SEMA 2025 is in full swing, but the buzz is deafening over at the System X booth. The reason? The Synister X Chevelle, a ground-up build commissioned by the automotive protection pros and built by none other than Gas Monkey Garage. This isn’t just a show car; it’s a 1,200-horsepower street-legal menace. And in typical Richard Rawlings fashion, the entire build, from a bare chassis to the SEMA floor, was completed in an astonishing 30 days.
Built for a Purpose
This Chevelle was commissioned for the owner of System X, who had a clear vision. “Not only did he want it sinister, but he wanted some wild horsepower,” said System X’s Todd Rutovich. To handle that kind of power, the car is built on a world-class Speedtech ExtReme Chevelle chassis. This fully independent setup is engineered for serious pro-touring track use and a disciplined street ride, featuring a cross-cantilever rear suspension with remote-reservoir QA1 shocks.
The Synister X Chevelle Powertrain
Gas Monkey delivered on the “wild horsepower” request. The heart of the Synister X Chevelle is a 427-cubic-inch LT4 V8 from Late Model Engines (LME). Topped with a massive 2.7-liter Magnuson supercharger, this forged-internal beast churns out an incredible 1,200 horsepower. It stays cool thanks to a custom Wizard Cooling radiator and exhales through Ultimate Headers into a three-inch stainless Magnaflow exhaust. The system is finished with custom, CNC-milled exhaust tips that are fully integrated into the body.
Sinister in the Details
The car, which started as a solid Malibu cruiser, was completely stripped, widened, and fitted with fresh Auto Metal Direct (AMD) quarter panels. The intimidating face comes from a one-off grille and custom billet headlight bezels created by TITANS of CNC. The details are top-notch, with Fesler flush-mount glass, stylish HRE wheels, and massive Wilwood discs at all four corners. Inside, the cockpit is all business, with exclusive Sparco carbon fiber seats and a crystal-clear Audison Thesis audio system.
A Show Car Meant to Be Driven
The Synister X Chevelle is a fully running street bruiser that System X fully plans to drive and enjoy. It’s proof of the Gas Monkey crew’s 30-day grind. If you’re at SEMA 2025, you can see it in person at the System X booth (#52211) in the West Hall. For everyone else, the entire build is documented on the Gas Monkey Garage YouTube channel.
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