2013 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 392

 

THE 2013 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 392

By Bruce Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group

The  2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is one of the most exciting cars to drive. On the race track or on the best  back roads of North America the sophisticated suspension and electronics help control the powerful Challenger SRT.

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.

The 2013 Hemi has 392  cubic inches (6.4-liter) delivers 470 horsepower with 470 lb.ft. of torque across a wide range .

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.

The SRT8 392 is lowered and drivers must be careful on driveways and deep water not to destroy the fascia.  The rear spoiler helps keep the SRT8 392 low for high speed track runs which I made over and over.  I had to concentrate on the Milford Test Track but then later on  test drives for a week it was fun to use the  “performance pages” as Dodge calls them. This allowed me to test 0-60,60-to-0, ¼ mile. 1`/8^th mile, , G-lateral and Longitudinal figures.  With the three season tires was great last week when weather in Detroit was nearly 60 degrees. But, today as Dodge states remove those tires and get some winter gripping tires for anything below 40 degrees will make the Challenger SRT8 392 slip and slide. YES! It did all morning even with default  electronic stability control on. I gave it too much pedal to see if Dodge was right on and they were.

Thumbs up and waves from those who saw the SRT version with the racing red stripes and large optional alloy rims and tires make the Challenger SRT a head turner. I had the Police insist I burn out before the Thanksgiving Parade of Detroit November 2012!

From all angles of the 2013 Challenger SRT8 392 we see beauty. Under the hood we see the power that is mated to the Autostick  transmission. Move inside and the red seats with special stitching are not just good looking but comfortable. Added heated seats make the journey in winter easier. The steering wheel also is heated and it works immediately.

The electronics help keep the 2013 SRT8 on the road. The electronic stability control has three settings. Default, Partial and Full-Off mode.

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.

The rear seat is able to hold people who will be cramped because of minimal leg room. Entry into the rear seat is not an easy task either.

Best to keep the rear seat for extra storage or for children to sit in.

Cargo space is abundant. I needed more when carrying our gear and the rear seats added more than I could believe. 

The SRT8  392 does not have a spare tire.  So many manufacturers say no to spares. With road side assistance, AAA, and other services they feel that  no need for the spare. Still they offer one as an option.  When in Montana or even when in the outback I am not happy without a spare.  The inflator kit joins two Harmon Karden speakers and a large performance battery in the trunk.  The extra weight makes sense for this powerful 392 needs to keep the tires on the road and not spinning.

The start stop button was confusing at times.. Plus, doors would not lock. You must be careful on the start/stop ignition systems. I love the keyfob offering start of the vehicle from a distance. That made the car clean of the ice/snow we received in lat November plus made the car warm. That system automatically turned on heated seats and the heated steering wheel.

The base Challenger SRT8 392 starts at $43,775.00 but quickly can  get to over $50,000.00. The test car I drove came in at $50,800.00 not including destination charges of $995.00.  It had the customer preferred package 22X at $1995.00 which gave the sound system an upgrade to include Harmon Karden Audio Group and premium speakers.  The auto stick automatic Transmission added another $1,100.00 and included Steering Wheel Mounted paddles, Tip Start,3.06 Rear Axle ratio.  The sunroof I like which includes the two wide red stripes down the hood ( $995.00).  For the great looking alloy rim and 245/45ZR20 3-Seas Goodyear tires add $150.00.  UCONNECT 730 Option gives you CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/NAVIGATION with 40 GB hard drive. The GPS navigation is terrific. 

One item added is for the luxury of a gas guzzler $1,000.00.

The sound system was a pleasure to use. I would like soon that the U Connect join up with Google earth to add true images of where you are traveling.

Total for the 2013 Challenger SRT8 392  I drove was $50,800.00.  MOPAR after market products are also available to even make the Challenger SRT8 392 more impressive.

I have driven the Mustangs, the Camaros, and the Challengers and they are all superb. Sophistication in all the controls of the Challenger really impressed me and it is one of the best “sports” cars I have ever driven.

I wished our test car offered the following:

1.     Blind Spot monitoring.

2.     Lane Departure Control.

3.     Rear Camera or better as Infiniti has the above 3D camera system.

4.     Google earth on Navigation System.

5.     Adaptive headlamp system. The present system is good but Adaptive are even better.

6.     Move windshield squirters to the actual windshield wipers and add heat.

7.     Adaptive Cruise Control with Crash Avoidance.

Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction 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.

Bruce Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group

brucehubbardphotography.IFP3.com