Drawing inspiration from the classic '68-'70 Dodge Coronet SuperBee, the Dakota KillerBee is a Dakota R/T hopped up with a supercharger and trick restyling package that includes the popular bee stripes and logo.

"Our primary goal was to create a new vehicle that offered performance, coupled with personality, at an affordable price," says Larry Weiner of Performance West.

This particular Solar Yellow Dakota R/T was modified for the Goodguys show and eventually will be raffled off to some lucky winner. However, Performance West will also offer the package in stages to Dodge dealerships. For example, the body restyling kit will be offered for around $2000, then the supercharger kit can be installed at a later date to ease the burden on a new buyer's wallet.

Like many other Performance West products, the KillerBee can be motivated by a supercharged engine. This 5.9-liter Magnum is topped with a Kenne Bell twin-screw supercharger kit, ram-air intake, headers, and recalibrated engine management computer. Peak horsepower is estimated at 360, more than enough to smoke the tires for the drive-in crowd.

"It drives like a naturally aspirated vehicle until you hit the loud pedal," adds Weiner. "Fuel economy is unaffected as long as you drive normally. Maximum boost (13 pounds) begins at 2000 rpm and runs right up to the redline."

The body and paint package draw everyone's attention right away. The front fascia, which includes IPF penetrator beam lights and mesh grille, twin-intake fiberglass hood, and Ferrari-inspired mirrors, was designed by RaceTruck Trends. The fascia and hood are straight bolt-on items, utilizing stock hardware and mounting locations.

  The bed was fixed up with a tonneau and liner from Mopar Performance. L&G Enterprises squirted the PPG Solar Yellow paint on the fascia and mirrors before MW Design added the vinyl C-stripe graphics. The KillerBee package can be ordered for any factory Dodge exterior color.

A new Starfire wheel from Centerline combines the '60s theme with contemporary styling to complement the retro package. The 17-inch-diameter six-spoke wheels are mated to Goodyear Eagle RSA tires that are standard on the R/T package.

Interior modifications also follow the modern retro formula. Cerullo supplied the custom leather upholstery, and Woodview developed the trick spun-metal look for the dash.

If you have the urge to be different and aren't afraid of billboard-style graphics and neck-snapping horsepower, the KillerBee package may be just right for your Dakota. (Many of the parts also fit the Durango.) The KillerBee package will be available through selected Dodge dealerships. For more information, contact Performance West at 760/630-6259.