Dodge has arrived at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show packed full of yummy offerings for our insatiable appetite. The second model to debut - after the Green With Envy Challenger - is the new 2012 Charger SRT8, and yeah, its got a HEMI. In fact, it has a 6.4L V8 HEMI that delivers a total of 465 HP and 465 lb.-ft. of torque allowing it to make the 0-60mph sprint in just four seconds with a top speed of 175mph. Sales will begin later this 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."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8.
Exterior and Interior
The new Charger SRT8 will be distinguished by new front and rear fascias that include a new front Dodge crosshair grille and grille surround featuring high-gloss black finishes and the SRT badge. There is also a new sculpted hood with a 6.4 L badge and black air exhauster for added engine cooling.
At the rear, the SRT8 model gets a new signature “racetrack” taillamp design with 164 illuminating LEDs, new 4-inch round dual exhaust tips, and an SRT8 decklid badge. The car sits on new, split five-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets.
On the interior, the car gets an all-new, leather-wrapped, SRT-exclusive steering wheel, standard paddle shifters and carbon-weave, fiber aluminum interior trim pieces integrated into the new instrument panel, and shifter bezel.
The front seats have unique, aggressive bolstering and perforated suede insert fabric with an SRT logo embroidered in the seat backs.
All models will be offered with a standard 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harmon Kardon.
The Engine
The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine that delivers an impressive 465 HP and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, including an estimated additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm. For the first time in an 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.
The new Charger SRT8 will feature a new adaptive damping suspension that 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. Also, drivers will be able to choose between "Auto" and "Sport" settings that quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from the ease of everyday commuting to harsher, more challenging driving situations.
Prices
The new Dodge Charger SRT8 will go on sale later this year, with prices set to be announced closer to the launch date.
