PURPLE INTERCEPTOR: Dodge Challenger SRT8
The Dodge Challenger is the name of three different generations of automobiles (two of those being pony cars) produced by American automobile manufacturer Dodge. However, the first use of the Challenger name by Dodge was in 1959 for marketing a “value version” of the full-sized Coronet Silver Challenger.
From model years 1970 to 1974, the first generation Dodge Challenger pony car was built using the Chrysler E platform in hardtop and convertible body styles sharing major components with the Plymouth Barracuda.
The second generation, from model years 1978 to 1983, was a badge engineered Mitsubishi Galant Lambda / Sapporo, a coupe version of an economical compact car.
2011 model year
The new SRT8’s chin spoiler was enlarged to create more downforce. It resembles the 1970 Challenger R/T. The SRT8 received a new 6.4-liter Hemi V8.
The 392 was officially rated at 470 hp (350 kW; 477 PS) and 470 lb⋅ft (637 N⋅m; 65 kg⋅m) of torque.
Dodge engineers stated they sacrificed peak horsepower ratings for low-end torque, stating a 90 lb⋅ft (122 N⋅m; 12 kg⋅m) increase over the outgoing 6.1-L (370 c.i.d.) Hemi V8 at 2,900 rpm.
Two transmissions were offered: a 5-Speed Shiftable Automatic and a 6-speed manual. With the revised 6.4-liter engine, Chrysler engineers cited a quarter mile (~400 m) time of 12.4 seconds at 110 mph (177 km/h) – bettering the outgoing 6.1 L Hemi by 0.8 seconds, although that figure has varied wildly between automotive magazines.
Car and Driver tested the 392 at 12.9 seconds at 114 mph (183 km/h) while Motor Trend tested it at 13.0 seconds at 111.3 mph (179.1 km/h) and Edmunds’ number was far closer to Chrysler’s claimed numbers at 12.6 seconds at 112.1 mph (180.4 km/h).
Top speeds of the 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T and 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 were both rated at 170 mph (274 km/h). The R/T has a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time of 5.00 seconds, while the SRT8 accelerates to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.50 seconds.
