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470-Horsepower HEMI Engine

Under the hood, the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 delivers 45 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces - up 11 percent to 470 horsepower (351 kW) and up 12 percent to 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque.

Even with the elevated power numbers, an estimated 25-percent fuel economy increase on the highway is achieved by use of a new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wider rpm range for improved efficiency or the use of all eight cylinders when the extra power is needed. The new active valve exhaust system also allows for straight-through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 features an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing to provide maximum low-end torque, including an additional 80 lb-ft of torque at 2,900 rpm for strong standing starts while optimizing high-end power.

The proven 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

A standard adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system is new for 2012 and tuned specifically for the Dodge Charger SRT8. The ADS system 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.

When drivers manually choose between the "Auto" and "Sport" settings, the shock damping characteristics are quickly changed from an everyday performance ride to a much firmer race track capable damping for more challenging driving situations.

The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system also is improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

Maximum handling rating for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is .88g on the skidpad.

New, split five-spoke, 20 x 9 inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide great looks, and the available three- or four-season tires make the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 easy to handle and fun to drive in any condition.

Brakes

Stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet comes through 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers painted red. Improved brake cooling and fade performance at all four corners comes courtesy of a new underbody belly pan with integrated brake ducting.

The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop. The electronic stability control pump then engages to set the brake pads against the rotors, speeding up the time required for full brake application.

Safety and Security

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 features more than 65 advanced safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and 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 air bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

The available Driver Confidence Group adds Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Path detection and SmartBeam headlamps.

Connectivity and Infotainment

New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features a standard 900-watt, 19-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 19 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 6 x 9-inch subwoofers in the rear deck
* One 10-inch subwoofer in the rear deck

The intuitive user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect Touch on the largest standard touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment. 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.

The Uconnect Touch system has been upgraded for 2012, adding handsfree texting with compatible Bluetooth devices, voice commands for Garmin navigation, SIRIUS Traffic and more iPod control features to expand on the system's connectivity and convenience technologies.

Safety and ease-of-use is a priority, and the upgraded Uconnect Touch 8.4 and 8.4N models with handsfree texting keep passengers even more connected through voice commands. With a compatible Bluetooth phone, Uconnect Touch enables text-to-speech for incoming text messages and provides the driver with recorded speech-to-text responses for outgoing messages.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 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.

Dodge Charger SRT8: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications