Intrepidation

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8® Delivers Intelligent Performance And Power Set to launch this calendar year, Dodge gives peek at its newest product from the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team at the Chicago Auto Show 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine offers an estimated 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque for power across a significantly wider rpm range All-new adaptive valve exhaust system improves fuel efficiency All-new paddle-shift technology allows spirited shifting on road and at the race track Two-mode adaptive damping suspension allows for selectable suspension tuning and also automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for proper vehicle control February 9, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The new product onslaught continues for the Dodge brand with the announcement today at the Chicago Auto Show that the Dodge Charger SRT8 will return for the 2012 model year. “We’re continuing the fast-paced rebuilding of Dodge as our performance brand, and the expansion of our SRT product lineup in 2012 is an important part of our rejuvenation,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLCs. “The new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 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.” The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and will be in dealer showrooms later this year. “AWE-INSPIRING” POWERTRAIN 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. Estimated power ratings for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 are 465 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, including an estimated additional 80 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm. Specific horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to the vehicle introduction. 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. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque for impressive standing starts while optimizing high-end power. 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 W5A580 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. OUTSTANDING RIDE AND HANDLING New for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 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. Drivers also can manually choose between “Auto” and “Sport” settings that quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from the ease of everyday commuting to harsher, 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. New, split five-spoke, 20-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. OUTSTANDING BRAKING World-class stopping power for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes through four-piston Brembo calipers and vented/slotted rotors measuring 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches in the rear. The Charger SRT8’s Ready Alert Braking system anticipates situations when the driver may initiate an emergency brake stop and engages the electronic stability control pump to set brake pads against rotors in order to decrease the time required for full brake application. AGGRESSIVE AND FUNCTIONAL EXTERIOR Exclusive new front and rear fascias, along with a new rear spoiler, distinguish the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 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 SRT8 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. RACE-INSPIRED AND FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR Building upon the all-new design from 2011, the interior environment of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 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 SRT8 features a 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harmon Kardon. 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. Exclusive Performance Pages are new for 2012 and included within the touchscreen display. The instrument panel display can be customized to view driver preferences and expanded to include instant feedback on steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, expanded engine information, along with 0-60 mph time, 60-0 braking, g-forces and one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times. The color graphic Electronic Vehicle Information Center also includes the Performance Pages timers and added engine information. SAFETY AND SECURITY For everyday commuting, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 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. 2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 Introduction Date: Fall 2011 as 2012 model Engine: 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) HEMI V-8 Estimated Power: 465 bhp Estimated Torque: 465 lb.-ft. Estimated Handling: .88g on skidpad Estimated Top Speed: 175 mph Estimated 0-60 mph: High 4-second range Estimated ¼ mile: High 12-second range ABOUT DODGE Dodge is a full line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The brand is on a tear for the 2011 model year, redefining itself with six all-new or significantly redesigned new vehicles, introducing new lifestyle packages designed to better meet the needs of its customers, launching catchy new ads that have started conversations with owners and potential owners, actively participating in new events and sponsorships and developing relationships with its long-loyal enthusiast base, as well as reaching out to customers who want cars that leave them wanting more. For the 2011 model year, the Dodge brand is filling dealer showrooms with a vast array of new and updated products. The Dodge product line includes the all-new Dodge Durango and Dodge Charger, significantly revamped Grand Caravan, Journey, Avenger and Challenger, and the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Nitro.

Based on a true story.

Sweet, thanks!

+1 more year for dave!

Seems fitting for the winter we've had:

I think throwing the 3.6 and 6-speed will help, but if they can retune the suspension, redo the interior, add features, and update the fascias, they could make it competitive again. It worked for Chrysler, and Ford too. The question is will GM be willing to spend the money to do any other meaningful updates beyond the powertrain. The interior is so cheap and dated looking, even in photos, and especially compared to what GM can do now.

wut

Called it.

It would be like giving grandpa viagra!

The Mercedes one was pretty good.

Yeah it doesn't seem like you could go wrong with any of them. However the Toyota's nasty interior and melted face takes it off my list.

Insideline rounded up this years' new or significantly revised minivans to find out who reins king of the family haulers. http://www.insideline.com/toyota/sienna/2011/2011-minivan-comparison-test.html and just for comparison, last year's Grand Caravan: and just for comparison, last year's Grand Caravan: Seemed like a fair comparison. Only 6.6 points separate the 1st-place Sienna from the 5th-place Grand Caravan in the overall scores. However I don't really agree with the Sienna being first. The cheapest interior of the group would have knocked down to at least 2nd in my book. The Odyssey seems to be held back by its lack a features and powertrain. I think the Chrysler vans did well despite coming last. Them and the Quest had my favorite interiors, and Stow `n Go will always be a big plus for me. I also like where the shifter is. I don't know why peopled hated it before, but unlike all the other vans, the shifter location in the Chrysler vans doesn't get in the way of the center stack controls.

I agree. Anyway... The Passat ad did nothing to showcase the Passat, and it hould have at least been black. However VW is using the brand cache the George Lucas hasn't milked all the way out of the Stars Wars franchise. It's certainly better than a sleazy dealership doing a very poor job at being surprised that one of there cars just turned into a giant f-ing robot.

Yeah I prefer the S-Class to the A8, even in the Audi commercial.

The Aztek I respect for what it was even though I find it hideous. Uglier than the Juke. The other two are pointless. The X6 is an X5 with less practicality and the ZDX is an X6 rival that manages to be uglier. Neither ones does anything particularly new, neither is very daring. The Juke brings a good amount of power and fun to drive characteristics to a segment that normally has all of the excitement of a slice of white bread. And its styling is way more adventurous.

And pretty uncommon. Only 4500 Specials built over 3 years.

That's what the internet is for! Watch the commercials and cut out the middle man. That's what I did.

Chrysler one was great. I liked how it told a story and wasn't just your typical stupid/funny commercial. VW Beetle commercial was cute. Audi commercial was pretty funny. Love how they take shots at Mercedes even though I don't care for the A8. VW Passat commercial was a great example how to cleverly use a franchise to remote your product, even if remote start is nothing new. Camaro commercial is how not to use a franchise to promote your product. The other one was meh. Volt commercial - pretty good but I like Mike Rowe better as far as using tv personalities to narrate your commercials. Cruze commercial - made me not want to buy a Cruze. When the selling feature is that you can facebook that you just crashed into a tree while texting, it puts me off. Other Cruze commercial - completely forgettable. Something about old people and Eco. Silverado commercial - So its a loyal pet? What's that got to do with towing or payload capacity? Kia Optima - A commercial showcasing that the advertising agency can 3D, but little about the car. I'd be nice if Kia's marketing grew up for once.

I think the Chevy Cruze ad with Facebook can be described by the following quote:

I like the Juke because is so damn far out there. I don't care for the styling, but you know what? Its a risk and not just another Cruze. Just like the Murano convertible is a risk. Nissan is actually taking chances and thinking outside the box. Something most companies no longer do. I respect that.

What is this I don't even.

We need more people.

New more photos of both! Congrats.

Never cared for those. Like someone sliced the ass off a normal car.

Weird that the regulators are an issue, H cars have pretty massive rear windows but its not a known problem. One thing to note about all LH's is that Evaporator cores are a known issue. Easy way to tell (besides if it doesn't work at all) is if there's any hissing coming from the dash when the ac is on or just turned off. Not a hard job just an involving one. And if you look at one make sure to know if the timing belt tensioner pulley, and waterpump were changed. Oh and what about a Saab 9-3?