FIRST DRIVE ~ 2011 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 392

SONOMA, Ca.: This bad boy’s off the chain!

When the Dodge Challenger decided to jump into the modern muscle car segment in 2008 it did so in a no holds barred way with the SRT8 version complete with a great, thumping 6.1-litre V8 pumping out 425 hp and 420 lb/ft of torque.

It was a throwback and breath of fresh air all at the same time.

It was also, without doubt, the most powerful car built in Canada at the time. Since then the Mustang and Camaro have arrived and started an undeclared horsepower war.

Dodge is now just struggling out of a very bad time and they’ve come out swinging with no less that eight new Dodge and Chrysler vehicles led by the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

Like the original 2008 Challenger SRT8, the 2011 also has a Hemi, but what a Hemi.

Called the “392” because that’s its displacement in cubic inches, it 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 like 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 doesn’t 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 Chrysler’s 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.

Certification is still being done at this writing, but Dodge estimates a 30 mpg (Imp) return in fuel consumption on the highway.

There are two versions of the “392” starting with the SRT8 392 at $47,995 and the fancier 392 Inaugural Edition at $49,995.

The chief difference with the Inaugural is that it is offered in two colours: Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes. For the first time, the front grille features a body-color grille surround.

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 don’t 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.

I expected a thunderous explosion of gasoline against piston at startup, but it was all pretty tame. There was the fruity burble from the exhaust tips that one expects from a big bore V8 but no drama.

That was, until I moved off from rest from the Infineon Raceway parking lot in Sonoma, Ca., and the tone went up a full octave to a bass rumble.

And then, glory be, I turned onto California Highway 37 and hit the gas. BRAMMMMM!

Thanks to traction control, stability control and all the other safety system that are now mandated, there was no screeching of tires or rear end squat as all 470 lb/ft of torque found their way to the pavement but oh what a marvelous sound.

First, the sound went way up to that bellow you only get from a V8. Next, the 392 explodes off a standing start like a howitzer shell.

But, and this is a big but, steering inputs were not overpowered despite what was happening at the rear wheels. Thanks to the new and improved suspension, rounding a posted 50 mph curve was child’s play and could have been taken at 100 mph without lifting my foot had I tried.

There was a chance to take the 392 out on the track at Infineon, but experience has taught me this proves nothing as driving like that on the street could, and should, result in instant license suspension.

Yet the 392 is another example of how today’s engineering allows anyone to drive this car including Grandma motoring over to bingo.

And the other thing is you can have performance that will humble a BMW and at half the price.

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: (Est.) 30 mpg (Imp.) highway
PRICE: SRT8 392, $47,995; Inaugural Edition, $49,990