Introduction
The Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is high-performance version of Dodge's Challenger 2-door coupe pony car. The 392 in the name alludes to the cubic-inch displacement of the Hemi engine of 1957 and 1958, as well as that of the current engine. Like the base Challenger, the SRT8 392 features styling inspired by the 1970 Challenger.
For 2013, the Challenger SRT8 adds an Adaptive Damping Suspension as standard equipment. It has three modes: Auto, Sport and Track, each with progressively firmer suspension settings. The 2013 Challenger SRT8 392 also gets a launch control system, available with either the manual or automatic transmission.
The Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 competes against the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang.
Exterior Features
The Challenger SRT8 392 rides a shorter version of the full-size LX architecture that serves as the basis for the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Compared with the Challenger, the Challenger SRT8 392 features xenon headlights, larger standard wheels and tires (20 inches vs. 18 inches), a unique front splitter, body-color rear decklid spoiler, large 4-inch exhaust outlets, a half-inch lower stance, and standard dual body stripes in black, gray metallic, red, or silver metallic. Goodyear RSA all-season tires are standard and buyers can opt for Goodyear F1 Supercar summer performance tires as an option.
Interior Features
The Challenger SRT8 392 seats five passengers, and offers a 60/40 split-folding rear seat to expand upon the trunk's 16.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. Standard interior features leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, automatic climate control, tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, power heated mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless access and starting, Boston Acoustics AM/FM/CD sound system, music hard-drive, satellite radio, USB port, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth connectivity, trip computer, theft-deterrent system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, compass, and outside-temperature display.
Optional Features
The Challenger SRT8 392 is available with a limited array of options. The Mopar Interior Appearance Group has a T-grip shifter, bright pedals, bright door sills, unique floor mats, and a car cover. A Harman Kardon audio system features 18 speakers and 900 watts of power, and Dodge offers two navigation systems, a Garmin system and a non-branded system. Both come with a 6.5-inch touch screen and a 30-gig music hard drive, and the non-branded version adds real-time traffic information. A sunroof is also available.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is powered by a 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) Hemi V-8 engine that makes 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The Hemi moniker refers to the semi-hemispherical shape of the engine's combustion chambers. The engine also features Dodge's Fuel Saver Technology that shuts down 4 cylinders under light loads to improve fuel economy. Transmission choices consist of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic with Dodge's AutoStick manual shift capability.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 with either transmission are 17/23/19 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Safety
The 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 comes with the standard suite of safety features (stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, multiple air bags), plus brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, active front head restraints, and rear park assist.
As of this writing, the 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 has not been crash tested in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program. However, the Dodge Challenger, which features the same vehicle structure, received the highest rating of 5 stars in the frontal and side crash tests, 4 stars in the rollover test, and a 5-star overall rating. The Challenger SRT8 392 also hasn't been tested for crashworthiness by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Technology
The Challenger SRT8 392 comes standard with an electronic vehicle information center with Performance Pages. Performance Pages provides 0 to 60 mph, 1/4-mile, 1/8-mile, lap and stopping times, as well as real-time horsepower, torque and G force numbers. It also has a tire-pressure monitor display, an engine-hour meter, and readouts for oil pressure, oil temperature, and transmission oil temperature. Trip computer information is also shown here.
