Today at the Chicago Auto Show, Dodge will reveal the new 2012 Charger SRT8 to a crowd of automotive journalists from around the globe.
Hot on heels of the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392, the rubber on the pavement has hardly had a chance to cool with today’s announcement of the 2012 Charger SRT8. This further reinforces the Dodge name as a performance brand.
So with that being said, let’s get into the juicy details of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. Under the hood is the new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 with an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque (the SRT gear heads aren’t quite done tweaking). What makes this even better is the standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) on the 6.4-liter HEMI that will improve fuel efficiency over the previous model. Other internal goodies include a high-lift camshaft and active intake manifold that will provide increased low-end torque along with more top-end power. Our SRT engineers are able to achieve this by altering the runner length inside the manifold based on engine speed.
For the first time in any Chrysler Group LLC SRT product, standard paddle shift technology joins the standard AutoStick on the floor shifter on the 2012 Charger SRT8. Both will be mated to the proven W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission and both shifting techniques will allow the driver to have some fun going through the gearbox but the performance calibrated transmission controller will help keep you out of the red line.
The new Charger SRT8 also received a makeover in the ride and handling department. An adaptive damping suspension takes driver inputs and will automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. For those of you looking to shrink time and distance, a “Sport” setting is available while the “Auto” setting may be appropriate for those morning commutes.
From a styling standpoint, the Charger SRT8 will stand out among its cousins. With its aggressive front and rear fascias, a new rear spoiler and a sculptured hood complete with 6.4L HEMI badges, the folks in the lane next to you will quickly know what you’re all about.
The interior also gets massaged as a new leather-wrapped SRT exclusive steering wheel and carbon-weave, fiber aluminum trim pieces. The front seats will have an aggressive bolstering to help keep you in place when you take your ride to an SRT Track Experience. Speaking of performance driving, the new instrument panel display can be customized to include instant driver feedback such as 0-60 mph and quarter-mile times along with g-forces and much more with the exclusive performance section.
Look for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 to arrive in your dealer showrooms later this year.
Courtesy of RedLetterDodge
I have a 2010 Charger and I’m just not liking the new nose on the 2011 and this SRT doesn’t make that feeling go away. I just don’t like the way it sticks out now, looks like a beak and the SRT one looks like it’s mouth is wide open, almost like the 300C, just don’t like it, hate to say that, but I’m glad i got the one I did!