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SpeedKore is no stranger to building impressive Mopar muscle cars. They’ve already created incredible classic cars like Avengers star Chris Evans’ restomod 1967 Chevrolet Camaro and the bonkers mid-engine 1968 Dodge Charger from the Fast franchise. However, the latest tease from artist Abimelec Arellano suggests that Speedkore could turn that mid-engine Charger into a Daytona-style magic masterpiece. 

What is a Dodge Charger Daytona?

When Dodge unveiled the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, it had a single purpose: to dominate NASCAR. The car was a derivation of the Charger 500, with some obvious differences. The first and arguably most noticeable is the shark-nose front fascia with pop-up headlights. Move to the rear of the storied Mopar, and you’ll notice one of the tallest wings in the game, measuring nearly two feet. 

The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona is the inspiration for SpeedKore's mid-engine Charger Daytona concept.
Dodge Charger Daytona 440 1969 | Simon Clay, National Motor Museum, Getty Images

The modifications weren’t just aesthetic in nature; the front cowl decreased drag caused by the Charger’s angular front end. Moreover, the Charger Daytona’s wing helped its aerodynamic qualities as well. Changes like these led to a dominant, albeit short, career in motorsport. It makes sense that SpeedKore would eventually put its own spin on a custom Dodge Charger Daytona.  

What makes a Charger a Daytona?

Although Dodge only made 503 Charger Daytonas before discontinuing it in 1969, the automaker brought back a few more recent tributes to the racing icon. From 2006 to 2013, the four-door Charger Daytona sported its namesake on the rear and “Hemi” on the hood. Also, Dodge brought back the Daytona package in 2018 with similar little giveaways. 

Who built the mid-engine Charger?

The mid-engine Charger was one of SpeedKore's strangest builds
Mid-Engine Charger | Rodin Eckenroth, Getty Images

The mid-engine 1968 Dodge Charger is a SpeedKore build. Further, the American builder created the custom car for use in the film F9. SpeedKore’s mid-engine Charger is wild enough without the addition of Daytona features. With supercharged Hellcat power and custom fabricated everything, it’s quite a custom Mopar machine. However, artist Abimelec Arellano disagreed that it can’t go farther; this mid-engine Daytona needs life. 

In the case of the mid-engine Daytona, the vehicle looks very similar to the mid-engine Charger that SpeedKore created for the F9 film. However, like the original Daytona, there are some differences. The mid-engine Daytona would have a shark-nose front end like the original car but modernized with glass-covered lamps instead of pop-ups. Mopar fans will rejoice, as that massive rear wing would also grace the back end.  

Will SpeedKore build the mid-engine Charger Daytona?

SpeedKore hasn’t confirmed a mid-engine Daytona build yet, but the concept is pretty cool. However, with the popularity and noteworthiness of SpeedKore’s builds, it doesn’t seem that ridiculous. The producers know who to call if the subsequent films in the Fast franchise require some truly mold-defying takes on classic American muscle.  

Also, Top Gear thinks that SpeedKore will continue the parade of underworld-themed monikers for the car. It would be cool to see a “Le Monstrosity” (toying with Le Mans) or something to that effect. Either way, a mid-engine Charger Daytona would be a sight to behold. 

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