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19 W ednesday , N ovem ber 17, 2010 O A KVILLE BEA V ER w w w .o akvillebeaver .co m Dodge powers back to muscle car prominence with the 2011 Challenger Story and photos by Jim Robinson Metroland Newspapers Carguide Magazine This bad boys off the chain! When the Dodge Challenger decided to jump into the modern muscle car segment in 2008 it did so in a no holds barred way with the SRT8 version complete with a great, thumping 6.1-litre V8 pumping out 425 hp and 420 lb/ft of torque. It was a throwback and breath of fresh air all at the same time. It was also, without doubt, the most pow- erful car built in Canada at the time. Since then the Mustang and Camaro have arrived and started an undeclared horsepower war. Dodge is now just struggling out of a very bad time and theyve come out swinging with no less that eight new Dodge and Chrysler vehicles led by the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. Like the original 2008 Challenger SRT8, the 2011 also has a Hemi, but what a Hemi. Called the 392 because thats its dis- placement in cubic inches, it pumps out 470 hp and 470 lb/ft of torque. Just to recap Dodge Challenger for 2011, there are three basic models differentiated primarily by engine. All are front-engine, rear-drive. The Challenger SXT ($26,995) comes with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 305 hp and 268 lb/ft of torque with a five-speed auto- matic transmission. The SXT Plus starts at $28,995 and adds a number of trim pieces like leather trimmed seats, Uconnect with Voice Command and a 265-watt Boston Acoustic sound system. The Challenger R/T ($36,395) is equipped with the ubiquitous 5.7-litre Hemi V8 now producing 379 hp and 410 lb/ft of torque through a standard five-speed Auto Stick automatic or an optional six-Speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission. The Challenger R/T Classic ($38,390) adds stan- dard features like HID headlights and 20- inch wheels. Like the R/T 2011, Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is available with either the stan- dard five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick or an available Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission. The Tremec was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10. The 392 comes with an improved heavy- duty clutch that provides easier shift engage- ment. Also, the force needed to work the clutch pedal doesnt require legs of steel to make it work. Now it may sound odd to talk about green and a 6.4-litre V8 at the same time, but Chryslers Fuel Saver technology is included in automatic transmission equipped V8 models. It allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use all eight cylinders when needed. Certification is still being done at this writing, but Dodge estimates a 30 mpg (Imp) return in fuel consumption on the highway. There are two versions of the 392 start- ing with the SRT8 392 at $47,995 and the fancier 392 Inaugural Edition at $49,995. The chief difference with the Inaugural is that it is offered in two colours: 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. Unique "392 HEMI" badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V8 engine that remains true to its high-per- formance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger in terms of horsepower and torque ratings. From the rear, the Mopar quad exhaust tips deliver the performance exhaust note while adding the styling cue of an out and out muscle car. Open the door and you dont so much as get in as step down into the cockpit like a WW11 fighter. The high doorsills and instru- ment panel let you know this is not your average family grocery-getter. I expected a thunderous explosion of gasoline against piston at startup, but it was all pretty tame. There was the fruity burble from the exhaust tips that one expects from a big bore V8 but no drama. That was, until I moved off from rest from the Infineon Raceway parking lot in Sonoma, Ca., and the tone went up a full octave to a bass rumble. Continued on page 20 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 2011 At A Glance: BODY STYLE:High-performance coupe.DRIVEMETHOD:Front-engine, rear- wheel drive.ENGINE:6.4-litre, OHV V8 (470 hp, 470 lb/ft)FUEL ECONOMY:(Est.) 30 mpg (Imp.) highwayTOWING CAPACITY:NPRICE:SRT8 392, $47,995; 392 Inaugural Edition, $49,990.WEBSITE:www.dodge.ca The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 comes with a 6.4-litre V8 with 470 hp and 470 lb/ft of torque making it the most powerful car currently built by Chrysler. 345 Speers Rd. (at Dorval), Oakville 905-842-9299 Valid at all GTA locations. any oil change package $8OFF Expiry: Nov. 30, 2010 Code: 5724