Dodge Challenger SRT8
The
R/T, powered by an updated version of the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 also found
in platform-mates Charger R/T and 300C, is the first modern Hemi car
available with a manual transmission: a six-speed unit -- borrowed from
the Viper -- with a pistol grip shifter reminiscent of the original
Challengers from 35 years ago. Dodge officially announced the
range-topping SRT8 will also have the stick option.
All 5.7-liter
HEMIs get a bump in power for 2009 that amounts to 30 more ponies along
with an extra 8 pound-feet of torque, for totals of 370 horsepower and
398 pound-feet. This is accomplished via variable valve timing as well
as a higher compression ratio, now 10.5 instead of 9.6. Opting for the
Tremec six-speed in place of the five-speed auto on the R/T bumps those
numbers further, to 375 and 404, respectively, though requires premium
fuel to do so. Dodge estimates that fuel economy is 5 percent better as
well, now rated by the EPA at 15 mpg in the city and 23 mph on the
highway, with the stick burning one more mpg in the city. Acceleration
to the 60 mph benchmark is under six seconds, Dodge says..
