Does Color matter? It does on a new car like the Dodge Challenger
SRT8!
If you’re reading this, you probably know that the Dodge Challenger
SRT8 is not the fastest of the pony cars, nor is it the cheapest. The
2011 Mustang 5.0 will one-up its already stunning performance with more
“go.” The 2011 Camaro will have more options and (hopefully) a
convertible by the end of next model year.
So, why bother with the big Dodge? Well, that’s like choosing a
sawed-off shotgun over a pistol. Both are killers, but a double-barrel
is bound to make a more noticeable impression.
Especially when you squeeze the trigger…
I had 425 horsepower (making 420 lbs of torque) 6.1 liter HEMI V8
that sounded like Viagra induced pleasure – for all that’s needed for
increasing size is more accelerator. It’s addictive, thrilling and
pisses off hybrid owners.
What’s not to love!?
Now, I was saddled with a 5-speed automatic on my “Detonator Yellow”
tester. I knew it would eventually happen; I had to test the
less-than-macho automatic eventually. Fortunately, it’s a damn good
automatic transmission. Shifts are smooth and if you use the
manual-auto-stick-a-ma-gig, it will hold gears just like a real manual!
More importantly, its outward appearance looks just as cool as a
manual Challenger SRT8. In fact, to me (and oodles of kids ages 7-70 who
pointing and cheering) the Detonator Yellow 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8
was the coolest, loudest (in more ways than one) car on the road.
My 0 to 60 mph times fell in about 5½ seconds. I say “about” because
at over 5,200 feet the consistency of the test was tainted by times
ranging from 5.2 to 5.9 seconds. This huge HEMI likes and prefers fatter
air. Quarter mile? Once again, it was about 14 seconds. Something
about the automatic made for a few hot and a few mediocre runs. Odd to
say the least. I expected the 6-speed manual to be less reliable because of the idiot (me) driving.
The interior is okay. Lots of writers bitch about the lack of
interior design – and they’re right. Still, the seats are all-day
comfortable (especially for big folk) rear seat is superb compared to
other pony cans and can hold up to three. Now, if you’re loading a
baby/infant seat WITH a kid, keep your calendar clear. It takes quite a
bit of time to load a little one. Now, if you have a kid who can load
themselves and can secure their own seatbelt – ‘taint no problem. Flip
the back lever of the front passenger seat up and the whole seat will
move forward, old-school style.
Trunk space is good too. For those who need a little utility in their
muscle-car, the rear seats in the Dodge Challenger spit and fold 60/40.
I was able to load a 5-piece drum set, two small amplifiers and a
guitar in the Challenger with just enough room for me to drive. Try THAT
in a Camaro!
Sad to say – a faster Camaro or Mustang is a lot cheaper than the
SRT8.
Want my advice? Stick with the R/T, save yourself about 10-grand and
have an easier car to maneuver, fill-up and one that’s nearly as fast.
In fact, around a road course the R/T with the “J” package is dead even
with the SRT8. Shove an after market exhaust system on the 5.7-liter R/T
and it will sound as amazing as the 6.1-liter.
Still, there’s something chest pounding about that 6.1 HEMI that no
other American engine can match. It’s base, impractical and illogical – –
which means its cool
Around $46,390 for a fully loaded 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a lot
– but you get so much driving satisfaction for your dollar. Let me put
it another way: if you were thinking that a vanilla-like, upper level
luxury sedan fits your lifestyle, than enjoy your decaf latte, healthy
diet and smooth jazz. But, if you want to live a little, if ‘bad’ is
good and you crave that Rock N’ Roll lifestyle (along with real coffee,
beer, cigars, red-meat and rocker chicks – – wait, that’s me) then
consider something emotional like a Dodge Challenger.
Yup, it’s THAT good – – even when it’s bad.
Man – this thing looks cool in yellow.
On our new TFLcar.com recommendation scale of:
– Buy it
– Lease it
– Rent it or
-Forget it
We give the Subaru WRX STI a Buy it…bit only with the 6-speed manual.
Automotive media, racing, vehicle evaluation, wrecking yards, and car
sales are just a part of Nathan Adlen’s vehicular past. He writes out
of high octane passion! To read more reviews by Nathan Adlen or just to
enjoy more of excellent writing please visit him on at his examiner.com
page HERE. Photos by:
N.D
