SEMA: Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Jeep, Ram and SRT Reveal Concepts

The Chrysler family of brands will bring an impressive array of custom and aftermarket vehicles to the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas on October 30.

The fun of SEMA is the creativity and over-the-top customization, and it’s even better when automakers themselves join in the fun. It’s a chance to use extreme customs to market their mass-produced vehicles, and show off their OEM aftermarket products as well. This year will be no exception, and Chrysler is bringing a fullcourt press like they play for John Calipari.

Production vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram and SRT will be twisted and painted and morphed into SEMA-ized versions that attract stares and inspire dreams, from the bulked-up Dodge Charger Juiced to the nostalgic Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser. The Charger Juiced has been fitted with the 650 horsepower Viper V-10 engine and Mopar intake and exhaust, bodykits and wheels. The 500 Beach Cruiser, meanwhile, harkens back to the days of the woody, widened by a foot and equipped with a roof rack surfboard carrier.

Chrysler is also trotting out subtle designs like the Chrysler 300 Luxury, which takes premium ambiance up a notch with a Katzkin leather interior, platinum mesh grille and 20-inch satin carbon wheels. Chrysler also tossed Mopar headers, cold-air intake and chrome-tipped dual exhaust inside a 2013 Ram 1500 pick-up truck to create the blue-striped Urban Ram.

One of the most interesting concepts, perhaps in all of SEMA this year, is the Dodge Dart Carbon Fire. The Dart is a potentially huge vehicle for Mopar aftermarket accessories, launching this summer with more than 150 available parts – the most in the Chrysler family. Chrysler outdid themselves using Mopar to turn the Dart into a truly unique Carbon Fire custom. A carbon fiber hood and rear decklid spoiler take the design to new levels, while a Mopar chin spoiler and body kit – both in satin black – make the Dart as aggressive as ever. Throw in some fog lamps from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and gloss black accents and you’re staring into the future of customized Darts coming to a high school parking lot near you.

Chrysler also threw their new 5.7L HEMI V-8 conversion kit into a Jeep Wrangler, added matte tan paint and 42-inch Super Swamper Bogger tires to create the Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper – we approve – and made minor improvements to production vehicles to produce the Mopar-ized Jeep Grand Cherokee Half & Half and the SEMA SRT Viper. We’ll be reporting live from SEMA when the show kicks off in two weeks, so stay tuned for photos and video from the biggest aftermarket show in the world.

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