Dodge Charger SRT8 Is Back
The new product onslaught continues for the Dodge brand with the announcement at the 2011 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 in late 2011.
"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.
OUTSTANDING RIDE AND HANDLING
New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features an 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, to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. Drivers also can manually 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.
The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.
New, split five-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide great looks, and the available three- or four-season tires make the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 easy to handle and fun to drive.
OUTSTANDING BRAKING
World-class stopping power for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes through four-piston Brembo calipers and vented/slotted rotors measuring 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches in the rear.
The Dodge Charger SRT8's Ready Alert Braking system anticipates situations when the driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and engages the electronic stability control pump to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.
AGGRESSIVE AND FUNCTIONAL EXTERIOR
Exclusive new front and rear fascias, along with a new rear spoiler, distinguish the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 with a high performance look.
The front grille, grille surround and Dodge crosshair feature high-gloss black finishes and the SRT badge. A newly sculpted hood features a 6.4 L (liter) badge and black air exhauster for added engine cooling.
In the rear, the Charger's new signature "racetrack" taillamp design with 164 illuminating LEDs receives new 4-inch round dual exhaust tips and an SRT8 decklid badge to boldly show the Street and Racing Technology DNA.
Unique fside-sill cladding is painted to match the body color.
A newly designed underbody belly pan features integrated brake ducting to improve cooling and brake fade performance at all four corners.
RACE-INSPIRED AND FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR
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 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.
For the high-performance look, carbon-weave, fiber aluminum interior trim pieces are integrated into the new instrument panel and shifter bezel.
The front seats have unique, aggressive bolstering and perforated suede insert fabric to help "grip" the driver and passengers, keeping them in place during spirited driving. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard. Reactive headrests also are standard. The SRT logo is embroidered in the seat backs. Rear seats also are heated for passenger comfort.
Modified door trim panels feature unique bolster material and accent stitching on arm rests to match the seats.
New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harmon Kardon. The intuitive user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch on the largest standard touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment. Benchmarked against the best E-segment sedans from Europe, Asia and North America, the easy-to-use system also features Uconnect Voice to deliver world-class functionality to keep all passengers easily connected, comfortable and secure.
Exclusive Performance Pages are new for 2012 and included within the touchscreen display. The instrument panel display can be customized to view driver preferences and expanded to include instant feedback on steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, expanded engine information, along with 0-60 mph time, 60-0 braking, g-forces and one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times. The color graphic Electronic Vehicle Information Center also includes the Performance Pages timers and added engine information.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
For everyday commuting, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 incorporates features like Keyless Enter-N-Go, adaptive-cruise control with Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, to keep drivers and passengers secure.
Standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver's knee bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.
Standard three-mode electronic stability control with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features, offer improved overall vehicle handling and performance both on the road and the track.
2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8
- Engine: 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) HEMI V-8
- Power: 465 bhp (est.)
- Torque: 465 lb.-ft. (est.)
- Handling: .88g on skidpad (est.)
- Top Speed: 175 mph (est.)
- 0-60 mph: High 4-second range (est.)
- ¼ mile: High 12-second range (est.)
New 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T Joins SE, SXT, SXT Plus Models
New for 2012, the Dodge Avenger offers a model lineup comprised of the
SE, SXT, SXT Plus and the new for 2012 Avenger R/T. The 2012 Dodge
Avenger sports two new exterior colors: Copperhead Pearl Coat and Blue
Streak Pearl Coat.The new for 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T model is the perfect sedan for the customer who wants an enthusiastic driving experience at a great value. With a stiffened suspension, best-in-class 283 horsepower engine, center-mounted tachometer and performance-inspired interior and exterior design cues, the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T ups the driving fun factor.
Dodge engineers tuned the Avenger’s suspension specifically to the R/T model. They increased roll stiffness by 18 percent and spring rates by 17 percent in the front and more than 12 percent in the rear. Front strut damping rates are increased 15 percent, rear strut damping rates are increased almost 20 percent and the rear stabilizer bar diameter is 2 mm larger, increased from 19 mm to 21 mm. The suspension changes result in a spirited, performance sedan driving experience.
Unique exterior design elements of the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T include a unique body-color grille, black headlamp background, R/T fender stripes on the front quarter panel and unique 18-inch aluminum wheels. The performance elements carry through to the rear of the vehicle with a spoiler and the “R/T” badge.
The 2012 Dodge Avenger arrives in showrooms in the Fall of 2011. Call us at iCars' Dodge Curaçao showroom for more information.Durango SRT8 Possible for 2013 Model Year
Just the Facts:
- Dodge is considering a high-performance SRT8 version of the Dodge Durango.
- If it does reach production, it would be as a 2013 model.
- Power may come from the same 6.4-liter Hemi V8 used in other SRT8 models.
- Other high-performance hardware would include an adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes.
SANTA MONICA, California — Following the recent introduction of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Chrysler is now considering a high-performance version of the Jeep's platform mate, the Dodge Durango. The model would be called the Dodge Durango SRT8 and it would be powered by the same 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that powers the other SRT8 models.
Chrysler refused to comment officially for this report, but a source close to the project has confirmed that the Durango SRT8 is being seriously considered. However, it is possibly being held back because of the lackluster sales of the 2011 Dodge Durango R/T, an existing performance version of the SUV powered by a 370-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and available with rear-wheel drive. Of the 30,227 Durangos Dodge has sold since the R/T launched in March, only 2,418 have been R/Ts, a mere 7 percent.
Unlike the R/T, the seven-passenger Durango SRT8 would be all-wheel-drive only, just like the smaller five-passenger Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Since both SUVs are based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, all of the hardware that makes the Jeep into a fire-breathing SRT8 model bolts right onto the Durango.
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