Chevrolet and Ford have been in the spotlight with their decades-old muscle car rivalry, but Dodge is back for 2011 with a bolder Dodge Challenger, boasting more power and refinement. The ultimate regular production Challenger (if you don’t count the V-10 Track Pak car) debuted this week at the 2010 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas.
The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 takes its name from the 392-cubic-inch Hemi V-8 that lurks underhood. The name shouts old school, but this modern engine features an active intake manifold, variable-cam timing, and cylinder deactivation (on automatic models). Also known as a 6.1-liter engine, this Hemi produces 470 horsepower and 470 lbs.-ft. of torque—notably 90 lbs.-ft. more than the previous 6.1-liter engine. Transmission choices are a five-speed automatic with Auto Stick or Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual—a serious stick used on the Viper.
Refinements abound, with a new exhaust system to broadcast a deeper, throatier sound. The suspension geometry has been revised and the shocks retuned to heighten on-track handling, without a punishing ride. The steering has also been retuned for a more direct feel and better on-center response. Dodge claims the big Dodge Challenger coupe can pull .93 g on the skid pad.
Like all Dodge Challenger modelss, the SRT8 392 features an updated interior with a new instrument cluster. 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. On the practical side, the driver’s seatback tilts with memory, and the passenger bucket has a tilt-and-slide feature to aid rear ingress/egress.
To kick off production of the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, 1,492 Inaugural Edition models (1,100 for the United States and 392 for Canada) will be produced. These limited-production models will be offered in blue with white stripes or white with blue stripes, each wearing polished 20-inch SRT wheels. White leather seats further distinguish these collectibles, finished with “392” embroidery and dual blue stripes. For appropriate status at the local car show, each example will have a serialized dash plaque.
As awesome as the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, the regular Challenger V-6 and Challenger V-8 variants are highly desirable this year, as well.
See what Chrysler, Chevrolet, and Ford brought to SEMA.
Also: Retro Muscle: HPP Previews Custom Firebird, Camaro Ahead Of SEMA
Chevrolet Camaro And Corvette Concepts Break Cover At SEMA Show
Read our Dodge Challenger review.
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