Mopar in Motorsports
Mopar is a company that is a division of the former Chrysler Corporation. They are responsible for the manufacture of car parts, as well as provide services and customer care. Today, it is now part of the Stellantis brand. Mopar is the primary OEM accessory seller for Stellantis vehicles. As we explore the history of the brand, you’ll discover the history of Mopar in motorsports.
Key Takeaways
• Mopar is a name derived from the combination of “motor” and “parts.” It is known for manufacturing and distributing replacement parts for Chrysler and FCA-branded vehicles.
• Mopar in motorsport history includes sponsoring various drivers in performance and drag racing events, as well as the only licensed manufacturer for various muscle cars under the FCA brand.
• Among the most popular Mopar muscle cars are the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda, the Dodge Viper GTS, the Dodge Charger Daytona, and the Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat.
History of Mopar
What is Mopar? It’s a question that often sticks to mind, especially for car enthusiasts. The name Mopar is derived from “Motor” and “Parts.” This nickname has since been recognized by car enthusiasts to mean any Chrysler-built products. The first official use of the name Mopar was in 1937, when it was officially used as a label on a branded product.
Mopar accessories and car parts are manufactured specifically for FCA vehicles or those under the Stellantis brand. It is a subsidiary of the FCA company, wherein they are authorized to manufacture and distribute authentic replacement parts and accessories. Over time, the name Mopar has went on to mean different things among car enthusiasts, which includes as a reference to other vehicles manufactured under the parent company of Stellantis.
Although Mopar is known for manufacturing parts specifically for Chrysler and FCA-branded vehicles, they do not have their own assembly lines. There are 13 custom Mopar shops in the US and North America that customize vehicles based on specific Mopar parts and accessories that the customers have chosen. In addition, Mopar is authorized in the manufacture of restoration parts for vintage cars, such as Jeep and AMC vehicles.
The Mopar Nationals is an annual event wherein car enthusiasts can showcase their Mopar vehicles. It takes place in different regions throughout the US each year. This event is a testament to the popularity of the Mopar brand in the automotive industry.
Mopar in Motorsports
Discovering the history of Mopar in motorsports is a crucial part of understanding what the company offers the automotive industry. Since the company is mainly known for manufacturing replacement parts and accessories, these components helped to generate more power out of the FCA vehicles.
By the 1960s, the Mopar brand grew extensively and it became involved in drag race events. Given how Mopar performance parts helped to optimize the power of the cars under the Chrysler and FCA brand, it wasn’t long until the brand started to represent various classic cars and muscle cars.
Mopar Muscle Cars
Let’s meet the different Mopar muscle cars that were among the most recognizable in the brand’s history.
1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda
The 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda is a monstrous muscle car that is equipped with a 7L Hemi V8 engine capable of pushing this car to its limit. This muscle car’s engine can go from zero to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. Meanwhile, it can effortlessly hit the 155-mph mark.
This four-speed convertible wowed everyone when it hit the market in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the lingering oil crisis during that time contributed to its untimely demise. Despite its short tenure, this Mopar muscle car left its lasting legacy in motorsport history.
1969 Charger Daytona
The Charger Daytone is another one of the most notable Mopar muscle cars. It’s no wonder the Daytona is a favorite among Mopar enthusiasts. It features a 7.2-L Magnum engine with up to 390 horsepower. There is another variant with a 7L Hemi V8 engine with up to 425 horsepower.
This muscle car made NASCAR history in 1970 when it became the first car to hit the 200-mph mark.
1996 Dodge Viper GTS
With a powerful 8L V10 engine under its hood, the Viper GTS can produce 450 horsepower with relative ease. As one of the most notable Mopar muscle cars, it was one of the fastest cars in the 1990s. It could go from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds. Meanwhile, its top speed is recorded at 177 mph.
Since there were only 1,100 units of the Dodge Viper GTS that were manufactured, it is one of the rarest Mopar muscle cars.
2015 Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat
Any muscle car fanatic knows the Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat. The Challenger features the 6.2L V8 engine with 707 horsepower and an acceleration of 3.6 seconds. The top speed for the Challenger is recorded at 199 mph.
On the other hand, the Dodge Charger has the 6.2L V8 engine with up to 707 horsepower and top speed of 204 mph.
Sponsorship in Motorsports History
Aside from manufacturing and distributing performance parts for racing and motorsport vehicles, Mopar was also involved in the motorsport history by sponsoring events and drivers. It is part of the Mopar legacy in over 80 years.
In the late 1990s, Mopar sponsored the NASCAR driver Jimmy Hensley during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. They also sponsored another driver, Kasey Kahne, in the Nextel Cup Series from 2004 to 2007.
In North America, Mopar is part of the Formula D racing, as well as numerous drag racing events. It sponsors Tony Schumacher and various Don Schumacher Racing drivers for the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.
Mopar in Motorsports FAQs
What does Mopar stand for?
Mopar is a name derived from motor and parts, which refers to the company the manufacturers replacement parts and accessories for Chrysler and FCA vehicles.
What cars use Mopar?
Mopar manufacturers various authorized replacement parts for numerous car brands, such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, and Fiat.
Is Mopar high quality?
Yes. It is the only licensed manufacturer of OEM parts and accessories for the FCA and Chrysler brands, ensuring they offer the highest quality, especially for performance cars.
Does Dodge still use Mopar?
Yes. Dodge and other FCA vehicles still use Mopar parts for repair or replacement.
Does Mopar mean more power?
When the Hemi was introduced in the 1960s, it became the standard for performance and muscle cars. Therefore, yes, using Mopar parts and components can squeeze more power out of the vehicle.
