The details and photos of the subtly refreshed 2011 Dodge Challenger coupe are finally in, Now dubbed SRT8 392, the top-line Challenger will be powered by a 6.4-liter V-8 that makes 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. That's an improvement of 45 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque over last year's 6.1-liter Hemi V-8.
At the front, there's a restyled trapezoidal front air dam with a larger opening while the Dodge logo has been removed from the hood.the larger "duck bill" front spoiler in black, the racing-style fuel-filler door and the 18-inch alloy wheels which are now standard on all models, plus the Challenger logos on the front fenders, pretty much round up the exterior updates.
There are also suspension improvements, such as more negative camber at all four tires, SRT-tuned springs and shocks, and an upgrade to the heavy-duty hydraulic steering pump. Chrysler is claiming these changes will give the Challenger a lateral acceleration number of .93G.
Buyers will have the option of three powerplants. The base Challenger SE is motivated by the firm's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 305 horsepower, or 55 more horsepower than the engine it replaces. The new Pentastar is not only more powerful, but also lighter than the previous V6 helping to slightly improve the front-to-rear weight distribution (52.4 / 47.6 compared with 53.5/46.5 previously). The V6 is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick.
Next up is the Chrysler R/T which keeps the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. When paired to the refined Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, the V8 churns out 376HP and 410 lb-ft accelerating the Challenger R/T to 60mph in under six-seconds. With the five-speed automatic transmission the eight-cylinder unit is rated at 372HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm).
Dodge had previously released details on the SRT8, which will be offered at launch in a special edition guise (see here). Power is provided by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 470-horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, or 45HP and 70 lb-ft more than the previous SRT8's 6.1-liter V8 engine.
The 2011 Challenger will hit dealerships within the next few weeks.
