Ringbrothers is globally renowned for bringing head-turning creations every year to the SEMA Show. And this year is no different. This time, the Wisconsin-based brother duo has revealed a 1969 Dodge Charger resto-mod project that looks absolutely sensational. In fact, with its black & gold colour scheme, it reminds us of Mexican stand-up comic Gabriel Iglesias’ prized 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Trans Am Bandit Edition. The Ringbrothers creation is called the ‘Tusk’ and it has undergone significant changes compared to the original car, right from the engine and chassis to the bespoke, handcrafted exterior & interior.
Sitting under the hood is Mopar’s most powerful crate engine, the 1,000HP Hellephant unit, which also serves as the inspiration for the ‘Tusk’ name. The all-aluminium, 7.0-litre supercharged V8 delivers 1,288Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a Bowler Tremec T-56 Magnum six-speed manual gearbox and sits 2.5 inches further back than usual for better weight distribution. This was made possible by adding a custom-built firewall. The powertrain also comprises a QA1 Rev Series carbon fibre driveshaft.
The Tusk is built on a custom-made Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis and features Fox RS SV suspension at all four corners. It rides on bespoke HRE wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Speaking of wheels, the front units have been moved forward by two inches to extend the wheelbase and enhance handling. To cope with the colossal power output, stopping power comes from massive six-piston Baer Brakes Extreme callipers. The front fenders get additional side vents to aid brake heat dissipation.
As far as the bodywork goes, Ringbrothers claim that more or less each body panel on the Tusk has been customised. No wonder the car took about 5,000 hours of labour for its creation. The front end features a one-piece exposed carbon fibre surround and a ‘blind eye’ grille. The front valance and chin spoiler are bespoke, one-off pieces, and the front and rear bumpers have been tucked and narrowed. The carbon fibre hood features billet-machined hood scoop grilles. Other custom touches include the removal of the windshield cowl vents, reshaped and extended rear quarter end caps, new door skins, extended and lowered rocker panels, one-off belly pan, lower rear valance, and custom driveline tunnel and floors. BASF Glasurit’s ‘Black to the Future’ paint, combined with the contrasting gold elements, gives the Tusk its stealthy, menacing look.
The Tusk’s bespoke custom leather interior has been tailored by Upholstery Unlimited and it features elements like a carbon fibre console, steering wheel, ‘pistol grip’ gear shifter, and Dakota Digital gauges, to name a few. The cabin, like the exterior, seems to perfectly blend the traditional look with a modern touch.