Ringbrothers First SEMA Reveal is a Shocking Pink ’Cuda
Each year at SEMA, builders unveil custom-built cars and trucks that exemplify the kind of fabrication and design work they’re capable of. Ringbrothers builds always draw a crowd when the cover comes off, and their first unveiling of the 2024 SEMA Show is Infected, a 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda powered by an 807hp Hellcrate Redeye engine.
Ringbrothers said they have 5,600 man-hours in the build, and it’s easy to come up with that kind of tally when you note the long list of modifications made to the ‘Cuda. One subtle change that makes a lot of difference in the car’s overall proportions is its modified wheelbase. Now closer to its Dodge E-body counterpart, the wheelbase was extended 1.5 inches, and the fenders have been shortened. The reduced front overhang gives a more modern profile while maintaining its classic, muscular lines.
The ‘Cuda’s face is highlighted by a billet grille surround milled from a single piece of aluminum, while the bumper has been brought in closer to the body to shrink gaps and create a cleaner look. The rear bumper got the same treatment. Additional custom bodywork includes new floors and center tunnel, and extended and lowered rocker panels.
“The ‘Cuda has always been one of those cars we’ve been itching to build. The lines and proportions are the quintessential muscle car, so it is the perfect canvas to break new ground and highlight our in-house capabilities,” said Ringbrothers co-owner Jim Ring. “The paintwork is an homage to Mopar’s High-Impact colors of the ‘70s, albeit with a proprietary twist. We worked directly with our partners at BASF to create what we’re calling ‘Pink Eye,’ a not-so-subtle nod to the Hellcrate Redeye engine.”
The engine wears custom graphics on its valve covers that play up the pink eye motif in an engine bay that is otherwise all business. The engine features prominently, of course, serving up a satin black contrast to the hot pink firewall and wheel tubs. The 807-hp Hemi sends power through a torque tube to a Bowler TREMEC TR-6060 six-speed manual mounted directly to the IRS center section, like a C7 Corvette. Rather than relying on factory subframes to manage the 717 ft-lbs of torque, Ringbrothers used a custom Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis with Fox RS SV coilovers. Baer Brakes Extreme XTR six-piston calipers are used up front, with four-piston calipers out back. It rides on HRE Wheels Muscle Series 105 three-piece wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Upholstery Unlimited wrapped the interior in white leather, with well-bolstered front buckets keeping the driver and front seat passenger planted. The driver has an excellent view of Dakota Digital gauges and can keep an eye on the traffic behind with a Gentex GNTX-R rearview mirror with integrated rear camera display. The controls for the Vintage Air Gen IV climate control and the custom Apple CarPlay audio system are kept tidy in the console and blend in with the classic lines of the ‘Cuda.
“Infected was shaped by the theatrics and joyful nature of classic Mopars, with the added benefit of modern performance,” added Ringbrothers co-owner Mike Ring. “This car is a celebration of vibrant color, design, detail, and, of course, performance.”
The car will be on display during SEMA at the Ringbrothers booth. If you’re an automotive industry member who’s able to attend, we recommend seeing it in person.
