By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
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.
Even with the elevated power numbers, a 21-percent fuel economy increase (up to 23 mpg) 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 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.
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. 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. In the rear, the Charger SRT8’s new signature “race track” tail lamp 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 deck lid badge boldly shows the Street and Racing Technology DNA.
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.
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.
The new instrument panel’s 8.4-inch color touch screen 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.
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.
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 Uconnect Touch system has been upgraded for 2012, adding hands free 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 hands free 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.
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.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $45,795.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 14 MPG city and 23 MPG highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
