SEMA preview: Chrysler to bring 24 vehicles to show

With the 2012 SEMA Show just around the corner, it would appear that Chrysler Group is coming to party.

The company released details on many of the 24 modified vehicles it will be bringing to the private aftermarket show. Models from every one of its six brands (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT and Fiat) will be on display, each featuring parts from Chrysler Group’s Mopar aftermarket catalog.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Assn., has thousands of company members and many of them will descend on Las Vegas from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 to show off products like aftermarket wheels, vehicle body kits, engine upgrades and performance modifications for nearly every aspect of a car.

Photos: Chrysler’s 2012 SEMA preview

Automakers have taken note of the show’s reach and use it to showcase one-off designs of existing models as well as aftermarket products they make themselves.

We’ll be covering the event from the ground in Vegas, but here’s a quick rundown of the Chrysler products headed to the show:

Dodge Charger Juice: While it may look like a fairly straightforward Charger, underneath the hood lies plenty of menace. The folks at Chrysler shoehorned in a 650-horsepower Viper V-10 crate motor and then complemented it with a host of Mopar parts including a cold-air intake, a cat-back exhaust, a lowering kit, front spoiler, prototype hood, a grille and 20-inch Mopar wheels.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Half and Half: Think of this concept as one half normal, run-of-the-mill Jeep Grand Cherokee, one half over-chromed and hyper-accessorized nightmare from a spending bender at AutoZone. Chrysler Group says the aftermarket half shows of some of the thousands of parts available for Grand Cherokee owners, nearly all of which seem dripping in chrome. Taste sold separately.

SRT Viper: Though the standard car isn’t even on dealer lots yet, SRT is using SEMA to show off a customized version. Under the custom yellow paint are a host of carbon fiber parts, including an engine brace, aero package and an aluminum and carbon fiber engine cover. Mopar springs and suspension tighten the handling while the interior gets hard-shell seats with a safety harness, Mopar shift knob and a camera quick-release mount.

Chrysler 300 Luxury: This model keeps things relatively subdued. Underneath the unique True Blue paint sits an aftermarket Mopar rear axle and performance springs controlling 20-inch rims. Inside, premium leather is wrapped around the seats and shifter.

Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser: Fiat will show off a heavily modified 500 convertible concept that would be right at home heading to the beaches of Southern California. This concept has a body that’s been widened by a foot, onto which the company then added a prototype Mopar hood, rear deck lid and aluminum wheels. A Mopar surfboard rack sits atop the car and the car gets mechanical upgrades like a Mopar cold-air intake and exhaust.

Photos: Chrysler’s 2012 SEMA preview

Urban Ram: With the thunderous Dodge Ram SRT-10 no longer in production, Ram looks to fill a bit of that void with this truck. The company adds to the stock Ram 1500’s HEMI engine Mopar parts like headers, a cold-air intake, performance suspension, exhaust and brakes. Aesthetic moxie is added via an aftermarket hood, body kit, tonneau cover and 22-inch wheels.

Dodge Dart Carbon Fire: Yes, Fire, not Fiber. Though this concept certainly has a lot of the latter. Looking to spice up its latest sedan, Dodge added a prototype carbon fiber Mopar hood, prototype rear deck-lid spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels, a Mopar grille, front chin spoiler and daytime-running lights from the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

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