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Dodge says the SRT-8  version is its  'Charger on steroids'

2009 Dodge Charger SRT8

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By Amy Rollins, Driver's Side Updated 5:04 PM Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Call the  SRT-8 the “über” Charger, a large sedan Dodge says is the family’s modern American muscle car. Design twin to the Chrysler 300 and built in Ontario, Canada, the rear-wheel-drive SRT-8 comes in four trims of this sporty car fwor the 2009 model year: the base SE, mid- level SXT, sporty R/T (Road/Track) and our tester, the high-performance SRT-8 (Street and Racing Technology).

Changes

A new paint color, automatic headlights and new taillights are exterior updates to the SRT-8; inside, previously optional equipment like dual-zone automatic temperature control, headrests, remote start, heated front seats and air filtration are now standard.

Under the hood

Under the hood, which is fitted with a scoop to move air that helps cool the engine, lurks a monster — a 6.1-liter Hemi  V-8 that makes 425 horses and 420 lbs.-ft. of torque. Dodge says the SRT-8 goes from 0 to 60 mph in the low five-second range. That’s impressive for a car that weighs more than two tons (4,160 pounds, to be exact) and earns the SRT-8 creds as the quickest sedan in Dodge’s lineup.

Don’t look at the SRT-8 as a thrifty commuter, gas buyers. As the most powerful of the Chargers’ engines, the 6.1-liter V-8  demands premium fuel and doesn’t come with cylinder deactivation that would help use less fuel at cruising speeds. But you’ll grin the entire time you’re commuting, as the SRT-8 puts raw power at your disposal. A five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick lets the driver shift for a more involved drive, too.

Dodge wisely put suede inserts in the well-bolstered front sport buckets to keep people from sliding around. They only do that for a reason, friends.

Driving

Fitted with 20-inch aluminum, SRT-designed wheels that sport either Goodyear RS/A four-season tires or optional Goodyear Supercar F1 three-season tires, the SRT-8 achieves 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds. Brembo brakes take it from 60 to 0 mph in about 110 feet. The ride is firm, but not unduly harsh.

Demographics

The SRT-8’s customer demographics skew to mostly males, 40 to 59 years old, with an annual household income of $80,000 to $100,000. Buyers have been a mix of mid-level white-collar workers, skilled tradespeople and blue-collar workers, most of whom are married and already have raised a family.

Pricing

The ’09 Dodge Charger SRT-8  carries a base price of $38,670. A limited-edition Super Bee “buzz model” in Hemi Orange or a limited-edition Brilliant Black Edition are two special SRT-8s you may see roaring down the road. Optional paint, upgraded audio, navigation and DVD systems, special wheels, curtain airbags and a $700 delivery charge brought our tester’s total to $44,375.

Amy Rollins is Wheels editor at the  Dayton Daily News. Reach her at (937) 225-6901 or arollins@coxohiomedia.com.

2009 DODGE CHARGER SRT-8

PRICE - $38,670

AS-TESTED PRICE - $44,375

MILEAGE - 13 MPG (HWY); 19 MPG (CITY)

ENGINE - 6.1-LITER HEMI V-8

HORSEPOWER/TORQUE - 425/420

TRANSMISSION - 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH AUTO STICK

HOW MANY IT CAN FIT - 5

ANTILOCK BRAKES - YES

ANTISKID SYSTEM - YES

60/40 FOLDING REAR SEAT - YES