2012 Dodge Charger SRT8
The new product onslaught continues for the Dodge brand with the announcement today at the Chicago Auto Show that the Dodge Charger SRT-8 will return for the 2012 model year. Dodge continuing the fast-paced rebuilding of Dodge as their performance brand, and the expansion of the SRT product lineup in 2012 is an important part of their rejuvenation, Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand – Chrysler Group LLCs said “The new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT-8 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.”
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. 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.
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 W-5 A-580 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.
New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT-8 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.
Exterior : Exclusive new front and rear fascias, along with a new rear spoiler, distinguish the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT-8 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 SRT-8 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.
Inerior : Building upon the all-new design from 2011, the interior environment of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT-8 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 SRT-8 features a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. 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.
For everyday commuting, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT-8 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.
