Video: Jay Leno drives the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger

The 1970 Challenger depicted in this video is the E-Max, constructed by suspension specialists Hotchkis. The folks at Hotchkis wanted to build a rolling showcase for their parts, a muscle car that drove and rode like a modern sports car.

As a matter of fact, the E-Max drives a lot like an autocross car. It's no wonder Jay compares the drive to a Lamborghini. And for a big two ton beast like this, that's quite the compliment.

HPP Daytona conversion - a closer look

One of the real showstoppers at SEMA was this converted Dodge Challenger turned retro Daytona. Heide Performance Products is behind this retro ride, and their president, Gordon M. Heidacker, has been in the car business for 23 years. Heidacker started HPP to fill, "a general hole in the market for accessories and upscale vehicles that could be converted into passionate expressions of metal, glass, plastic to become rolling art."

And a rolling piece of art the Daytona is. Heidacker had a conversation with Chrysler explaining what he and his team wanted to do. And if Chrysler liked it, they'd fund it. But, as Heidacker points out, they "Delivered that proposal to Mopar exactly 1.5 hours before they declared bankruptcy. So we decided to internally fund the project."


Performance:
Supercharged 5.7 L V-8 (600 HP est.) Vortech Supercharger
K&W Coil Over Adjustable Suspension (Vehicle lowered 3.5")
Magnaflow Cat Back System 3" with Custom Side Exit Exhaust Tips

Interior:
Seat Inserts and Logos
Custom Shifter and Shift knob
Custom Floor mats and Trunk mat
Custom Black Face gauges, with Chrome bezels and pointers
Color matching trim bezels (Gauges, Center Stack, Console)
HPP Badging on doors
Daytona Dash Badge

Exterior:
Custom front Daytona / Superbird nose with active hidden headlights
Custom Side Rocker covers
New Aluminum hood with custom hood power scoop
Custom Hood fender vents
Custom Rear Daytona / Superbird wing
Custom rear fascia with Side Exit Exhaust
Repositioned Side marker lights
New rear tail lights and center Daytona bezel
Custom Graphics
Custom door detail