Since 2015, Speedkore has been producing some of the world’s most ambitious restomod projects, with high-performance takes on classic muscle cars built using a spare-no-expense approach. And as elaborate as Speedkore’s IRL builds are, the Grafton-based garage has recently been dabbling in even more grandiose visions of restomodded muscle cars, tapping noted concept artist Abimelec Arellano of Abimelic Designs to deliver a series of “What If” renders — the latest of which sees Abimelic and Speedkore put their own unique spin on a modernized IMSA-style Plymouth Barracuda racer.
Drawing inspiration from Glen Bunch’s #99 1974 AAGT Dodge Challenger, this Baracuda combines modern widebody-style bodywork with the aero-equipped shells found on International Motor Sports Association and All American Grand Touring racers. Rendered completely in lightweight carbon fiber, the ‘Cuda features a slammed stance with ultra-wide front and rear three-quarter panels, a custom front splitter, and a rear diffuser setup. What’s more, in typical IMSA fashion, the vehicles flared wheel arches also flow into the rest of the bodywork — unlike more modern cars.
Under its heavily-modified and dual intake-equipped carbon hood is now the supercharged 6.2L HEMI engine from the current Challenger SRT Demon — an 808-hp V8 that now spits burnt fumes from a bespoke Cobra-style side-exiting exhaust setup. The interior of the racer has also been bestowed with a single race seat with a multi-point harness, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a full roll cage. Lastly, Abimelic has also treated the Plymouth to all LED lighting and a set of HRE wheels shod in Goodyear Eagle slicks.
With the IMSA AAGT Cuda representing Abimelic and the renowned custom shop’s third “What If” project, we’re seriously eager to see what this automotive dream team conjures up next.
