Case Study

Case Study: Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon

Chrysler Zr3 Performance Red, Super Durable Automotive Coating

Customer Opportunity

You may have heard about the The Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon, a “beast unlike any known to man,” Dodge’s newest edition of the Dodge Challenger. It has the highest horsepower and G-force, first wheelie, fastest 0-60, and fastest 1/4 mile of any production car. The valve cover and engine block coatings for this fierce new vehicle were both provided by TCI Powder Coatings.

The Challenge

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) was in need of a “Demonic Red” color that would meet the necessary underbody and under-hood requirements as well as performance specifications. Other powder coating manufacturers were struggling to develop this match within a reasonable timeline. TCI was challenged to formulate a powder coating that met the performance requirements for heat, chemical, and corrosion resistance spec’d for this high performance vehicle. In addition, the powder coating needed to offer consistent quality and apply easily and efficiently at the designated coating facilities.

Results

Feedback from Chrysler and its customers has been so strong, according to Spencer, that a new trim package and bumper color will launch for 2017 Jeep models.

Chrysler’s styling team was very pleased with how well the new color matched the flat smooth standard, and they approved it for use on bumper for the 75th Anniversary Edition Rubicon said Spencer. In fact, they were so pleased that they expanded the use of the new approved color to the tow hitch in the trim package. The textured, Smoke Bronze metallic bumper also captured the attention of the broader Chrysler styling team and was ultimately extended as an option for the higher-end Jeep Sahara and Wrangler anniversary edition models.

The Solution

With the support of TCI Powder Coatings’ Product Development Team, the development of the “Demonic Red” color match was prioritized and launched via TCI’s stage gate development process. By utilizing a stage gate process, TCI was able to quickly dedicate its resources, prioritize the project, and deliver on an expedited time frame. The Chrysler Zr3 Performance Red powder coating was developed and soon approved by FCA. Ultimately, TCI Powder Coatings was able to deliver on its promise of quick turnaround without sacrificing performance or quality. Currently, several fabricators and coaters are using the new formulation and have seen excellent results. By continuing to support specialty powder coating applications such as the iconic Dodge Challenger SRT® Demon, TCI consistently delivers as a specialty automotive coatings supplier.