Everything you need to know about 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

First look:

The new Challenger SRT8 392 is the epitome of all the positives in the early 70s with Dodge. This sensory overload on four wheels can make you remember your youth. It features a high-tech performance to prove its place as the company’s modern American rear-wheel drive, muscle car. The car comes with challenge winning 392 HEMI engines that emulate top-speed and drag race. If you want to hear it straight forward, it can ditch all the options of rear-wheel drive muscle cars. Now, we will look on the complete specifications of the roadster, as well as the changes in the new version.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

The first thing that you will notice in the behemoth, is that the wheelbase is four inches shorter than the 300Cs and Chargers; which results in quicker rotations. In fact the Challenger is far more nimble than its predecessor. Are you surprised? Even I am. The new version of the Challenger adds more power, advanced suspension, and white leather seats. If you want to show your muscles on the racing track, then this is the right choice for you.

The machine:

The new version of 2012 features two modes of adaptive suspension, Sport mode that locks in a high damping rate for back road blasting and Auto mode that adjusts to driver inputs and road conditions.

The power of the Challenger comes from a 6.4-liter (392ci) SRT HEMI V8 engine. It paves the way for the coupe by producing 470hp at 6000 rpm and 470 lb-ft torque at 4200 rpm. With this powerful engine, the machine promises an outstanding performance, excellent ride, effective braking, balanced straight-line acceleration, perfect handling, and advanced technologies that delivers more control and excitement.

Some of the changes in the engine include new cold air induction system, variable cam timing, increased size of intake and exhaust valves, an active intake manifold, and high-flow cylinder heads. Talking about the transmission, the Challenger comes with a standard six-speed manual gearbox equipped with retro style pistol grip shifter.

There are many other changes in the version; some of them include a new heated steering wheel with shift paddles for automatic transmission cars, and a Harmon-Kardon 90 watt audio system with green edge technology that uses the least energy possible. Moreover, the car offers best power-to-weight ratio, and if you are going to opt for the five-speed AutoStick automatic transmission, you will lose 10more pounds over the manual.

The 2012 version can sprint from zero to 60mph within four seconds. With manual transmission, the top speed is 182mph and with five-speed automatic, it is 176mph. If you are wondering about the fuel economy, it is 14/22 with the automatic and 14/23 with the manual.

The interior comes with two color embraces -Dark Slate Grey and Radar Red.

What’s good?

The car is very powerful and fast, and gives a superior driving experience. Seating is comfortable and the sound by the incredible HEMI engine is amazing. Fuel economy and performance inspired interiors are also an attraction. Overall, the car is a perfect example of sophisticated traction and stability.

What’s not so good?

The white leather seats are hard to care and suspension looks stiff, if used in city conditions. Some of the cornering characters look outdated. Also, Challenger is much more expensive than its competitor models.

Accessories:

An optional automatic transmission includes paddle shift controls on both sides.

Things to watch out for:

Do you think, with such ultimate power in your hand, you have to watch out for something? No, go on and burn the rubber.

Price and availability:

This method of transportation from Dodge comes with a price tag of $44,077 excluding the price of $1,300 taxes on the automatic transmission and $1,000 for six-speed manual. It will be available in the Dodge showrooms from 2012.

The alternatives:

The most direct rivals of Challenger are Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. If we talk about Mustang, then the work on the impressive 5.0-liter V8 engine and smooth six-speed transmission to produce 412hp can severely affect the Challenger's sales figure. Then there is the topless Camaro with a 6.2 liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission, delivering a power of 426hp. Both the supercars have the advantage of being less expensive, but both deliver less horsepower than our Challenger.

The bottom line:

The Challenger is not for every user, nor it is intended to be. May be the Mustang and Camaro have higher sales figures, but with a HEMI under the hood, great performance numbers, and solid design, this Challenger is ready to challenge and might win the fight.

Picture Gallery

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

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