Follow us today...
The huge SEMA Show kicks off Tuesday in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Mopar plans to electrify the crowd with some plans it has for the future. Mopar will display a 1967 Plymouth GTX that has been updated with Mopar’s vision of an e-Crate electric powertrain. The e-Crate powertrain is just a concept for now but if it can be developed affordably, it could change the future of car collecting. Insiders will tell you that interest in classic cars is waning as baby-boomers are aging. Younger generations aren’t as interested in the classics of the 50’s and 60’s. Upgrading to new electric powertrains could be the change that spurs interest from the younger potential buyers. The conversion kit could be especially popular for the classic Plymouths, as well as Dodge Chargers and Challengers.
“Our new Mopar concept vehicles showcase different ends of the performance spectrum, bringing innovative design and engineering expertise with a zero-emissions muscle car concept and the latest ideas for the Ram Sport truck lineup,” said Mike Koval Jr., head of Mopar North America. “Whether it’s envisioning an electrified propulsion system or outfitting the most capable production off-road pickups, Mopar is ready to enhance the customer experience with quality-tested, factory-backed parts and accessories.”
1967 Plymouth GTX Electromod Concept
1967 Plymouth GTX Electromod Concept is powered by a conceptual battery-electric vehicle (BEV) conversion kit. Car fans would be able to retrofit or convert classic and current cars and trucks into BEVs. Currently, there are companies that convert vehicles into BEVs but it is an expensive process.
The GTX Electromod Concept has a one-off, custom carbon-fiber hood with dual functional air extractors, accented with dual Satin Black stripes, similar to the original Plymouth GTX. The classic Mopar restomod pays homage to the flip-top fuel caps of the 1960s-70s, the cap has been updated to be the charge-port door.
The carbon-fiber hood covers a 400-volt, 250-kilowatt electric drive module (EDM) that attaches to the frame with custom-designed isolated motor mounts. All mounts are designed to be easily manufactured, with each brace or bracket to be cut from 6061 aluminum alloy. An integrated dual-charging module (IDCM) sits on top of the EDM. According to Mopar, this EDM mounting kit has the potential to work between both E- and B- body vehicles.
Output is approximately 335 horsepower and torque to the rear wheels runs through a 3:1 gear reducer. Driving range is an estimated 250 miles.
Four battery packs carry a total of 384 lithium-ion battery cells. Three packs are enclosed in a custom-built, cartridge-style aluminum frame securely mounted in the trunk designed for easy removal during service or replacement. The fourth battery pack is mounted below a set of low-profile radiators under the hood and behind the grille for better weight distribution and to improve engine bay appearance. The entire battery system is rated at 73 kilowatt-hours, with each battery weighing approximately 230 pounds.
The custom-designed instrument panel features a 160-mph analog speedometer, battery monitoring gauge, and battery and motor-coolant temperature gauges.
Is the Mopar E-Crate Conversion Kit Concept Realistic?
Now the big questions are: can they build the e-Crate affordably, and will they? Dodge is planning on showcasing crate engines at SEMA as part of its Direct Connection performance parts display. The companies know that there is money to be made in the aftermarket arena. Is the profit margin high enough that they will decide to invest in it? Only the companies can answer that question.
Mopar’s display area is located in the South Hall. The display spotlights customized vehicles from Jeep, Ram and Dodge. I have already reported on Mopar’s plans for customizing the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO and the 2025 Ram 2500 Power Wagon.
Mopar Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
Follow us today...
