Automotive News, Media & Press - SRT-8 Charger




View Full Version : SRT-8 Charger


ActionJack
08-24-2005, 10:27 PM
I was inspired to post this because I had a Charger pull a bit on me the other day and though I thought it was a metalic orange without the black hood I am now thinking it was the Inferno Red and with the suns glare it had an orange tinge. If so, the SRT-8 Charger when they get to the dealers will be quick and can hand a stock LS1 F-Body or C5 there perverbial 'ass' if they are not careful.


ARTICLE:

Balanced Performance: the quickest sedan in the Dodge lineup, plus race-bred handling, world-class braking

SRT Performance: 0-60 mph in 5-second range, 0-100-0 mph in mid 16-second range, 60-0 mph in approximately 110 feet

New York, Mar 24, 2005 - When Dodge unveiled the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger into its lineup, performance-car aficionados had a lot to celebrate. The party gets kicked up a notch with the introduction of the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8.

With its infusion of Street and Racing Technology (SRT) DNA, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 provides exactly what performance enthusiasts want in their American muscle sedan: more power, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, functional and aggressive-looking exterior enhancements and a race-inspired interior.

“The all-new Dodge Charger embodies all of the key attributes of the Dodge brand – bold, powerful, street-smart and full of life,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 builds on the Dodge formula. It starts with a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI® engine and continues with a powerful dose of renowned Street and Racing Technology performance for a tremendous performance-per-dollar value story.”

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_newyork/charger/images/1.jpg

Exterior:
Functional performance is at the heart of the SRT credo. To that end, an all-new front fascia includes integrated ducts that help direct fresh air to cool the brakes. The front fascia also incorporates an air dam to reduce lift. The hood is equipped with a scoop to funnel cool air into the engine compartment.

The rear fascia features integrated lower strakes to direct air flow and aggressive cutouts to accommodate dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A dramatic decklid spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for high-speed stability and traction.

And because SRT vehicles look as good as they perform, a unique heritage-style SRT badge is set into the blacked-out grill. Body-colored exterior mirrors fold inward for convenience in tight quarters.

Three exterior colors are available: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat.

http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/img/gallery/enlarge/charger_srt8/charger_gallery_02.jpg

Interior:
Race-inspired interior appointments in the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 start with power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and highly bolstered sport seats in the front fitted with performance suede inserts to hold occupants during maneuvering. Rear seats have matching performance suede inserts. All seats have contrasting red stitching.

Other sporting touches include “carbon fiber” technical leather trim on the steering wheel for better grip, and special finishing on the center stack.

A 180-mph (300 kph) speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauge feature dark faces unique to the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8. An LED display within the gauge cluster is driver-configurable for oil temperature, oil pressure and tire pressure readouts.

Available options on the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include power sunroof, Kicker® audio system with six-disc CD changer, DVD-based Navigation system with turn-by directions and voice prompts, automatic temperature control, heated front seats and side air bags.

Also available are SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rear-view mirror and the stereo system’s speakers for hands-free conversations.

The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 interior is offered in Dark Slate Grey/Light Graystone.


http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_newyork/charger/images/4.jpg

Powertrain:
Just as the very first Charger – the original 1964 “Charger by Dodge” concept car - sported a HEMI V-8, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 gets its motivation from a HEMI, too. In this case, it’s a big-bore, SRT-engineered version producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.

Several features of the new 6.1-liter SRT HEMI recall the legendary HEMI engines of previous decades, including the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency, orange-painted cylinder block, black valve covers, and even the horsepower rating (with less displacement, the 6.1-liter HEMI’s 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds that of the legendary Street HEMI of the 1960s and ‘70s).

To create the 6.1-liter version of the Chrysler Group’s HEMI, SRT powertrain engineers applied tried-and-true engine-building tricks honed by generations of American hot-rodders.

They unleashed 85 more horsepower by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing engine speed.

For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to 6.1 liters from 5.7 liters.

Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine efficiency and power.

Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique to the 6.1-liter HEMI engine. Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch) exhaust system with 3.5-inch chrome tips.

To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased HEMI’s peak power output engine speed nearly 20 percent to 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5,000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.

The high-performance SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at high engine speeds.

Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through an A580 five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick®, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.


http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/2005_newyork/charger/images/9.jpg


http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_175675/tm.htm


Urban Legend
08-24-2005, 11:36 PM
We will have to wait and see. I say bring them on.

RedWS601
08-25-2005, 01:53 AM
Basically a milder, cheaper CTS-V. Sweet though and I know they weight 4,200 LBS. so like that guy B4 me said Bring em on!!! :devil:


94greencamaro
08-25-2005, 06:29 AM
Looks nice

y2k_ta
08-25-2005, 10:15 AM
It still has four doors. To me, the only Charger Dodge built was a two door.

1CAMWNDR
08-25-2005, 12:19 PM
I also would have prefered a 2 door, but Dodge will not get my money unless they offer a 6-speed and give over the computer coding to one of the Tuner companies (HP Tuners) information so the vcm can be tuned.

abadss
08-25-2005, 12:50 PM
peformance should be pretty nice, the big 300C SRT-8's are running impressive times, seems like i saw a thread where one went 12.9's bone stock. but who knows. i cant believe they arent offering a manual tranny

Muffracing
08-25-2005, 03:10 PM
I saw a Charger Daytona at the MSP airport tuesday. It looks kinda neat, but I don't think I'd buy one.

TriShield
08-25-2005, 03:21 PM
I cancelled the delivery of my 2005 GTO to get a Charger SRT-8 instead. I put a deposit on one and will decide on the color when Chrysler starts taking orders, I'm leaning towards Inferno.

The reason I chose the Dodge is because it has a usable trunk, a usable back seat because of the two extra doors, way more features like dual-zone and satnav, much better brakes, and way better handling. The rarity should make the resale much better as well. I also prefer the styling, it's one of the most wicked looking new cars I've seen coming this year. For a car I'm going to keep for many years, the SRT-8 simply makes much more sense. Everything it has over the GTO, I will not be giving up anything in performance.

I also like the SRT-8 trio better than the CTS-V because the quality and attention to detail is much better overall. The interior isn't a disaster to look at with better design and materials, it doesn't have the balkiest, crappiest manual known to man, and the seats are much more comfortable and better bolstered. Chrysler also designed a suspension that doesn't wheel-hop rear differentials to death. Basically the SRTs are a superior product for less money. GM should take notes for the CTS-V redesign.

94greencamaro
08-27-2005, 01:18 AM
I cancelled the delivery of my 2005 GTO to get a Charger SRT-8 instead.
No fuckin way man. What has gotten into you. These cars dont look half as good as a 05 GTO and in my opinion arent as good under the hood or in bed. :hump:

TriShield
08-30-2005, 01:34 AM
No fuckin way man. What has gotten into you. These cars dont look half as good as a 05 GTO and in my opinion arent as good under the hood or in bed. :hump:

The Chrysler LX cars are thoroughly impressive to drive, and the road tests of the 300 SRT-8 put me over the edge. It's a CTS-V eater without the CTS-V drawbacks, and price. With the wicked Charger styling I find it irresistable.

I like that it handles better, brakes better, will be much rarer, the interior is just as nice with way more features, the trunk isn't halved by the fuel tank and back seat is honestly useful with two rear doors. It's a better car than the GTO, and the GTO is a great car.

Naked AV
08-30-2005, 01:48 AM
No fuckin way man. What has gotten into you. These cars dont look half as good as a 05 GTO and in my opinion arent as good under the hood or in bed. :hump:
You gotta hand it to Chrysler, they got their styling down. That 300C looks fantastic, and the Charger (though not worthy of the name), still turned my head when I saw one in the parking lot last week.

Not so the GTO. It's not ugly, actually, but it has to be one of the plainest, most homely cars I have ever seen (also not worthy of its moniker IMO). Some fans have tried to pass off 'homely' as 'sleeper', but I'm not buying it.

:barf: New GTO

BOBA_VETT
08-30-2005, 02:52 AM
All so very true...
GTO = plain jane and lame

If the Charger had 2 less doors, I'd be all over it. As it stands, I'm going to have to think about it.

loki993
08-30-2005, 03:26 PM
whats the srt-8 going for? around 38K i suppose?

TriShield
08-30-2005, 04:14 PM
If the Charger had 2 less doors, I'd be all over it. As it stands, I'm going to have to think about it.

Two less doors won't make it look completely different, go faster or magically add inches to your you-know-what. ;) Like I said, I think having four doors will be much handier than just two and it is a wicked looking car.

TriShield
08-30-2005, 04:14 PM
whats the srt-8 going for? around 38K i suppose?

It starts at $35k with lots of standard features. :eek2:

OctaneZ28
08-30-2005, 04:29 PM
Base price of the Charger SRT-8 is $35,995.

BOBA_VETT
08-30-2005, 04:32 PM
Two less doors won't make it look completely different, go faster or magically add inches to your you-know-what. ;) Like I said, I think having four doors will be much handier than just two and it is a wicked looking car.

Oh, I beg to differ on all accounts. ;)

Two doors will most certainly make it look different. See G35 & G35 Coupe, BMW3-series, BMW5-series, Honda Civics, etc.

Two less doors, will also make it go faster. Less weight, shorter wheelbase = faster.

Two less doors would most certainly "magically add inches to my you-know-what", because then I would actually buy the thing, which would give me a woody, thus adding inches... :jest: :drive:

JS
08-30-2005, 04:51 PM
You wont touch a SRT8 Charger for less than 38K +TX

The Charger is nice but to say the rear seats in the GTO are useless are incorrect,Sure there hard to get into but once seated u have plently of room in the rear of a GTO.I also think the GTO is structurely much more sound than the Charger,built and handles better,stops and is faster too.

The looks department is a hard call,but again with the 05 hood,Sap grilles and the 18's the car looks sinister in say Black/Red interior..The Charger is big a bulbous tank,and its a 4 door (Baby boomer machine) and shouldnt be compared to the GTO.....

GTO is 32K + TX which IMO is as close to a BMW M3 as u can get for 22K less...
The GTO wins hands down,good luck with your Charger.....

TriShield
08-30-2005, 05:10 PM
Two less doors would most certainly "magically add inches to my you-know-what", because then I would actually buy the thing, which would give me a woody, thus adding inches... :jest: :drive:

:jest:

Two, four doors, it's all good. I was a big fan of the LT1 Impalas when they were new and there are definite pros to having four instead of just two.

TriShield
08-30-2005, 05:16 PM
The GTO wins hands down,good luck with your Charger.....

Thanks, the GTO is a great car but the Charger SRT-8 managed to lure me away as a better overall package. I wouldn't mind picking up a Brazen 06 GTO M6 to play with in the future though.

94greencamaro
08-30-2005, 05:50 PM
You gotta hand it to Chrysler, they got their styling down. That 300C looks fantastic, and the Charger (though not worthy of the name), still turned my head when I saw one in the parking lot last week.

Not so the GTO. It's not ugly, actually, but it has to be one of the plainest, most homely cars I have ever seen (also not worthy of its moniker IMO). Some fans have tried to pass off 'homely' as 'sleeper', but I'm not buying it

:barf: New GTO

Tell me this GTO is a plain homely car.
http://www.gtoforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/512/sort/1/cat/509/page/8
:barf: Charger

Naked AV
08-30-2005, 06:04 PM
Tell me this GTO is a plain homely car.
http://www.gtoforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/512/sort/1/cat/509/page/8
:barf: Charger
Okay, it's a homely car.

Seriously, if you like it, that's very cool, more power to you. :chug:

TriShield
09-01-2005, 08:45 PM
Cool video from MPH, the Charger looks and sounds so good.

-------

First, watch the video. (CLICK THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM)

Now, to answer your questions, we do it because we can. The only thing more fun that doing a smoky burnout is videotaping a smoky burnout and watching it over and over. And the Dodge Charger SRT8 is an excellent burnout machine with 425 tire-shredding horsepower. Other key elements are an easy to manage automatic transmission that will stay in first gear and a stability program that can be fully switched off. That's right, full off. Take that, SL65.

The thing on the side of the car is our video camera, held on by the Sticky Pod.

Oh, and one other thing. I stopped. I could have made a bigger burnout. Rear tires (255/45ZR20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar) cost about $225 each.

Mike
Posted - August 31, 2005

http://www.mph-online.com/new/imgs/blog_head.gif (http://www.mph-online.com/blogs/0026)

1CAMWNDR
09-05-2005, 12:27 AM
:headbang:
I wish the rims were shorter and wider for better high performance rubber. Like 17X11 with 315s.

JBsZ06
09-05-2005, 10:00 AM
Congrats on a bad @ss ride!

JB

marcus769
09-05-2005, 12:28 PM
There is a 300C Srt-8 at our local track almost every weekend. Looks reallllly nice. Runs 13.4-6 Bone stock, but did have E.T. Streets.

97LT1
09-05-2005, 08:03 PM
Okay, it's a homely car.

Seriously, if you like it, that's very cool, more power to you. :chug:
I agree it does not have that killer look to it. It rounds off like the cavalier on the back quarters.

I say that new srt-8 is a good thing and im glad to see dodge making power. It looks like a great ride for if you have kids. Aside from your Camaro or TA, Vette.

ActionJack
09-07-2005, 01:38 PM
If the new Camaro does not measure up then a Charger SRT-8 is in my future.

Truth be told, Chrysler is kicking ass in the muscle car arena and GM is still in hibernation. Only the Vette is doing anything and that is all they have unless you want to include the GTO.



:judge:

Naked AV
09-07-2005, 02:23 PM
If the new Camaro does not measure up then a Charger SRT-8 is in my future.

Truth be told, Chrysler is kicking ass in the muscle car arena and GM is still in hibernation. Only the Vette is doing anything and that is all they have unless you want to include the GTO.

:judge:
Chrysler is the only manufacturer making anything remotely interesting as far as cars go...the other two (Ford, Chevy) have only focused on trucks in the past few years, and it shows. They continue to crap out these turds that cleary have had no forethought behind their design. If it wasn't for Chrysler, the only place I'd be looking to for a car would be Europe or *gasp* Asia.

GTO_Scott
09-07-2005, 05:25 PM
A friend of mine went at looked at the new Charger and said it looked like a combination between a taxi cab and a dodge truck. I would have no issues driving one, but I don't think the design is that exciting.

Curious how GM is hibernating in the muscle car arena with a 2 door GTO that is quicker than a 4 door Chager? Didn't realize 4 doors were muscle cars ;)

Once again, I'm an old Mopar guy and would have no problems owning the new Charger, but I wouldn't classify the 4 door as a muscle car. It's a performance sedan for the family.

mikey
09-07-2005, 06:47 PM
No manual trans = boring... At least the CTSV gets you a T56.

Naked AV
09-07-2005, 07:10 PM
A friend of mine went at looked at the new Charger and said it looked like a combination between a taxi cab and a dodge truck. I would have no issues driving one, but I don't think the design is that exciting.

Curious how GM is hibernating in the muscle car arena with a 2 door GTO that is quicker than a 4 door Chager? Didn't realize 4 doors were muscle cars ;)

Once again, I'm an old Mopar guy and would have no problems owning the new Charger, but I wouldn't classify the 4 door as a muscle car. It's a performance sedan for the family.
That's funny: Taxi + Ram = Charger. I can see that. Still the best thing going design-wise as far as American cars....that and the 300C.

No manual trans = boring... At least the CTSV gets you a T56.
Maybe....but try driving day-in and day-out in stop and go traffic with a stick. I remember living in the SF Bay area and getting to work with my left foot asleep from all that stomping on the clutch. There is a place for a manual, and that ain't it.

ActionJack
09-07-2005, 07:21 PM
A friend of mine went at looked at the new Charger and said it looked like a combination between a taxi cab and a dodge truck. I would have no issues driving one, but I don't think the design is that exciting.

Curious how GM is hibernating in the muscle car arena with a 2 door GTO that is quicker than a 4 door Chager? Didn't realize 4 doors were muscle cars ;)

Once again, I'm an old Mopar guy and would have no problems owning the new Charger, but I wouldn't classify the 4 door as a muscle car. It's a performance sedan for the family.

You got me on the 4 door part. But, my money is on the SRT-8 Charger over a 05' GTO.

TriShield
09-07-2005, 09:02 PM
You got me on the 4 door part. But, my money is on the SRT-8 Charger over a 05' GTO.

Muscle cars come in a variety of body styles, including four doors. Just like the LT1 Impala SS which is a great muscle car. Will people say a classic LS-6 El Camino SS isn't a muscle car because it has a tray on the back? That's a little ridiculous. It might not be your preference, but a wicked looking car is a wicked looking car, and it's nice to have some variety in muscle cars instead of being stuck with only coupes and the drawbacks of two doors.

TriShield
09-07-2005, 09:05 PM
Chrysler is the only manufacturer making anything remotely interesting as far as cars go...

Chrysler is the only one of the Big Three making distinctly American cars in nearly every respect. The other two you have to travel to Australia to find anything remotely exciting in the mainstream from them. The "new" Impala SS GM is churning out now is a damn joke. I wish Ford and GM's mainstream cars had the same passion for design and performance as their niche cars do, then maybe they wouldn't be teetering on the brink like they are now.

Moparnos (The SLP Guy)
09-16-2005, 08:09 PM
i wish they would of made it look more like the 68

THE_SUPRA
09-16-2005, 10:47 PM
i want it!!!!!!! i want it!!!!!..... OH crap :bang: i have 2 68 chargers and a supra to dump my $9.25 an hour into...oh well ill have to see if the old man wants one :judge: :drive:

BuBbABFP
09-16-2005, 11:25 PM
i wish they would of made it look more like the 68
I wish soo too! but oh well hopefully they will open theyre eyes in the next couple of years. im telling u THAT shit dont look like my charger!

Moparnos (The SLP Guy)
09-17-2005, 11:02 AM
i want it!!!!!!! i want it!!!!!..... OH crap :bang: i have 2 68 chargers and a supra to dump my $9.25 an hour into...oh well ill have to see if the old man wants one :judge: :drive:

wanna sell one of your chargers? :judge:

OctaneZ28
09-19-2005, 04:43 PM
Chrysler is the only one of the Big Three making distinctly American cars in nearly every respect. The other two you have to travel to Australia to find anything remotely exciting in the mainstream from them. The "new" Impala SS GM is churning out now is a damn joke. I wish Ford and GM's mainstream cars had the same passion for design and performance as their niche cars do, then maybe they wouldn't be teetering on the brink like they are now.

I would agree that the new Impala SS is still "wrong-wheel" drive, however it does make better business sense right now for it to be FWD.

Line up a 1996 Impala SS and a 2006 Impala SS at the dragstrip and see which one wins. :)