2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Review

OVERALL RATING 4.2 of 5.0
  • Performance
    4.1 of 5.0
  • Cost of Ownership
    4.4 of 5.0
  • Interior
    3.4 of 5.0
  • Reliability
    5.0 of 5.0
22 Dec 2010
0

The all-new 2011 Dodge SRT8 392 is a combination of great balance of function and excellent shape. This machine has an impressive acceleration in a straight line with a handling that is world class. All these combined with the technology used in braking and in manufacturing the engine results in a super strong car with admirable fuel efficiency. This is one coupe in the dodge lineup that has modern performance features and amenities that are all rolled up in one machine and it sure will capture the interest of high performance car lovers. It is viewed as the answer to the call for more power with the type of torque that keeps the driver back on the seat with the thrust it creates.

The Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is a step towards showcasing the improvement in performance. This 2011 version is the grand return, to the streets, of the famous 392-cubic inch power train. The engine beneath the hood has the kind of power that most muscle car enthusiasts dream of. It pumps out 470 horsepower, which creates 470 pound per foot of torque. The HEMI engine installed in the new SRT cars creates a further 90 pounds per foot of torque with 2,900 rotations per minute (rpm), which is stronger than the previous version. The additional torque makes it possible to have an inspired standing start as well as an improved performance. Plus, the new motor mounts are tuned to improve ride control and idle stability.

There are two options when it comes to the gear box, it’s either the automatic transmission which is a standard five speed or the 6-speed manual transmission which first made a debut in the 2008 Viper SRT10. Dodge made sure that the shifting in the 2011 version is made easier via the installation of a heavy-duty clutch. Just like its predecessors, the 2011 Dodge SRT8 has am impressive performance in the street and will make heads turn, it can move from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Compared to other cars in its class, this speed puts it at its own position of excellence.

There is a new technology used in this version that allows it to use four cylinders therefore saving a lot on fuel. This does not mean that the vehicle cannot be all-powerful; the engine can use all the eight cylinders when required. This can only be found in the automatic transmission model. The valve covers together with the logo and the silver painted ribs give the engine a clean but aggressive appearance. The exhaust system has been redesigned; this has resulted into a note with a lot of strength that commands a lot of
respect from onlookers both on the racetrack and the street.

The 2011 Dodge SRT8 will have an exclusive exterior as well and interior. The body works will be improved and there will be two colors or the striped combination. You can either choose the bright white coat with Viper Blue stripes or the deep-water blue combined with store white stripes. The front grille, in this model only, comes in the body color. This makes the car look so natural from the front, and makes the grille look like it
is attached to the body completely.

This car lives up to its name, challenger, in terms of torque and horsepower ratings. The quad tip exhaust adds a note of performance and completes the rear, which gives the car a look of a modern muscle machine. The car rolls on 20-inch wheels, which feature satin black pockets and a polished face. The interior is race themed. The white leather seats bring this out with a special blue stitching that matches with the unique blue stripes. The center stack and the instruments have a high performance look that is created by the clean silver metal finish. The interior of this car creates a feeling of racing and when the car starts moving, the racing feeling becomes a reality.

The body shape still maintains the Dodge look that is aerodynamic and when looked at closely reveals the impression of a vehicle that has stability superiority on the road at any speed. The front fender spats and the front splitter, which results in an overall balance and high speed, create the aerodynamic shape. The top speed now lies at 173mph for the automatic transmission and 180 mph for the manual transmission. The fascia has been modified and also contributes to the aerodynamics and is also painted to give the vehicle an improved aggressive look. The rear spoiler is also painted to match with the body color.

There is a new interior styling for the Dodge Challenger SRT. The steering wheel comes in a right size that has three metallic painted spokes and a wheel that is leather covered.  This is a sporty look especially because the spokes are positioned at 9, 6 and 3 o’clock. The instrument panel has a new unique graphics and chromed accent rings; this gives the gauge cluster a more mechanical look that suggests that the vehicle is a high-speed machine. Powered front seats are standard for the Dodge challenger SRT8 models. The front seats have a seatback tilt that has memory and thus the seats are easy to use.

On the road the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is easy to handle and maintains the ability to challenge different situations. The suspension geometry was recalibrated to improve the steering responsiveness, cornering ability and the balance. The challenger now has quicker steering ratios that improve its appetite for speed. The steering is powered, fully hydraulic, with a heavy-duty pump, which gives the drive a direct feel of the wheels.  All these features have worked together to create a Dodge SRT8 that will challenge its rivals in every aspect of performance. This is not the best of Dodge but before they make anything better than this, then this is the muscle car to purchase.

Quick Challenger SRT8 Specs

The 6.4L Hemi V8 of the SRT8 will pump out 475hp & 460 lb/ft of torque.

The 5.7L Hemi of the R/T will be pounding out 379hp & 410 lb/ft of torque.

The price range is supposed to be in the range of $25000 – $43000.

MotorTrend’s Video Review of the SRT8 2011 Challenger

Final Thoughts

I wouldn’t mind finding one of these beauties in my garage this spring. What do you think about the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8? Let us know in the comments below.

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