This Classic Hemi Cuda is Now a 21st Century Monster

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2015 Bold Ride LLC.

 

Posted by Zach Doell

                               

 

Stunning, isn’t it? In 1970, you could buy a Plymouth Barracuda in one of three flavors–the standard Barracuda, the luxury-oriented Gran Coupe, and the knockout-punching Cuda. This car started life as a 318-powered V8 Gran Coupe. But you can bet, if it had a heart, it would yearn to be a weapons grade Hemi Cuda.

 

Fast forward to 2015, and now it is one. Its transformation from regal E-body to sinister prizefighter has been a seven-year labor of love for Danish graphic designer Rasmus Porsager. A tenure that has seen this car adopt a simply gargantuan powertrain. Soon, Porsager will part ways with the monster Plymouth. He recently listed the car on eBay.

Let’s not beat around the bush. This Cuda has power…lots of it. Underneath the shaker scoop hood lies a Hemi V8 truly befitting its “elephant engine” nickname, a 9.4-liter brute. Complete with fuel injection, the Hemi Cuda rustles up a massive 705 horsepower and 708 lb-ft of torque, which it shuttles through a trick six-speed automatic to a True-Trac rear differential. Zero to 60 mph allegedly happens in under three seconds, and likely includes much noise.

 

Underneath, the Hemi Cuda boasts an air ride suspension from Ridetech, new double-wishbone setup in the front, high performance 13-inch Wilwood brakes at all four corners, and sits comfortably on a set of 20-inch Boze three-piece wheels. Along with additional chassis and subframe bracing, it should handle more nimbly than the normal E-body Barracuda ever did.

Given Porsager’s penchant for design, that’s where this Cuda really stands apart. Pop open the door and the interior appears to have been modernized in all the right places. The center console even sports an iPad, hooked up to a 13-speaker Bang & Olufsen speaker system. Recaro sport seats replace the original units, and these are noted to feature in-seat ventilation.

Outside, the Barracuda has undergone a few sleek design changes, which include deleted door handles, blacked-out front and rear fascia trim elements, and custom exhaust integrated through a new rear bumper. How do you get in with no door handles? Either use the key fob to pop the door, or you can get an RFID chip implanted into your hand, and wave it over the windshield sensor. No, seriously though.

If there’s one rub, it is this. Porsager notes that the car is near completion, though a few details with the air conditioning, sound system, and suspension adjustments need to be addressed. Still, in its “almost there” condition, it is quite a sight to behold