We've all been waiting for it and here it is. Instead of Eminem driving that Chrysler 200 in the Superbowl commercial, the rap star and Detroit native obviously wasn't made aware of this. Dodge has chosen to unveil its new 2012 Charger SRT8 at this year's Chicago Auto Show. Powered by the 6.4-liter HEMI V8, it produces 465 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, which is a boost of roughly 80 lb-ft at 2,900 rpm over the 6.1-liter version.
The SRT8 features Dodge's all-new adaptive valve exhaust system that helps improve fuel economy along with new paddle shift technology that joins the standard AutoStick on the floor shifter. Both are bolted to the five-speed automatic (guys...we'll take that 8-speed tranny anytime). There's also a two-mode adaptive damping suspension which allows for selective suspension tuning that automatically adapts to road and driver inputs to insure proper vehicle control. Combined with Brembo brakes and side sills, the SRT8 comes with an exclusive front and rear fascias and a new spoiler.
Dodge claims it has an estimated top speed of 175 mph and will hit 60 mph in the high four second range and a quarter mile time in the high 12 second range. The interior features a flat-bottom steering wheel, heavily bolstered seats, and a 900-watt, 19-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.