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CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives August 2011 | Read the full SECTION
CITYLife CAR CORNER
2011 Challenger SRT8 392
Inaugural Edition
By Bill Zervakos and Cathy Droz tworfortheroadusa.com
With the pony cars wars in full swing, Dodge felt the need to up the anti with the SRT8 Challenger and the result is the new 392 cubic inch Hemi that produces 470 horsepower and a whopping 470 lb-ft of metal moving torque. The bump up to a 6.4 liter from 6.1 may not seem like a big thing, but what it does is allow for more torque at a lower rpm. So what you end up with is 470 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm instead of 420 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. Bottom line, 0-60 time is quicker at 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile time is faster.
This new model also brings better ride and handling matched with high performance braking and technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency. New suspension technology makes for a firm ride yet not too harsh for everyday commuting. Reworked suspension geometry improves Challenger’s balance, cornering ability and steering responsiveness. Make no mistake, this car is a straight line monster not an agile corner cutter, although quicker steering ratios and new negative camber settings all around dramatically improve Challengers abilities for cornering. The end result is that the 392 SRT8 is fun to play with and a blast to drive.
The interior of the Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition features standard Smooth Pearl White leather-trimmed seats and dual blue stripes accented by unique blue stitching. The front seats feature an embroidered 392 just below the headrest, and a serialized Inaugural Edition 392 HEMI dash plaque, showing the build number from 1 to 1,492, sets off the unique interior. Power lumbar front seats are standard, and now rear seat access is eased by seat-back tilt with memory feature. The front passenger seat has tilt and slide with memory.
This car is all about driving and I have to say, I enjoyed every minute behind the wheel of this Deep Water Blue Challenger. This is clearly one of the cars that make people whip out the cameras, so if you don’t like having people checking out you and your ride, this car is not for you. If, however, you want to drive something that will rip your head off when you take it to the track, or be as docile as a sedate sedan, then the 2011Dodge Challenger 392 SRT8 may be just what you’re looking for.
Base price on the 392 Inaugural Edition is $42,555 and with adds, the total on the test car was $49,810. Dodge and buyers are no doubt banking on this iteration becoming a collector item and maybe, just maybe, it will.
Photos courtesy of http://www.dodge.com/challenger
Listen for Two for the Road Vignettes with Bill Z. and Cathy D. Monday thru Friday on KXXT1010AM. To read more in-depth reviews, go to www.twofortheroadusa.com.