screen
The 1968 Dodge Charger Hellacious by SpeedKore was built as a real-world counterpart to the movie car featured in F9: The Fast Saga. Dominic Toretto drove a version of this machine in the blockbuster film, but unlike most Hollywood cars, Hellacious was engineered to perform. SpeedKore has worked with the franchise since 2015, when its 1970 Charger “Tantrum” appeared in Furious 7. With Hellacious, the company took its Fast & Furious connection even further.
Hellcat Power with a Mid-Engine Twist
At the heart of the build is a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8. Instead of being under the hood, the engine sits between the rear axles, turning the Charger into a mid-engine beast. This setup delivers 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a gated Graziano transaxle sourced from a Lamborghini Gallardo. The combination makes Hellacious as wild in performance as it looks in style.
Built for Function, Not Just Form
Cooling and exhaust systems were completely re-engineered to fit the unusual architecture. A front-mounted radiator keeps temperatures in check, while MagnaFlow components and custom SpeedKore headers route the exhaust to downward-facing tips at the rear. With high-performance intercoolers feeding the supercharger, this build is designed to run as good as it looks.
Handling Meets Heritage
Hellacious rides on a custom perimeter frame with double A-arm front suspension from Detroit Speed and a rear wishbone setup from Race Car Replicas. QA1 shocks fine-tuned for track use, combined with an Ididit steering column and Detroit Speed steering rack, sharpen agility. Braking is equally serious with Brembo six-piston calipers up front and dual four-piston calipers at the rear. Add in a hydraulic handbrake, and this Charger can drift with precision.
Carbon Fiber Meets Classic Design
Like other SpeedKore builds, Hellacious is wrapped in full carbon fiber. Designer Sean Smith gave it a wide body with cut fenders, a glass rear hatch to showcase the engine, and aggressive new lines that still honor the 1968 Charger’s silhouette. Finished in matte-black BASF Glasurit paint with bronze accents on the wheels and rear stripe, it balances aggression with heritage-inspired elegance.
A Purpose-Built Interior
Inside, Hellacious is stripped down but effective. Low-back racing seats with Simpson harnesses, an aluminum dashboard with Classic Instruments gauges, and a roll hoop give the interior a motorsports feel. It’s not plush, it’s functional, made to echo the Charger’s racing spirit.
Subtle Details, Bold Presence
While the wide body and engine placement grab attention, small details tie the build together. Factory-style hideaway headlights, brushed steel bumpers, and flush-mounted glass keep a link to the original Charger DNA. It’s this balance of boldness and restraint that makes Hellacious stand out.
Summary
The 1968 Dodge Charger Hellacious by SpeedKore is more than just another custom muscle car. With its mid-engine Hellcat powertrain, carbon-fiber bodywork, and movie car legacy, it redefines what a heritage build can be. It’s aggressive, cinematic, and engineered to perform.
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Source: SpeedKore
