2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 "392 Hemi"
by Jim Prueter -04/2011

The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is new to the Challenger lineup — and Dodge is only building 1,492 of these limited-run Inaugural Edition models. 

The Inaugural Edition and subsequent SRT8s will be powered by a new 392-cubic-inch displacement Hemi V8 (up from 354), and delivers a massive 470 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet of torque. Dodge says the SRT8 392 will run 0 to 60 mph in the low-four-second range and passes through a standing quarter-mile in the mid-12-seconds time. 

New for the 2011 Dodge Challenger is the cylinder deactivation feature on models with automatic transmissions, which allows the engine to operate in ECO mode by shutting down 4 of the 8 cylinders when drivers feather the accelerator pedal.

All Inaugural Edition models will be built with exclusive interior and exterior appointments. On the exterior, two colors and new full-body stripe combinations: Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes. For the first time, the front grille features a body-color grille surround.

Dodge has added large “392 Hemi” badges on the front fenders, which revives an iconic number that dates to the 1957-58 first-generation Hemi with 392 cubic inches that made the company’s mark in NASCAR and drag racing. And while the first hemi-head 392 powered Chrysler products in the late 1950s, it never powered a Dodge Challenger until now.

Aside from the unique blue/white paint schemes and different engine badges, the 2011 Dodge Challenger remains essentially identical in looks to the 2010 Challenger SRT8.

What we did notice behind the wheel of our “392 Hemi” SRT8 was the increase in torque resulting in a stronger pull, especially at lower RPMs. The SRT8s have always been quick in a straight line, but Challengers are noticeably larger and heavier than chief rivals – the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Ford Shelby GT500 didn’t handle as well when asked to press a curve. But Dodge revised the steering to be quicker with no trouble staying on-center, and the feel is noticeably more agile and confident.

Powerful Brembo brakes felt solid, reassuring and prompt. The 20-in. by 9-in. forged aluminum alloy wheels carry Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar ultra-performance ZR rated tires.

Our blue-with-white-stripes tester came equipped with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission ($995) with a manual mode, but it still shifts up on its own when the engine hits redline defeating the manual-mode feature. In all fairness, the shifts did afford quick gear changes, but it doesn’t have rev matching for downshifts nor does it have steering-wheel paddle shifters. A six-speed manual transmission is standard.

Inside, the heavily bolstered race-inspired seats are standard with white leather-trimmed seats that have dual blue stripes and unique blue stitching, including an embroidered blue “392” just below each of the front headrests. The door trim panels also feature white door bolsters with blue accents.

An exclusive, serialized “Inaugural Edition 392 HEMI” dash plaque, showing the sequential build number from 1 to 1,492, rounds out the exclusive interior content.

For the most part, the Challenger interior largely disappoints, looking much more like it was lifted from directly from the larger Dodge Charger sedan than its own unique and sporty performance car cockpit. 

But what the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 does best is simply brute acceleration — in fact, the in-dash computer is capable of measuring with LCD readouts of the 0-60 and quarter-mile runs. Our best run to 60 miles per hour according to the computer was 4.2 seconds. And with the 470 foot-pounds torque there’s no waiting for all that horsepower to kick in. This muscle car is fast. Very fast. While it isn’t as quick as the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 we tested several months ago, for anything else it’s the quickest muscle car money can buy.

And with gas now over $4 gallon, the EPA fuel economy estimates are rated at 14 city, 23 highway and 16 combined. That isn’t horrible for a car that hustles like this monster but it certainly isn’t very appealing either. 

We expect the Inaugural Edition to sell out quickly and those who are interested shouldn’t wait. Non-Inaugural Edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 models are available in six exterior color choices, including red, orange, silver, black, white and “Green with Envy.” Black leather is the lone interior color choice. 

By far, both Camaro and Mustang still outsells the Dodge Challenger by a wide margin. But neither Camaro SS nor Mustang GT is the complete muscle machine the Dodge Challenger is — the big new “392 Hemi” is a true throwback to Americana.