Dodge Challenger SRT8 Part 3: Performance Review

Most car freaks who can remember the late '60s and early '70s have this heroic vision of the era's muscle cars as ridiculously powerful and fast machines with performance today's cars could never match. Well, those cars were certainly fast and powerful - back in the day - but most, if not all of them wouldn't be able to hang with today's modern performance sedans, much less this new generation of retro muscle cars.

Street drag racing was popular in those days because the cars could only really go quickly in a straight line. But today's muscle cars know that for every straightaway, there are two corners. They not only go faster and more quickly down the quarter mile than their ancestors, but they can also stop and corner in ways that the originals could never dream of.

The word Hemi alone is enough to give you goose bumps if you know your muscle car history. And while Chrysler may have overused the word in recent years, it's still represents something special.

In the case of the Dodge Challenger SRT8, Hemi means BAD-ASS. The 6.1-liter Hemi V8 is the same engine we've seen in the other SRT8 products. It makes 425 hp and 420 lb ft of torque, but unfortunately, it still has to haul more than 4000 pounds.

You'd think that chopping off four inches of wheelbase and having two doors instead of four would have saved some weight, but somehow it hasn't. To its credit, the car still accelerates amazingly well - 0-60 in less than five seconds and the quarter in the low 13s - but there's no disguising all that mass. You can feel it the second you set off in this car, this thing is big!

As we mentioned, one thing that the original muscle cars couldn't do well was corner. Well, the new generation Challenger shuns its weight and corners very well. Credit the five-link independent rear suspension for some of that ability.

Fortunately, comfort hasn't been compromised in the name of handling. The Challenger SRT8 rides impressively well - especially considering it's on big 20-in. wheels. The car's steering may be overly light and less communicative than you'd like, but that's about the only negative on the handling front.

With a top speed of nearly 170 mph, the Challenger certainly has the get-up-and-go. And when you have to haul it all down, the Brembo brakes with their signature red calipers do a great job of slowing things down. Although after repeated use, the physics involved in slowing all that weight start to play into the equation as the pedal gets soft and the brakes start to fade.

One other source of frustration is the five-speed Auto Stick transmission. It shifts smoothly and quickly enough, but it has a mind of its own when in "Auto Stick" mode and will upshift even when you haven't requested an upshift.

That's frustrating on the race track, but to be fair, this car wasn't built to be a track car - unless of course we're talking about a straight, 1320 foot-long track. What this car is all about is power, image, and nostalgia. And that it delivers. It takes us back to a time when gasoline was cheap and plentiful, and horsepower was king. For those who can still afford to re-live those Mopar glory days, this is your ride.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Dodge Challenger SRT8

Performance
- Acceleration: 6.1 liter SRT motor never disappoints - great traction and acceleration, but not enough noise
- Handling: Given its weight, pretty impressive - other SRT8 models handle better though
- Braking: Effective retardation, but repeated hard use will see the pedal go soft and stopping distances grow

Design
- Exterior: Awesome modern interpretation of the original with great, authentic detailing - but it's massive...
- Interior: Chrysler had to save money somewhere - seats and alcantara trim help make it feel a bit special

Utility
- Comfort: Great big seats, tons of headroom, and a HUGE trunk - softer suspension setup than other SRT8 products results in comfortable ride
- Space: Massive exterior means massive interior (for a coupe) - usable back seat is unique in the retro-muscle car class

Safety
- Dynamics: It's over two tons, but it still has enough agility for accident avoidance maneuvers
- Technology: Airbags for both passengers as well as side curtain airbags - plus physics are on your side

Value
- Price: Right in line with other top-end retro muscle cars
- Mileage: Come on... it has a HEMI! (so not great)

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: If you used to dream about the original, this one will have your heart at the limiter
- Fun to spank: Reluctant AutoStick aside, it's a kick-ass ride that invites you to drive like a rebellious teenager

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 6.1 liter, OHV V8
Power (SAE): 425 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 420 lbs-ft @ 4800 rpm
Redline: 6250 rpm
Gearbox: 5 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4180 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.7 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.3 sec.
Top Speed: 170 mph
Mileage: 13 city / 18 highway
Base Price: $40,158
Competitors: Ford Mustang GT500, Chevrolet Camaro, 1970 Dodge Challenger?