Charger Srt8 Performance

Dodge charges on with new SRT8 sedan

Fresh off Chrysler's announcement of resurrecting the SRT line-up, comes the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, built alongside other Chargers, Challengers and Chrysler 300s at Chrysler's Brampton, Ont. plant.

Visually, the new Charger SRT8 features a new front and rear end treatments and side sills. Inside, there's an all-new, leather-wrapped, SRT-exclusive steering wheel with a flattened bottom and standard paddle shifters (a first for a Chrysler vehicle) and carbon-weave, aluminum interior trim pieces integrated into the new instrument panel and shifter bezel.

The front seats (heated and ventilated) feature aggressive bolstering and perforated suede insert fabric to help "grip" occupants. Rear seats also are heated for passenger comfort. A new harmon/ kardon 900-watt, 19-speaker surround-sound system and voice control UConnect are standard, as is an extensive performance section for the touchscreen display in the instrument centre.

On the safety side, there are adaptive cruise with collision warning, electronic stability control and blind spot monitoring with cross path detection. Passenger protection features include active head restraints, full side air curtains, front side-impact airbags and a driver's knee bag (in addition to the dual front airbags).

Power comes from a new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine to put an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque to the road, while using a new active valve exhaust system (in combination with cylinder deactivation) to help improve fuel efficiency. A broader power range means an estimated additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at a relatively low 2,900 rpm.

An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft provides maximum low-end torque for impressive launches and optimal high-end power. Performance figures provided by Chrysler indicate a zero to 100 km/h time in the five second range, and a high 12-second quarter mile.

Power delivery to the rear wheels is handled by a five-speed automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters (the first time standard in a Chrysler vehicle) giving the driver more control. The car rides on new five-spoke 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and three or all-season tires.

An adaptive suspension puts two modes (Auto and Sport) at the driver's fingertips, while also automatically adapting to road and driving inputs (speed, steering angle, brake torque, throttle position, lateral acceleration and steering wheel inputs) for improved car control under all conditions.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Two Mode Adaptive Damping Suspension ...

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

The new product onslaught continues for the Dodge brand with the announcement today at the Chicago Auto Show that the Dodge Charger SRT8 will return for the 2012 model year.

“We’re continuing the fast-paced rebuilding of Dodge as our performance brand, and the expansion of our SRT product lineup in 2012 is an important part of our rejuvenation,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand – Chrysler Group LLCs. “The new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 builds on the iconic four-door fastback coupe design of the all-new Charger and adds 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.”

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and will be in dealer showrooms later this year.

AWE-INSPIRING” POWERTRAIN Under the hood, the new 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 delivers more horsepower and torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces. It also will offer improved fuel economy.

Estimated power ratings for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 are 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, including an estimated additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm. Specific horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to the vehicle introduction.

Building upon the standard Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) found in the new 6.4 HEMI V-8, a new for 2012 adaptive valve exhaust system allows the technology to engage over a wider rpm range, which delivers improved fuel efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the power is needed.

An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque for impressive standing starts while optimizing high-end power.

For the first time in any Chrysler Group LLC SRT product, standard paddle-shift technology joins the standard AutoStick on the floor shifter. Both are mated to the proven W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, allowing a choice of spirited shifting on the road and the racetrack.

Both shifting methods give the driver the ability to shift while the transmission controller calibration prevents situations that might over rev the engine. Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.

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