The third and current generation of the Dodge Challenger was introduced in 2008 and has become a cult classic with Mopar fans around the World as it has sold quite well for the past four years.

In this review, we want to take a closer look at the top of the line model the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

Created by engineers at Dodge to compete with the other Pony cars of the day such as Chevy’s new generation Camaro and Ford’s GT Mustang, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 comes equipped to compete.  With a sticker price of $49,095 CAD plus applicable taxes the Challenger is priced well among its competitors.  With its full size rear seats, sports tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, fire-breathing, 470 HP Hemi engine and 20 inch wheels it is a true retro muscle car that captures all the excitement of the late 60s, early 70s era muscle cars.

There is a Standard Fuel Saver Technology (four cylinder mode) in automatic transmission equipped models that allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use the power of all eight cylinders when needed. This technology does result in some very respectable metrics at the pump with the car averaging 20 + MPG. Unfortunately, with a 470 HP Hemi engine what do you expect?  And, yes, you don’t buy this car if mileage is your number one priority.

Specs are as follows:

• 6.4L – 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 delivers 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque
• 0 to 60 MPH – approx 4.7 secs
• Top speed – 180 MPH
• Braking is 60 MPH to 0 in 117 feet
• 14/23 MPG (City/Hwy) ratings for the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392
•  Nappa Leather-faced seats with suede perforated inserts
• 20-inch forged aluminum wheels
• Brembo brakes
• Heated steering wheel

Here is a recent US video review

On a very sad note, I wanted to highlight a recent article from the National Post written by the legendary auto writer Graeme Fletcher titled Chrysler’s Dan Knott: ‘His passion shone through’. It is worth a read and goes on to explain how Dan was a pioneer at Chrysler and essentially the “godfather” of Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) which is the group that is behind the amazing technology that make these cars the ultimate road machines they are today.