The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is expected to cost at least $46,600. 07/21/2011
The SRT badge that is given to the 2012 model year Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Charger stands for Street and Racing Technology. Chrysler states that an SRT vehicle must have an exceptional powertrain, excellent handling and capability, impressive braking, an aggressive exterior and a racing-quality interior.
The new cars are built with 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engines and the American automaker promised that the engine would deliver 465 horsepower, but the new vehicles are actually rated for 470 horsepower, according to USA Today. This isn't a huge difference, but it is rare when a car company exceeds its own expectations.
"More than an icon of simple American motoring, the Chrysler 300 is an icon of attainable style and performance," Oliver Francois, the president and CEO of Chrysler Brand, told Top Speed.
The 2012 300 SRT8 got a sleek exterior makeover, with black accents instead of chrome, and the interior of the car includes a full-color electronic vehicle information center that displays the car's performance stats. Underneath the leather, the steering wheel of the new car is heated for driver comfortability and to help drivers accept the $47.995 price tag.
The Chrysler Group's 2012 SRT8 vehicles will sell for anywhere from $46,600 (Dodge Charger) to $55,300 (Jeep Grand Cherokee). Car and Driver states that these cars are much more powerful than other cars in their price range, such as the Ford Taurus SHO. The Taurus's 3.5-liter V6 engine is only capable of generating about 365 hp, which isn't bad, but doesn't come close to the SRT series.