In December, Dodge dropped by Hennessey Performance as part of the Hemi Highway Tour — and east-to-west jaunt across the country showing off their latest wares to enthusiasts old and new. Arriving in both the redesigned 2011 Dodge Charger R/T and the new 2011 392 Challenger SRT8, we were able to get a closer look at the new 470HP 6.4L 392 Hemi we first saw in person at November’s SEMA show.
It didn’t disappoint.
While the Challenger has always been the heaviest of the three when compared to its 5.0 Mustang and Camaro SS rivals, the extra ponies and revised powerband have worked handily to eliminate the feeling of carrying around a few extra hundred pounds. Combined with a better steering ratio, tweaked suspension and its Daimler-derived build quality, the 392 had us thoroughly impressed. The mid-range torque ramps up acceleration, and turns are more crisp and responsive. While the exterior only receives mild changes for 2011, from behind the wheel you can tell Dodge has been taking notes during the 6.1L’s reign to keep the Challenger in the hunt.
As the 2011 Challenger SRT8 begins hitting the streets, be on the lookout for new Hennessey upgrade packages to take advantage of the 392′s new potential. For now, check out the videos below for the 6-speed Tremec-equipped 392 SRT8 posting up on the dyno and going for a spin around Lonestar Motorsports Park.
392 Challenger SRT8 Dyno Test at Hennessey Performance:
392 Challenger SRT8 Driving Impression with John Hennessey:
2011 Challenger SRT8 Gallery (Click to View):
