2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 review and pictures

Dodge Challenger SRT8 review:

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8? Delivers Perfect Balance of Intelligent Performance And Power

6.4-liter HEMI? V-8 engine delivers 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque for power across a significantly wider rpm range

Fuel Saver Technology with all-new active valve exhaust system improves fuel efficiency by an estimated 25 percent on the highway

New, exclusive SRT heated steering wheel features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track

Two-mode adaptive damping suspension allows for selectable suspension tuning and also automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for optimal vehicle control

19-speaker Harman Kardon? audio system with innovative GreenEdge? technology is standard with 900 watts of power

Newly formed SRT brand led by President and CEO Ralph Gilles will continue to build benchmark high-performance vehicles for the Chrysler Group

July 15, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Dodge Charger SRT8? makes a return to the performance car market in 2012 bringing intelligent performance features and more power to the brand's iconic four-door fastback coupe.

New for the 2012 Charger SRT8 is the 470 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI? V-8 that features 45 more horsepower and 50 more lb.-ft. of torque across a significantly wider rpm range, new exhaust system technology for improved fuel efficiency, along with new paddle shift technology and adaptive damping suspension for optimal driver control.

Performance numbers for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 include 0-60 mph acceleration in the high 4-second range; quarter mile in the high 12-second range; 0-100-0 mph in less than 16 seconds; top speed of 175 mph and stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet.

Awe-inspiring powertrain

Under the hood, the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 delivers 45 more horsepower and 50 more lb.-ft. of torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces ? up 11 percent to 470 horsepower (351 kW) and up 12 percent to 470 (637 N?m) lb.-ft. of torque.

Even with the elevated power numbers, an estimated 25-percent fuel economy increase on the highway is achieved by use of a new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wider rpm range for improved efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the extra power is needed. The new active valve exhaust system also allows for straight-through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 features an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing to provide maximum low-end torque, including an additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm for strong standing starts while optimizing high-end power.

The proven five-speed automatic transmission features new, standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that join the center console mounted Auto Stick, allowing for a choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the race track. Both methods give the driver the ability to manually select specific gears on the transmission.

In "Drive," the transmission controller will automatically shift the vehicle. The aggressiveness of the shifting is defined by the mode chosen - either "Normal" or "Sport." Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.

In "Manual," the shift method is defined by the driver choosing to use either paddle shift or Auto Stick. The "Sport" mode adds a hold function to the calibration in all gears, allowing the driver full control of the shifting schedule.

Outstanding ride, handling and capability

A standard adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system is new for 2012 and tuned specifically for the Dodge Charger SRT8. The ADS system uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs, such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration, to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions.

When drivers manually choose between the "Auto" and "Sport" settings, the shock damping characteristics are quickly changed from an everyday performance ride to a much firmer race track capable damping for more challenging driving situations.

The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

Maximum handling rating for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is .88g on the skidpad.

New, split five-spoke, 20 x 9 inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide great looks, and the available three- or four-season tires make the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 easy to handle and fun to drive in any condition.

Benchmark braking

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 can stop on a dime. World-class stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet comes through 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers painted red. Improved brake cooling and fade performance at all four corners comes courtesy of a new underbody belly pan with integrated brake ducting.

The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop. The electronic stability control pump then engages to set the brake pads against the rotors, speeding up the time required for full brake application.

Aggressive and functional exterior

There is no mistaking the high performance look of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 through the exclusive high-gloss black front grille, grille surround, Dodge crosshair next to the signature SRT badge and the 6.4L HEMI badges on each fender.

A new for 2012 performance-sculpted hood features a black air exhauster for added engine cooling.

Exterior paint color choices for 2012 include Black, Bright Silver, Bright White, Redline Red and Tungsten. Unique side-sill cladding is painted to match the body color.

In the rear, the Charger SRT8's new signature "race track" taillamp design with 164 illuminating LEDs sits just below a new rear spoiler. New 4-inch round dual exhaust tips are positioned inside of the new rear fascia while the SRT8 decklid badge boldly shows the Street and Racing Technology DNA.

Race-inspired and high-performance interior

Building upon the all-new design from 2011, the interior environment of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 combines more world-class accommodations with race-inspired technology and appointments.

An all-new, leather-wrapped, SRT-exclusive steering wheel features a unique satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. The standard paddle shifters flank both sides of the new steering wheel behind the new contoured palm rests.

For the high-performance look, Dark Engine Turn fiber aluminum interior trim pieces are integrated into the new instrument panel and shifter bezel.

Both front seats have unique, aggressive bolstering under the Nappa leather and Axis perforated suede insert fabric to help "grip" the driver and passengers, keeping them in place during spirited driving. Front seats are also heated and ventilated and have the SRT logo embroidered in the seat backs. Reactive headrests are standard.

Modified door trim panels feature unique bolster material that matches the seats.

Interior color combinations include black, and new for 2012 Radar Red/Black, which adds color to the seats, door trim panels and center console cover.

Passengers in the rear also benefit on cool days with heated rear seats.

The new full-color graphic Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with exclusive Performance Pages includes timers for 0-60 mph, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times, 60-0 braking distance, along with lateral and longitudinal g-forces within the touchscreen display.

The new instrument panel's 8.4-inch color touchscreen display ? the segment's largest standard display ? also has all the same Performance Pages data as the EVIC, and is further expanded to include steering angle, horsepower and torque outputs along with engine gauges. The display is customizable to a driver selectable background.

Safety and security

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 features more than 65 advanced safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.

In addition, standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver's knee air bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

The available Driver Confidence Group adds Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Path detection and SmartBeam? headlamps.

Connectivity and Infotainment

New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features a standard 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon?. The system offers world premier innovation, featuring a 32-volt TPS (Tracking Power Supply) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.

The new system uses GreenEdge? speaker and amplifier technology to offer superior sound quality and high Sound Pressure Level outputs with minimum energy consumption. GreenEdge amplifiers alone outperform traditional amplifier efficiency by up to 55 percent, representing a net efficiency of more than 90 percent in some cases. The speakers are tuned for maximum efficiency and perfectly matched to the amplifier output.

The system's 19 GreenEdge high-efficiency speakers include:

Seven 3.5-inch Unity Coaxial mid-range speakers with seven integrated tweeters located in the front dash, rear doors and rear deck
Two 6 x 9-inch subwoofers located in the front doors
Two 6 x 9-inch subwoofers in the rear deck
One 10-inch subwoofer in the rear deck

The intuitive user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect? Touch on the largest standard touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment. Benchmarked against the best E-segment sedans from Europe, Asia and North America, the easy-to-use system also features Uconnect Voice to deliver world-class functionality to keep all passengers easily connected, comfortable and secure.

The Uconnect Touch system has been upgraded for 2012, adding handsfree texting with compatible Bluetooth devices, voice commands for Garmin? navigation, SIRIUS Traffic and more iPod? control features to expand on the system's connectivity and convenience technologies.

Safety and ease-of-use is a priority, and the upgraded Uconnect Touch 8.4 and 8.4N models with handsfree texting keep passengers even more connected through voice commands. With a compatible Bluetooth? phone, Uconnect Touch enables text-to-speech for incoming text messages and provides the driver with recorded speech-to-text responses for outgoing messages.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

SRT Track Experience

Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Driving Experience as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks.

New High-tech Features Boost 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8? 392's Overall Performance

Proven 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI? V-8 engine offers 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque across a wide rpm range while delivering up to 23 miles per gallon

New two-mode adaptive damping suspension system offers selectable suspension tuning and automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for optimal vehicle control

New, exclusive SRT? heated steering wheel features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track

New 18-speaker Harman Kardon? audio system, with innovative GreenEdge? technology is available with 900 watts of power

Newly formed SRT brand led by President and CEO Ralph Gilles will continue to build benchmark high-performance vehicles for the Chrysler Group

July 15, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - For 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8? 392 adds even more high-tech performance features to solidify its place as the brand's ultimate modern American rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe. This 470 horsepower machine promises a balanced performance approach with outstanding straight-line acceleration, world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the most up-to-date technologies that deliver more driver excitement and control. And it still gets up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 accelerates from 0-60 mph in the high 4-second range; runs the quarter mile in mid-12-second range with the automatic transmission (high 12-second range with the manual); goes from 0-100-0 mph in the low 15s, reaches a top speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission (175 mph with the automatic) and stops from 60-0 mph in just 117 feet.

Awe-inspiring powertrain

The 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI? V-8 delivers 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 (637 N?m) lb.-ft. of torque. The torque band is extremely flat allowing for strong standing starts and improved straight-line performance throughout the rpm range. An advanced active intake manifold along with high-lift cam with phasing provides maximum low-end torque and high-end power while still delivering up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway with the standard manual transmission. Performance-tuned engine mounts improve idle stability and ride control at all speeds.

Standard Fuel Saver Technology (four cylinder mode) in automatic transmission equipped models allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use the power of all eight cylinders when needed. The EPA fuel economy miles per gallon (mpg) (City/Hwy) ratings for the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 are 14/22 for automatic transmission models and 14/23 for manual-transmission models.

A look under the hood reveals unique valve covers with painted silver ribs and the "392 HEMI" logo, which gives the engine a unique, clean and aggressive look.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features a standard Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission and a dual-disc high performance clutch ? a proven performer that was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10?.

The optional five-speed automatic transmission features new, standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that join the center console mounted Auto Stick, allowing for a choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the race track. Both methods give the driver the ability to manually select specific gears on the transmission.

In "Drive," the transmission controller will automatically shift the vehicle. The aggressiveness of the shifting is defined by the mode chosen - either "Normal" or "Sport." Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.

In "Manual," the shift method is defined by the driver choosing to use either paddle shift or Auto Stick. The "Sport" mode adds a hold function to the calibration in all gears, allowing the driver full control of the shifting schedule.

Outstanding ride, handling and capability

The adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system is new for 2012 and tuned specifically for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

In "Auto" mode, a wide range of on-road and driver inputs ? such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral/vertical accelerations ? automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. In "Sport" mode, the damping system rebound and compression is locked to the higher damping rate. Drivers can easily choose between settings to quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from "Auto" for everyday commuting to "Sport" for more spirited driving situations.

The ADS system on the Challenger SRT8 392 features the fastest turn-in and most nimble handling characteristics of any SRT product. In the "Sport" setting, the system provides the highest damping rates allowing the driver to push the handling envelope like never before.

The performance SRT-tuned, fully-hydraulic steering system features a heavy-duty pump combined with a damped steering gear to give drivers more direct response and on-center feel.

Sitting a half-inch lower than non-SRT models, the 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 rides on either the standard five-spoke, 20 x 9-inch fully forged aluminum wheels or available seven-spoke, 20 x 9-inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels with satin black painted pockets. Standard Goodyear RSA All-Season tires or available Goodyear F1 Supercar Three-Season complement the performance design cues and deliver serious gripping performance and handling.

The handling result is .90g capability on the skid pad ? the most of any production Challenger and on par with some of the world's best-handling performance coupes.

Benchmark braking

The standard SRT performance brake package produces world-class stopping power of 60 to 0 mph in just 117 feet from 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo fixed calipers painted red. The three-mode electronic stability control system with knockback mitigation also includes four-wheel ABS, all-speed traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist (HSA).

The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop, after which the electronic stability control pump engages to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.

Improved brake cooling and fade performance comes courtesy of wind-tunnel designed brake cooling ducts that direct airflow to the vented rotors for consistent stopping power.

Aggressive and functional exterior

Exterior styling of the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 remains unmistakably Dodge, with proportions that continue to evoke a bold, instantly recognizable performance coupe that has a wide, stable stance on the road.

The large front splitter and integrated front fender spats and body color rear decklid spoiler provide stable high-speed aerodynamics and overall balance while the front fascia chin spoiler also improves aerodynamics and is accented in black for a more aggressive look. The front grille features a bright grille surround.

For 2012, available exterior colors include: Bright Silver, Bright White, Header Orange, Pitch Black, Redline Red and Tungsten Metallic. Dual, full-body stripes are available in black, grey metallic, red and silver metallic.

Unique "392 HEMI" badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V-8 engine that remains true to its high-performance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger in terms of horsepower and torque ratings. From the rear, the 4-inch rectangular exhaust tips deliver the 392's performance exhaust note while adding the styling cue of a serious muscle car.

Race-inspired and high-performance interior

The race-inspired interior begins with a new, leather wrapped, heated, SRT-exclusive steering wheel that features a unique satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. The optional automatic transmission includes paddle shift controls on both sides of the new contoured palm rests. All audio and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) controls are accessible from the horizontal spokes on the steering wheel.

The trapezoidal instrument panel features a four-bomb gauge cluster with chromed accent rings and unique SRT graphics. Inside the cluster, the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with performance pages provides the driver with trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.

Power lumbar-equipped front seats are standard. The driver's seat features seatback tilt with memory and an easy to reach release handle, while the front-passenger seat adds tilt and slide with memory, which makes it even easier for passengers to get in and out of the back seat.

Interior color combinations include Dark Slate Gray, and new for 2012 Radar Red/Dark Slate Gray, which adds color to the seats, door bolsters and rear seat armrest.

Safety and security

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features more than 35 advanced safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.

In addition, standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver's knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

Connectivity and Infotainment

For maximum convenience and to keep passengers connected, a wide array of connectivity, infotainment and mobile multimedia options are available on the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

The innovative Uconnect? Media Center 430, 430N and 730N radios integrate a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, with a hard drive where more than 150 hours of music and photos can be stored. Uconnect Media Center radios also offer two navigation options, including: segment-leading Garmin? Navigation guidance and mapping (Uconnect Media Center 430N), or premium GPS Navigation with SIRIUS Traffic (Uconnect Media Center 730N). Both navigation solutions feature SIRIUS Travel Link, providing real-time weather, fuel prices and more while on the go.

New for 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an available 900-watt, 18-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. The system offers world premier innovation, featuring a 32-volt TPS (Tracking Power Supply) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.

The new system uses GreenEdge? speaker and amplifier technology to offer superior sound quality and high Sound Pressure Level outputs with minimum energy consumption. GreenEdge amplifiers alone outperform traditional amplifier efficiency by up to 55 percent, representing a net efficiency of more than 90 percent in some cases. The speakers are tuned for maximum efficiency and perfectly matched to the amplifier output.

The system's 18 GreenEdge high-efficiency speakers include:

Seven 3.5-inch Unity coaxial mid-range speakers with seven integrated tweeters located in the front dash, rear doors and rear deck
Two 6 x 9-inch subwoofers located in the front doors
Two 10-inch subwoofers in a trunk mounted enclosure
The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

SRT Track Experience

Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Driving Experience as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks.

392's Storied History

The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chrysler and Imperial products. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951.Compared with the 354 engine, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often affectionately referred to simply as the "92," was perfect for drag racing.

More than a few racers at that time immediately enhanced the performance of the newest HEMI by bolting on six or eight carburetors, installing new camshafts, etc., and went racing.

Racing legend Don 'Big Daddy" Garlits ran a 392 in his infamous Swamp Rat I dragster at record speeds of faster than 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J., in 1964.

But the 392's success went beyond the drag strip. It also set records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and in boat racing. Drag racing boats were no different than their land-based counterparts in the use of the 392. Famous HEMI engine builder Keith Black was better known on the water than on the land, until he teamed up with Tommy Greer and hired Don "The Snake" Prudhomme to dominate Top Fuel in California in the early 1960s using a 392 HEMI.

After 1958, the 392 HEMI was gone as a production engine, but it still remains a legend. Collectors are now preserving many historic 392-powered race cars and hot rods and proudly displaying them on show car circuits.

In 2007, Mopar ? Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand ? helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 392 by launching a modern, crate engine version of the 392 HEMI.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8? Offers the Ultimate Combination Of World-Class Luxury and Performance

All-new Chrysler 300 SRT8? with its 6.4-liter HEMI? V-8 offers ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in Chrysler's most powerful, best-handling sedan ever

Fuel Saver Technology with all-new active valve exhaust system improves fuel efficiency by an estimated 25 percent on the highway

New, exclusive SRT heated steering wheel features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track

New, two-mode adaptive damping suspension allows for selectable suspension tuning and also automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for optimal vehicle control

19-speaker Harman Kardon? audio system with innovative GreenEdge? technology is available with 900 watts of power

Newly formed SRT brand led by President and CEO Ralph Gilles will continue to build benchmark high-performance vehicles for the Chrysler Group

July 15, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The success of the modern Chrysler 300 launched in 2005 can be attributed to its broad appeal. People of all ages, incomes and lifestyles were attracted to the sedan's dramatic styling, power and performance.

As the king of the E-segment lineup, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8? adds high-performance hardware to the elegant proportions and head turning design to provide the ultimate combination of world-class luxury, power and handling. With 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 (637 N?m) lb.-ft. of torque, the 300 SRT8 is targeted at customers that seek heart pounding, adrenaline filled excitement, but don't want to sacrifice comfort and innovative features to get it.

"The Chrysler 300 SRT8 is the no compromises king of the hill in the 300 model lineup in 2012, featuring the ultimate combination of world-class luxury and performance in our most powerful, best-handling Chrysler brand sedan ever," said Olivier Francois, President and CEO - Chrysler Brand and Lead Executive for Marketing, Chrysler Group LLC. "Engineered and built for those customers who live for the sport of being first, the 300 SRT8 brings a much larger power band across the rpm range, along with intelligent performance attributes and safety and creature comforts for customers who are passionate about performance driving."