2012 Dodge CHARGER SRT8 Review, Specs, & Pictures

The first thing you will notice on the new Charger SRT8 is its front end. Its bumper is blacked-out over the grille, which, along with the blacked-out grille surround and Dodge crosshair, makes it look like the car is either sucking in air, about to take a big bite out of something, or sitting with its mouth agape. Despite how silly that sounds, visually the new Charger SRT8—especially when compared to the base model—looks menacing. It is comparable to front end of the Mitsubishi Evo or the entire Audi sedan lineup, yet much more intimidating.

Other exterior changes include a new rear spoiler, sculpted hood, “6.4 L” badges, unique side sills, and aggressive front and rear aprons. Out back, the Charger features what it is calling its “racetrack” tail lamp design. It is comprised of 164 LEDs that stretch from one side of the tail to the other and bring both individual tail lamps into one element.

Of course, the new aggressive look is designed to complement the new more-powerful 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, which replaces the outgoing 6.1-liter V-8 unit. Dodge says its estimated power rating for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 stands at 465 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, a decrease of five from both power metrics compared to the Challenger 392. Despite jumping 0.3 liters and producing an additional 40 hp, Dodge says the new Charger SRT8 also offers improved fuel economy.

Dodge will also offer standard paddle shifter for the first time on its five-speed automatic transmission. It provides more user control; however, the automatic still will not allow the engine to nudge the redline.

Also new for 2012 is an adaptive damping suspension that uses a wide range of data on both road conditions and driver input (such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position, and lateral acceleration) to automatically tune the suspension for a desired effect. Drivers can manually choose between “Auto” and “Sport” settings for the suspension.

We can vouch for the world-class stopping power in the 2010 Charger SRT8 and Dodge promises the same capabilities in the 2012 model. Four-piston Brembo calipers and rotors measuring 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches in the rear supply the excellent braking power.

Altogether, Dodge claims some impressive performance statistics: 88g on skidpad, estimated top speed of175 mph, 0–60 mph in the high four-second range, and a quarter-mile time in the high 12-second range.

Dodge promises a sporty interior to match the exterior. It features a unique flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim pieces, aggressively bolstered driver and passenger seats, and a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium audio system from Harmon Kardon. Users can also interact with the largest standard touchscreen display in the segment. Sitting at an impressive 8.4 inches, the touchscreen system now also provides data on steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, 0–60 times, 60–0 braking, g-forces, and one-eighth and quarter-mile times.