A group of Chrysler engineers with a passion for racing forms the legendary Ramchargers drag racing team — a skunk works program aimed at challenging the big-block engines run by top competitors.

Dodge and Plymouth disrupt the drag racing scene with the 413 Max Wedge engine, claiming victories across the country.

Chrysler forms Direct Connection featuring a massive portfolio of parts and a 1,400-page racing reference manual supported by Chrysler’s top performance experts available through a toll-free hotline.

The 426 HEMI® hits NHRA drag strips and NASCAR super speedways with immediate racing dominance.

The 375 hp, 440-cubic-inch Magnum quickly takes over the streets while the infamous 426 Street HEMI® engine owns the drag strip.

Chrysler publishes is first full-color performance parts catalog called "Chrysler Hi-Performance Parts." Product offerings include items for small-block, big-block and HEMI® engines, as well as NHRA classification guides.

Chrysler increases its support of street/strip performance enthusiasts through the creation of “Hustle Stuff,” offering everything from hardcore racing parts to cool dress-up parts.

Chrysler forms Direct Connection featuring a massive portfolio of parts and a 1,400-page racing reference manual supported by Chrysler’s top performance experts available through a toll-free hotline.

Direct Connection expands its parts to include circle track and off-road racers. The infamous "P" prefix on part numbers is assigned to performance parts. A 1,400-page racing manual written by Chrysler's top performance engineers for modifying the engine, transmission, chassis and suspension is known as "The Bible" among Mopar enthusiasts.

Direct Connection adapts to changing consumer interests by offering superchargers, turbochargers and more for 2.2L four-cylinder Chrysler engines.

With a redirection on performance parts and a revised brand strategy, Direct Connection becomes Mopar Performance, ushering in a new era of modern performance parts and high-performance crate engines.

Direct Connection returns to support the burgeoning demand for Mopar street/strip performance, reintroducing more than 300 performance products, including 14 all-new performance kits.