The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

by Patrick Rall

When Dodge rolled out the redesigned Charger sedan in 2011, it
featured extensive changes to the entire car, making the mid cycle
refresh more like a whole new generation.  While the initial new
Chargers in 2011 offered only the 3.6L V6 and the 5.7L Hemi V8, Dodge
unveiled the 2012 Charger SRT8 at the Chicago Auto Show.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is powered by the awesome new 6.4L, 392
cubic inch Hemi packing 465 horsepower and 465lb-ft of torque – sending
all of that power to the rear wheels by means of a 5-speed automatic
transmission and a Sure Grip rear wheel drive setup.  This affords the
2012 Charger SRT8 not just performance measures that allow it to keep up
(and beat) some of the highest performance sedans in the US market, but
thanks to Chrysler’s Fuel Saver Technology, the new 6.4L Hemi is more
fuel efficient than the previous SRT Hemi.  Better fuel economy than the
outgoing motor along with more horsepower and torque, combined with the
great new look of the 2011 Charger was a huge step in the right
direction, but Dodge didn’t stop there.

The exterior of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 features the same basic
look found on the redesigned 2011 Charger including the massive new tail
light with the “race track” LEDs running around the outer edge, but
Dodge made sure that the 2012 Charger SRT8 very clearly stands out in
the crowd of new Chargers.  The most obvious difference is the bold
front fascia, which features a huge center section with enlarged upper
and lower grille openings – all finished in gloss black.  The lower lip
of the front fascia is more prominent, adding improved aerodynamics and a
more aggressive look. Also, the areas around the foglights have been
sculpted to bolster the angry look of the 2012 Charger SRT8.

Across the back end, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 features more
aggressive upgrades with a lower rear fascia wrapped around a set of
massive 4″ polished exhaust tips.  On the sides of the Charger SRT8 is a
set of rocker extensions that add to the lowered look, tucking the body
around the gun metal grey split-spoke 20″ wheels.  Behind these large
unique wheels we find a high performance braking system coupled with an
enhanced suspension system that features a new adaptive suspension
control.  These alterations help the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 to be one
of the most powerful and best handling full sized sedans on the market
today, but with a cost higher than the non-SRT Chargers, Chrysler made
sure that the interior reflected the special nature of this new model.

The interior of the 2012 Charger SRT8 features sport-inspired seats
with enhanced bolsters, finished in suede and leather.  The front seats
offer power controls along with in-seat air condition and all four
seating positions offer heated surfaces.  The SRT8 also comes with a
premium Harman Kardon sound system controlled by steering wheel mounted
buttons and that same steering wheel also features paddle shifters to
allow the driver to bang through gears without taking his hands off of
the wheel.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 offers class leading performance,
handling and fuel economy coupled with a stunning exterior design and
high luxury interior – which should all help to increase the
already-high popularity of the high performance Dodge sedan.