For 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8® 392 adds even more high-tech performance features to solidify its place as the brand's ultimate modern American rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe. This 470 horsepower machine promises a balanced performance approach with outstanding straight-line acceleration, world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the most up-to-date technologies that deliver more driver excitement and control. And it still gets 23 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 accelerates from 0-60 mph in the high 4-second range; runs the quarter mile in mid-12-second range with the automatic transmission (high 12-second range with the manual); goes from 0-100-0 mph in the low 15s, reaches a top speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission (175 mph with the automatic) and stops from 60-0 mph in just 117 feet.
Awe-inspiring powertrain
The 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI® V-8 delivers 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. (637 N•m) 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 23 miles per gallon on the highway with both the standard manual transmission or available automatic transmission. Performance-tuned engine mounts improve idle stability and ride control at all speeds.
2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392
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 14/23 for manual or automatic 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.
Outstanding 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 and on par with some of the world's best-handling performance coupes.
Benchmark braking
The standard SRT performance brake package produces world-class 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.
Aggressive and functional exterior
Exterior styling of the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 remains unmistakably Dodge, with proportions that continue to evoke a bold, instantly recognizable performance coupe that has a wide, stable stance on the road.
The large front splitter and integrated front fender spats and body color rear decklid spoiler provide stable high-speed aerodynamics and overall balance while the front fascia chin spoiler also improves aerodynamics and is accented in black for a more aggressive look. The front grille features a bright grille surround.
For 2012, available exterior colors include: Bright Silver, Bright White, Header Orange, Pitch Black, Redline Red and Tungsten Metallic. Dual, full-body stripes are available in black, grey metallic, red and silver metallic.
Unique "392 HEMI" badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V-8 engine that remains true to its high-performance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger in terms of horsepower and torque ratings. From the rear, the 4-inch rectangular exhaust tips deliver the 392's performance exhaust note while adding the styling cue of a serious muscle car.
Race-inspired and high-performance interior
The race-inspired interior begins with a new, leather wrapped, heated, SRT-exclusive steering wheel that features a unique satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. The optional automatic transmission includes paddle shift controls on both sides of the new contoured palm rests. All audio and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) controls are accessible from the horizontal spokes on the steering wheel.
The trapezoidal instrument panel features a four-bomb gauge cluster with chromed accent rings and unique SRT graphics. Inside the cluster, the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with performance pages provides the driver with trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.
Power lumbar-equipped front seats are standard. The driver's seat features seatback tilt with memory and an easy to reach release handle, while the front-passenger seat adds tilt and slide with memory, which makes it even easier for passengers to get in and out of the back seat.
Interior color combinations include Dark Slate Gray, and new for 2012 Radar Red/Dark Slate Gray, which adds color to the seats, door bolsters and rear seat armrest.
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.