2007 Dodge Charge SRT8 review

2007 Dodge Charge SRT8

With a 425-horsepower Hemi V8, the SRT8 can hit 60 mph in about 5 seconds, but the fun's just getting started at 60. Muscle cars are known for their excess reserves of power.

The swift sedan covers the quarter-mile in under 14 seconds and needs only 110 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph. Examine the huge disc brakes visible behind the 20-inch alloy spoked wheels and you'll understand.

And here's a nice little test to illustrate the SRT8's capabilities: Going from 0 to 100 mph and back to 0 takes less than 17 seconds.

The SRT8, the most powerful version of the Charger that was reborn in 2006, is not intended as a high-volume model. It's really a showpiece that makes a great exemplar of power on the NASCAR circuit.

Enthusiasts will be instinctively drawn to the SRT8, and 70 percent of buyers will be men in an age range of 40 to 59 years, according to Dodge demographic studies. Buyers will have household incomes of $80,000 to $100,000 and 45 percent will have college degrees while 65 percent will have a spouse. The owners will come from a variety of professions and trades.

"The Dodge Charger's overall design suggests speed and performance, attributes that are accentuated in the Dodge Charger SRT8," said Trevor Creed, senior vice president for design at the Chrysler Group. "SRT touches such as the front air dam, hood scoop and rear spoiler are not only visual hallmarks of a true muscle car, they're also functional performance enhancements."

The front fascia has ducts that help direct fresh air to cool the brakes, and an air dam to reduce lift. A hood scoop funnels cool air into the engine compartment. The rear fascia directs air flow and frames dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips.

Sculpted seats with suede inserts are designed to hold the driver and passengers in place in dramatic maneuvers. The shoulder bolsters felt somewhat intrusive at times, however. All seats have contrasting red stitching.

The instrument panel features a 180-mph speedometer, a tachometer and a temperature gauge. A light-emitting-diode display in the gauge cluster can be set for oil temperature, oil pressure and tire pressure readouts.

The pedals can be extended to accommodate drivers of varying heights and the steering column is manually adjustable. The SRT8 comes with eight-way power driver's seat and collapsible heated side mirrors.

With the longest wheelbase in its class -- 120 inches -- the Charger's chassis creates a fairly roomy cabin.

The front-engine/rear-drive configuration allows a 50-50 weight distribution ratio, but rear-drive carries some handling handicaps in ice-bound climes.

While big 17-inch tires are standard on the SE and SXT trim levels, the R/T version sits on even larger 18-inchers mounted on polished aluminum wheels. The SRT8 trumps all the lesser models with 20-inch wheels.



TYPE:
Rear-drive, four-door, five-passenger full-size sedan.

PRICE:
$35,920 base

POWER:
6.1-liter
425-horsepower
SRT Hemi V8
Autostick automatic transmission.

FUEL ECONOMY:
14 city
20 highway mpg
gas-guzzler tax $2,100
estimated annual fuel cost $2,672.

CHASSIS:
Unitized steel body
independent suspension with short/long-arm front and coil springs
five-link rear
gas-charged shocks
front/rear stabilizer bars
power rack-and-pinion steering
power disc brakes with ABS
20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT:
200.1 x 74.5 x 58.2 inches.

WHEELBASE X TRACK:
120 x 63 inches.

CURB WEIGHT:
4,031 pounds.

STANDARD:
Power-adjustable pedals
power heated foldaway side mirrors
60/40 split folding rear seats
eight-way power adjustable driver's seat
fog lamps; six-speaker
276-watt Boston Acoustics sound system with AM/FM/CD stereo
air conditioning
power accessories
tilt-telescoping steering wheel
remote keyless entry
cruise control.

OPTIONS:
SRT Option Group I includes air filtering
automatic headlamps
air conditioning with dual-zone control
heated front seats
power windows ($675)
TorRed paint ($225)
SRT Option Group II includes 11 Kicker SRT high-performance speakers
security alarm ($845)
SRT Option Group III includes navigation system
six-disc CD changer
auto-dimming rearview mirror
hands-free communication ($2,355)
supplemental side air bags ($390)
power sunroof ($950)
rear-seat video system ($1,150).