Back to the future with the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Turn the key and there is a slight hesitation as a big piston slides up into position.
Next, the engine, all 6.4-litres of it, literally bursts into life then settles down to a lumpy idle with just a hint of a rumble deep down.
For those who remember the sound of a big-bore V8, the ≥392≤ in the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 brings memories flooding back to the days when Mustangs, Cudas, Camaros, 442s and, yes, Challengers ruled the roads in North America.

About the time that the first Challenger came out I can remember paying 51 cents a gallon (yes, per gallon) of gasoline, not the prices of today.
And back then, cars were known by their displacement numbers in cubic inches not just brand names. For instance the 7.0-litre V8 was called a 427.
For several years, Chrysler has had an in-house performance team called Street and Race Technology or SRT. When a Chrysler or Dodge has SRT in its name, you know it is brimming with modifications.
Currently, Chrysler is rolling out a number of SRT versions of its lineup like the Jeep SRT8 and Chrysler 300 SRT8 but the foremost is the car tested here, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 also known as the ≥392≤ for its 6.4-litre V8 that pumps out 470 hp and 470 lb/ft of torque.
Just to recap Dodge Challenger for 2011, there are three basic models differentiated primarily by engine. All are front-engine, rear-drive.
The Challenger SXT ($26,995) comes with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 305 hp and 268 lb/ft of torque with a five-speed automatic transmission. The SXT Plus starts at $28,995 and adds a number of trim pieces such as leather-trimmed seats, Uconnect with Voice Command and a 265-watt Boston Acoustic sound system.
The Challenger R/T ($36,395) is equipped with the ubiquitous 5.7-litre Hemi V8 now producing 379 hp and 410 lb/ft of torque through a standard five-speed Auto Stick automatic or an optional six-Speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission. The Challenger R/T Classic ($38,390) adds standard features like HID headlights and 20-inch wheels.
Like the R/T 2011, Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is available with either the standard five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick or an available Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission. The Tremec was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10.
The 392 comes with an improved heavy-duty clutch that provides easier shift engagement. Also, the force needed to work the clutch pedal doesnπt require legs of steel to make it work.
Now it may sound odd to talk about ≥green≤ and a 6.4-litre V8 at the same time, but Chryslerπs Fuel Saver technology is included in automatic transmission equipped V8 models. It allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use all eight cylinders when needed.
Fuel consumption is listed at 15.1/8.8L/100 km (19/42 mpg) for the manual and 15.6/8.8L/100 km (18/31 mpg) city/highway with the automatic. These fuel numbers represent a four-mpg highway improvement over the 6.1-litre V8 used previously in SRT models.
There are two versions of the ≥392≤ starting with the SRT8 392 at $47,995 and the fancier 392 Inaugural Edition at $49,995 as tested here.
The chief difference with the Inaugural is that it is offered in two colours: Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes (as tested) or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes. For the first time, the front grille features a body-color grille surround.
In the instrument panel, each Inaugural Edition has a numbered plaque.
Unique "392 HEMI" badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V8 engine that remains true to its high-performance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger in terms of horsepower and torque ratings.
From the rear, the Mopar quad exhaust tips deliver the performance exhaust note while adding the styling cue of an out and out muscle car.
Open the door and you donπt so much as get in as step down into the cockpit like a WW11 fighter. The high doorsills and instrument panel let you know this is not your average family grocery-getter.
The hood stretches way out in front and is an expansive piece of sheet metal. Cruising at highway speeds it gives just a tinge of cowl shake which is appreciated by those like me who remember how it was ≥back in the day≤.
The Challenger does not roar off the line but gathers speed like an express train. Oh sure, you can switch off the traction control and burn rubber, but why?
But when you do feed in the gas smartly there is the kind of bellow from the quad exhaust that only comes from a big V8.
The power steering was a bit too light for my tastes but I did enjoy how it steered.
Fourty years ago, the original Challenger was great in a straight line but the brakes faded quickly and it teetered in the turns on its solid rear axle and leaf springs.
With a platform based on a Mercedes-Benz design and with all the advances in suspension geometry gained over the years, the Challenger SRT8 is agile for its size and weight.
Lastly, because this car is built in Brampton, Ont., by the good men and woman of the CAW, let me tell you the way this car was assembled and turned out is a credit to them and this country.
Summing up, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is one of the best bangs for the buck on the market.

 

 

BODY STYLE: High performance coupe
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
ENGINE: 6.4-litre, OHV V8 (470 hp, 470 lb/ft)
FUEL ECONOMY: Manual, 15.1/8.8L/100 km (19/42 mpg) city/highway; automatic, 15.6/8.8L/100 km (18/31 mpg) city/highway
PRICE: SRT8 392, $47,995; 392 Inaugural Edition, $49,990.

Comments

[Used cars for Sale]

The American muscle cars still rule the roads. The numbers have slightly reduced due to the hike in the gas prices in the past. The manufacturers are now in the process of making those muscle cars more efficient using smaller engines with the same amount of power.

[Truck Lowering Suspension Parts]

Yeah I remember the sound. It gets my adrenaline pumping once again.