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HEMI V8 Engine
The 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI V-8 delivers
470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque. The torque band is
extremely flat allowing for strong standing starts and improved straight-line
performance throughout the rpm range. An advanced active intake manifold along
with high-lift cam with phasing provides maximum low-end torque and high-end
power while still delivering up to 23 miles per gallon on the highway with the
standard manual transmission. Performance-tuned engine mounts improve idle
stability and ride control at all speeds.
Standard Fuel Saver Technology
(four cylinder mode) in automatic transmission equipped models allows the engine
to operate economically on four cylinders or use the power of all eight
cylinders when needed. The EPA fuel economy miles per gallon (mpg) (City/Hwy)
ratings for the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 are 14/22 for automatic
transmission models and 14/23 for manual-transmission models.
A look
under the hood reveals unique valve covers with painted silver ribs and the "392
HEMI" logo, which gives the engine a unique, clean and aggressive look.
The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features a standard Tremec TR-6060 six-speed
manual transmission and a dual-disc high performance clutch - a proven performer
that was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10.
The optional
five-speed automatic transmission features new, standard steering wheel mounted
paddle shifters that join the center console mounted Auto Stick, allowing for a
choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the race track. Both methods
give the driver the ability to manually select specific gears on the
transmission.
In "Drive," the transmission controller will automatically
shift the vehicle. The aggressiveness of the shifting is defined by the mode
chosen - either "Normal" or "Sport." Fully adaptive electronic control of all
shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.
In "Manual," the shift method is defined by the driver choosing to use
either paddle shift or Auto Stick. The "Sport" mode adds a hold function to the
calibration in all gears, allowing the driver full control of the shifting
schedule.
Ride, Handling and Capability
The adaptive
damping suspension (ADS) system is new for 2012 and tuned specifically for the
Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.
In "Auto" mode, a wide range of on-road and
driver inputs - such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake
torque, throttle position and lateral/vertical accelerations - automatically
tune the suspension for specific conditions. In "Sport" mode, the damping system
rebound and compression is locked to the higher damping rate. Drivers can easily
choose between settings to quickly change the shock damping and harshness
characteristics from "Auto" for everyday commuting to "Sport" for more spirited
driving situations.
The ADS system on the Challenger SRT8 392 features
the fastest turn-in and most nimble handling characteristics of any SRT product.
In the "Sport" setting, the system provides the highest damping rates allowing
the driver to push the handling envelope like never before.
The
performance SRT-tuned, fully-hydraulic steering system features a heavy-duty
pump combined with a damped steering gear to give drivers more direct response
and on-center feel.
Sitting a half-inch lower than non-SRT models, the
2012 Challenger SRT8 392 rides on either the standard five-spoke, 20 x 9-inch
fully forged aluminum wheels or available seven-spoke, 20 x 9-inch lightweight
forged aluminum wheels with satin black painted pockets. Standard Goodyear RSA
All-Season tires or available Goodyear F1 Supercar Three-Season complement the
performance design cues and deliver serious gripping performance and handling.
The handling result is .90g capability on the skid pad - the most of any
production Challenger.
Brakes
The standard SRT performance
brake package produces stopping power of 60 to 0 mph in just 117 feet from 14.2
inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo
fixed calipers painted red. The three-mode electronic stability control system
with knockback mitigation also includes four-wheel ABS, all-speed traction
control, electronic brake-force distribution, Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist
(HSA).
The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly
releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop, after
which the electronic stability control pump engages to set brake pads against
rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application.
Improved brake cooling and fade performance comes courtesy of wind-tunnel
designed brake cooling ducts that direct airflow to the vented rotors for
consistent stopping power.
Safety and Security
The 2012
Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features more than 35 advanced safety and security
features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and three-mode electronic
stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain
Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and
performance.
In addition, 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.
Connectivity and Infotainment
For maximum convenience and to keep passengers connected, a wide array of
connectivity, infotainment and mobile multimedia options are available on the
2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8.
The innovative Uconnect Media Center 430,
430N and 730N radios integrate a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, with a hard drive
where more than 150 hours of music and photos can be stored. Uconnect Media
Center radios also offer two navigation options, including: segment-leading
Garmin Navigation guidance and mapping (Uconnect Media Center 430N), or premium
GPS Navigation with SIRIUS Traffic (Uconnect Media Center 730N). Both navigation
solutions feature SIRIUS Travel Link, providing real-time weather, fuel prices
and more while on the go.
New for 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8
features an available 900-watt, 18-speaker premium SRT performance audio
surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. The system offers world premier
innovation, featuring a 32-volt TPS (Tracking Power Supply) 12-channel Class D
amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional,
quality sound for all interior occupants.
The new system uses GreenEdge
speaker and amplifier technology to offer superior sound quality and high Sound
Pressure Level outputs with minimum energy consumption. GreenEdge amplifiers
alone outperform traditional amplifier efficiency by up to 55 percent,
representing a net efficiency of more than 90 percent in some cases. The
speakers are tuned for maximum efficiency and perfectly matched to the amplifier
output.
The system's 18 GreenEdge high-efficiency speakers include:
* Seven 3.5-inch Unity coaxial mid-range speakers with seven integrated
tweeters located in the front dash, rear doors and rear deck
* Two 6 x 9-inch
subwoofers located in the front doors
* Two 10-inch subwoofers in a trunk
mounted enclosure
The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 will be built at the
Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
SRT Track
Experience
Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day
of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Driving Experience as
part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge
and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at
selected tracks.
392's Storied History
The original 392
HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chrysler and Imperial
products. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched
in 1951.Compared with the 354 engine, the 392 was completely revised and
improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft and
improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often affectionately referred to
simply as the "92," was perfect for drag racing.
More than a few racers
at that time immediately enhanced the performance of the newest HEMI by bolting
on six or eight carburetors, installing new camshafts, etc., and went racing.
Racing legend Don 'Big Daddy" Garlits ran a 392 in his infamous Swamp Rat I
dragster at record speeds of faster than 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger.
Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his
Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J., in 1964.
But the 392's success
went beyond the drag strip. It also set records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and
in boat racing. Drag racing boats were no different than their land-based
counterparts in the use of the 392. Famous HEMI engine builder Keith Black was
better known on the water than on the land, until he teamed up with Tommy Greer
and hired Don "The Snake" Prudhomme to dominate Top Fuel in California in the
early 1960s using a 392 HEMI.
After 1958, the 392 HEMI was gone as a
production engine, but it still remains a legend. Collectors are now preserving
many historic 392-powered race cars and hot rods and proudly displaying them on
show car circuits.
In 2007, Mopar - Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts
and customer-care brand - helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original
392 by launching a modern, crate engine version of the 392 HEMI.
Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications