The Dodge Charger SRT8 is a full-size performance sedan that debuted in 2006, a throwback to the 1960s and 1970s muscle car era but in four-door format. Based on the Dodge Charger sedan, which resurrected the name of Dodge’s formerly popular muscle car model when it debuted in 2006, the SRT8 is a product of Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology division. As such, it is equipped with many upgrades from other Chargers that are aimed at improving its acceleration, braking, and handling capability. In fact, every person who buys a Charger SRT8 receives a free one-day SRT Track Experience driving school, taught at various racing tracks around the country by instructors from the Richard Petty Racing School.

Here is what changed on the 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8:
• New Super Bee model in Hemi Orange
• Revised taillight design
• Added standard features, such as automatic climate control, heated front seats, remote engine starting, and other items
• Recalibrated ABS and stability control systems
• Retuned suspension
• Improved fuel economy
• New Deep Water Blue paint, as seen above

The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 is based on the Charger R/T. Visual differences include redesigned front and rear bumpers, air ducts for brake cooling, red-painted Brembo brake calipers, a mesh grille insert, a different hood with a functional scoop, a more prominent decklid spoiler, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, and a lower ride height. Inside, the Charger SRT8 includes unique instrumentation with a 180-mph speedometer and a reconfigurable display feature, sport-bolstered front seats, red accent stitching, a carbon fiber pattern in the leather on the steering wheel, and silver metallic interior décor.

Mechanically, the Dodge Charger SRT8 is significantly different than regular Chargers. Under the hood, a 6.1-liter V-8 engine makes 425 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm running on recommended premium fuel. Power is delivered to a strengthened five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift feature and a performance axle with a 3.06 final drive ratio, producing a zero to 60 mph acceleration time in the low five-second range and the quarter-mile in less than 14 seconds, according to Dodge. Dodge also says the Charger SRT8 can accelerate to 100 mph and come to a complete stop in about 17 seconds.

Brembo 4-piston calipers clamp bigger ventilated discs front and rear, and a brake knockback mitigation system effectively primes the brakes based upon software that tracks lateral g-forces, making sure that maximum stopping power is available when needed. Dodge says the Charger SRT8 hauls itself down from 60 mph in 110 feet. Unique suspension tuning includes revised damper tuning and spring rates, modified front and rear suspension knuckles, and larger-diameter anti-sway bars. The SRT8 comes standard with Goodyear RS/A four-season tires sized 245/45 in front and 255/45 in back. Goodyear Supercar F1 tires are optional (as fitted to the test vehicle above). Maximum skidpad grip, as measured by Dodge, is .89g. The steering is also tightened up with quicker response and more heft.

Dodge plans to sell two Super Bee versions of the 2009 Charger SRT8. The first is offered in the fall, painted Hemi Orange and including a serialized dash plaque, different wheels with black painted pockets, special decals, silver-painted brake calipers, orange interior accent color on the seats, and an upgraded UConnect Tunes radio. In the spring of 2009, Chrysler is planning a Brilliant Black edition of the Super Bee with similar detailing.

In addition to the Super Bee package, the SRT8 can be equipped with two other option groups. The first bundles 13 high-performance Kicker speakers, a 200-watt subwoofer, and a 320-watt amplifier with surround sound and a six-disc CD changer. This package also includes a Performance Display Screen in the instrument cluster. The second option group packages a voice-activated, touch-screen navigation system with a 30GB hard drive on which music and images can be stored. It also has UConnect Bluetooth cell phone wireless connection, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack, and Sirius satellite radio with Sirius Traffic.

Among the other options offered on the Charger SRT8, the rear-seat entertainment system with Sirius Backseat TV is the one in which the kids will be most interested. Sirius Backseat TV continuously broadcasts Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. Other available features for the SRT8 include HID headlights, a power sunroof, and summer performance tires.

The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 features several safety systems. Four standard airbags protect occupants, including multi-stage front airbags and side impact airbags for the front seats. Side curtain airbags are optional. The SRT8 also comes standard with a traction and stability control system, ABS with Brake Assist, and the aforementioned brake knockback mitigation system. The SRT8 is also equipped with what Dodge calls an Enhanced Accident Response System, which automatically cuts fuel flow to the engine, unlocks the Charger’s doors, and illuminates the interior lights in the event of an accident.

Dodge says the Charger SRT8 is designed primarily for married, post-family men aged 40-59 who are looking for the ultimate modern American muscle sedan. J.D. Power and Associates says the standard Dodge Charger competes against other large cars, most of which feature front-wheel drive. Because it is a rear-drive, low-volume performance sedan, the Charger SRT8’s most natural direct competitor is the Pontiac G8 GXP.