My FH5 Log: Hellcat's Paradise

The advent of the Hellcats proved that Dodge unleashed its gates of hell and devoured the competition alive with its fastest breed of monster machines on the road. In the world of horsepower wars, it seems that Dodge made it easy to win.

As the era of hell-raising V8 power is coming to an end, it's time to take a thrust back in time for a little quick dive on Dodge's monster machines that emerged from the circles of hell.

Beginning with the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the muscle car that upset the competition alive. Powered by a supercharged Hellcat 6.2L HEMI V8 engine. It's the most powerful engine ever made by FCA (now Stellantis). Dodge claims it can produce over six hundred horsepower but it's been verified to produce 707HP, the most powerful V8 engine ever made in a production car.

With the red key fob engaged, all of the power output from its supercharged V8 engine is released. To survive the monstrous power output, a specially-made 8-speed automatic gearbox is developed to handle the extra power and torque.

Thanks to its powerful engine, the SRT Hellcat is capable of reaching 0-60mph in less than four seconds and onwards to 199mph.

The Charger SRT Hellcat inherits the same Hellcat 6.2L HEMI V8 engine as the Challenger, resulting in up to 707HP of power output with the red key fob at bay, making it the most powerful four-door saloon ever made when it was launched. With this power, the Hellcat-powered Charger is able to do an NHRA-verified quarter mile time of 11 seconds and 204mph of top speed.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is a special-edition Challenger SRT that made supercars cowered in fear because of the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing up to 840HP of power and the fastest 0-60mph time of any production sportscar, 2.3 seconds to be precise. It was well known to break every world record in history, especially the fact that being the first production car in the world that can do the longest wheelie as verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

With the trio of hell-raising Dodges getting their word, it's time to take them to the one segment of the Badlands I like to refer to as "Hell's Paradise". Get it? This Hell's Paradise is called Devil's Pass and it's the perfect place to let these "super devils" rev their monstrous V8 engines to their "it's over 9000" strengths. See what I did? Anyway, with the gates of hell opened, these V8-powered knights of the apocalypse are ready to settle the score, figuring out which one is the real demon lord.

Let Battle Commence!

After our favorite V8-powered knights of the apocalypse survive Hell's Paradise, here are the results;

Challenger Hellcat - 3m56.553s

Charger Hellcat - 3m56.003s

Challenger Demon - 3m46.543s

No doubt about it, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon truly is the demon king of Dodge after all because of its unrivaled V8 power that butchered every single supercar it came across in a straight line. Although the NHRA banned the Demon from participating in sanctioned drag-racing events, this demon lord is feared and respected by speedo boys everywhere.

As the demon lord proved his strength, the time has come to showcase his...metamorphosis.

What you're looking at here is my version of what the world referred to as the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, the last of the Last Call special edition models made in honor of the Charger and Challenger's end of production at the end of 2023. Of course, I tried matching up to the most powerful Challenger Demon's specifications but I went over. Way over. Still, I am very pleased to re-enact the ultimate Challenger that can butcher the world's fastest supercars into red meat and then feed it to its hellcat minions.

With Hell's Paradise still with us, it's time to take my version of the ultimate Challenger Demon on a sprint run against the other muscle car convicts fighting their way to survive Hell's Paradise. Sorry, boys. There can be only one...

Hell's Paradise. You're right. It really is the hottest inferno in the world.

As the world braces for electrification, Dodge's days of unleashing hell on earth with their Hellcat monsters came to a hell-raising end. From the advent of the Challenger SRT Hellcat to the rise of the ultimate Challenger Demon, Dodge truly is the motoring industry's knight of the apocalypse and as it's set to enter the electrified era, rest assured that its devilish antics will never be forgotten because they are the ones that rewrote the rules of performance with their blood and race fuel.

Thanks for the hell-raising memories, Dodge. And with that...

See you in hell, Dodge.

That takes care of the cremation.

Forza Horizon 4: DAYTONAAA!!!

Having muscled my way through the abyss of the Spring season in Horizon, I got my hands on a classic Dodge Charger Daytona and looks like I'm going to have that Fast and Furious flashback in my head the moment I set foot to this wickedly-styled muscle car emerged from its success in stock car racing.



The Charger Daytona, emerged from the time where wind resistance plays a key role in stock car racing in America, features a revolutionary pointed fiberglass nose to reduce drag and its signature tall rear wing for better downforce at high speeds. With only 503 machines built, most of the units made were come with the 440 Hemi engine with either a four barrel carburetor or the Six Pack with two-barrel carburetors. There is a well-known fact that Buddy Baker drove the Daytona to break the 200mph barrier in 1970, a speed record that lasted for 13 years. With its impressive race career even more than the Plymouth Superbird brother, the Charger Daytona is labeled as the King of the Aero Cars.



With quick info done, it's time for me to channel my inner Vin Diesel as I'm going for broke with this Charger Daytona and see if I can outwit the other muscle cars around me, even while I'm on drag tires in a middle of a wet spring. I'm not sure if someone managed to get their thousand horse monster on drag tires won a race while trying to survive through different corners but hey, challenge accepted. It doesn't hurt mixing and matching stuff in the middle of No Limits Horizon so here goes...



Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 3: Best of American muscle classics

While most Americans spend their independence readying the fireworks and the grill, I do my own way to celebrate American independence by driving out the best of American muscle classics in Forza Horizon 3.



Sure, there are lots of iconic muscle names in automotive history but I've gone for the names that once a muscle, stays as a muscle in modern times in alphabetical order; Camaro, Challenger, Charger, and Mustang.





Once as the underdog when it first emerged in the battle of the muscle cars dominated by the Ford Mustang, the Camaro tries to show what General Motors is capable of in this kind of civil war but whereas the Mustang reigned supreme as well as the Charger and the Challenger, the Camaro failed to do so and I understand that. Despite the Camaro's failure that led to its 2002 demise, the Camaro's coming back fighting as demonstrated by being Bumblebee in the Transformers movies and thanks to its newfound popularity, the Camaro won the hearts of many generations. Fame aside, let's not forget about how the unpopular first-generation Camaro came here which is like an ugly duckling turned into a swan with magnificent results and if it weren't for this, there wouldn't be a Bumblebee in the Transformers films.





The Challenger was once served as an alternative to the Charger and while the Charger was proven to be an icon apart from being General Lee in the Dukes of Hazzard TV show, the Challenger wants to follow its brother's footsteps by getting its shot of fame in Vanishing Point but sadly, it wasn't as popular as its Charger brother. Although today's Charger is a four-door saloon, the Challenger managed to come back as a modern day alternative to Mustangs and Camaros and just as we thought the Challenger is becoming the muscle car that never was in today's times, it managed to find its triumphant return to the road with the most powerful V8 car in the world as well as the first-ever 4WD muscle car ever produced. While the Challenger has a lot of tricks on its sleeves, the original is the car we should be thankful for because if it weren't for its presence, we wouldn't got the most powerful V8 car today.





The original Dodge Charger R/T holds no explanation because as I said before, the Duke boys drove one in the Dukes of Hazzard TV series as the General Lee, named after a Confederate soldier (which explains a lot from the highly controversial Confederate flag on the roof of the car). Although the Confederate flag remains one of the most controversial objects in history because of such background, a General Lee without it is like living like a complete poser. That's why fans want to keep it that way and I understand that. General Lee aside, this iconic Charger has been one of the forefront of The Fast and the Furious films and if I was Vin Diesel, I believe that the classic Charger remains a favorite. Sure, today's four-door Chargers also dominate the F&F films but credit goes to the Charger that is not only approved by the Dukes of Hazzard but also Dom from the Fast & Furious movies.





Lastly, the Mustang, and while Mustangs became one of the most iconic movie cars of all time since Steve McQueen drove one in Bullitt, the best of the first-generation Mustang goes to the Boss 302 because of its motorsport pedigree that traces back to its Trans-Am Racing and by surprise, the Australian Touring Cars. Pedigree aside, the Boss 302 remains one of the most respected Mustangs in the golden age of muscle cars and also of the most collectible Mustangs for the high-rollers with a restored Boss fetched a $530,000 price tag a decade ago.

These American classic muscles, they do more than just fireworks and grilles but also showing proof that America is great when it comes to flexing their big V8 muscles against the world. Sure, the whole world love to spit them up when they see one but when times change, they will see that cars like these are becoming the posters of the world superpower and soon, they will all bow down to their greatness. That all sounds scary but that's America to you, the land of the most powerful V8s in the world, and to celebrate American independence, time to get these muscle car icons the salute they truly deserved and this will be much more fun to see than fireworks and grilles.




Thank you America for the fast cars through the years!

Forza Horizon 3: Hellcat on High Water

The Hellcats from the SRT lineup have total authority over every other sportscar in the world because of its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine producing 707HP of power, making them the most powerful V8-powered production car ever made. They're even more powerful than powerful V12 Italian supercars...well, just about, but you should really trust the SRT folks elsewhere because in the world where power is the deciding factor, the Hellcats will remember to be the king of V8-powered cars, although a select number of cars can outsmart its royal rumble coming out from the Hellcat's exhaust.





Hellcats are pretty much known to be coined as the Republicans' Veyrons because, in real life, there are two specially-made keys offered on these cars; the Challenger Hellcat and the Charger Hellcat. There is a black key that limits the power to 500HP while the red key unleashes all that 707HP power output in its supercharged V8 engine. In the fantasy world of Forza Horizon 3, that holds nonsense because with cars like these, you are free to unleash all that 707 horsepower in either hell or high water, just the way you like.





Debating which Hellcat is the best, some say it's the Challenger Hellcat because nothing beats a two-door muscle car like it but some would go for the Charger Hellcat, even though they're related to each other. One key factor, I discovered, is that even though the four-door Hellcat is heavier than the two-door Hellcat, it's got slightly better weight distribution, meaning the Charger Hellcat can slightly handle better than the Challenger Hellcat. Still, for all that power, both the Charger Hellcat and the Challenger Hellcat can be very harsh to master because of their challenging handling dynamics that require some expert-level skills to survive one corner after another if they want to stay on the lead against the opposition.

Let's find out which Hellcat is the best by pitting them against each other in the streets of Surfers' Paradise and the winner will have its own special treatment I lined up later. As always, the fastest time wins, am I right? Let's roll!



And now, the results...

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (707HP/650ft-lb/4,438lb/57%/6,166cc/A766) - 2:25.979
2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat (707HP/650ft-lb/4,575lb/54%/6,166cc/A773) - 2:24.878

The Charger SRT Hellcat, despite being slightly heavier than the Challenger SRT Hellcat, is the fastest by a second. Sure, they have similar terms but looks like the Charger SRT Hellcat is the Hellcat to rule them all and this means, it's time for the special treatment I lined up for the winner.





Surprise! Our little demon friend will be pleased when she sees this design inspired by Love Live Sunshine's Yoshiko Tsushima. Oh wait...it's Yohane. Not Yoshiko. Sorry. But anyway, let's give this specially-pampered Hellcat some celebratory screen presence it deserved. I got the cameras rolling in!







Oh, don't worry about the Challenger Hellcat because even though it lost the race against the Charger Hellcat relative, I have something else in store for it...except the once-feared Hellcat has been demoted to a mere child's toy. Speaking of child's toy, the Challenger Hellcat's been plastered with the image of Yokai Watch's Tomnyan. How embarrassing to see a uber-powerful muscle car being plastered with an image from a children's cartoon. Welcome to your walk of shame.





It's great to have both of the Hellcats being part of this wondrous experience in the Land Down Under. Whether it is the two-door Challenger or the four-door Charger, they all have one thing in common; to unleash all that seven-oh-seven fury against anyone who stands in their way. It may be their way to have them respect their authoritah but to understand the Hellcats even more than the next driver, it's going to be a challenge because even the hastiest of drivers can get thrown by the Hellcat's rage until the chosen few can unleash its force to be reckoned with. Hellcats are not for everyone but do you got what it takes to unleash them? Do you?

Forza Motorsport 6: Back for more?

Last time, I managed to get behind the wheel of Dodge's ultimate masterpiece, the Challenger SRT Hellcat, and when compared to its superior stalwarts such as the new Ford GT and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the Challenger Hellcat, despite its high power output, got left behind at Laguna Seca.



So the main question is, why did this Hellcat back for more? Something tells me that the Challenger Hellcat isn't the only Hellcat offered in Forza Motorsport 6. In fact, it forewarned me of another Hellcat coming out in the world of Forza via DLC.



Oh, that explains the scenario right now because thanks to the game's Top Gear Car Pack, the all new Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is here, completing Dodge's Hellcat duo and they all share the almighty supercharged V8 engine that will make Europe's finest bow to their knees...or so I thought.



But first, what's it all about this four-door monster saloon? Following the unveiling of SRT's ultra-powerful Challenger Hellcat, its four-door equivalent, the Charger Hellcat was unveiled as part of the recently-facelifted Charger lineup for the 2015 model year.

This ultra-powerful saloon inherits the same Hellcat 6.2L HEMI V8 engine as the Challenger, resulting to 707HP of power output, making it the most powerful four-door saloon ever made. With this power, the Hellcat-powered Charger is able to do an NHRA-verified quarter mile time of 11 seconds and 204mph of top speed.

Just like the Challenger Hellcat, the key to unleash all that power is via the red key fob because it comes with two key fobs; the black key fob which restricts the Hellcat's engine power output of just 500HP, and the red key fob which lets all the power output from its V8 engine unleashed. The Charger Hellcat is mated exclusively with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.



So, any further explanation why we need another Hellcat in the game? No one knows why but because this a 707HP V8 saloon destined to unleash a coup de grace to European super saloons, it's no wonder why the Charger Hellcat makes a wondrous addition to the roster, despite being a four-door relative to the Challenger Hellcat. Sure, I can compare that to the old, aggressively-styled Charger SRT8 to see how much it improved but this isn't a time for that because while I am not here to bow down to the four-door Hellcat's temptation, I came here to expose its weakness just how I did to the Challenger Hellcat a while back. Sure, it may be a track-honed V8 monster that can roar away the Europeans but it's somewhat too tricky to tame the feral beast of a saloon. Despite being heavier than the Challenger Hellcat, the Charger Hellcat sure is a quick car that can shred both the track and the tires, whichever comes first.

Having spent a few minutes with the four-door Hellcat, I'm still trying to find its secret weakness and that brought me an idea. Sure, I can invite some European sports saloons but because of the Charger Hellcat's 707HP power output, everyone in the world backed down...except for one.



Well, this is an unexpected turn in development. This is an all-electric Tesla Model S, with the ludicrous P85D variant equipped with four-wheel drive that transformed into an all-weather zero-emission sports saloon that makes a silent getaway from points A to Z. This could be an interesting comparison because what we have here is a ferocious beast up against...a ninja assassin. Gasoline power versus electric power, all for the entrustment of the future of automobiles...whatever that is. Anyway, let's get this show on the road.


Oh, snap! The duel between two different powerplants made it into one of the most exciting comparisons I've ever made and it's a good thing why I played this game for so long, just for the love of cars. Anyway, after a lap around Laguna Seca, the Charger Hellcat did it in 1:49.561 while the Tesla Model S, in its ludicrous P85D model, did it in 1:48.430, a second quicker.

The Model S's electric powertrain results in less wheelspin rather than the Charger Hellcat. Less or no wheelspin start at all means quick getaway from the starting line, making it a quick advantage, but because of the Model S's extensive use of batteries, it's heavy to handle through the corners even if it has four-wheel drive, meaning the Hellcat can catch up within a split second. It's amazing that despite a second gap, both of America's super saloons managed to do similar results around Laguna Seca and it's clear that no matter the powertrain, it's the skill that counts to master these super saloons.

I have high respect for Tesla's Model S because of its technological advancement only Silicon Valley's finest thought but the Charger Hellcat is an all-round saloon that managed to handle big power in a convenient package. Sure, it may be lost to a zero-electric saloon made by nerds but there's a lot in store for the Charger Hellcat.

Special edition Charger 392 revealed at Spring Fest

2014 Dodge Charger 392

The Spring Festival of LX's is a gathering of owners of cars which utilizes Chrysler's LX platform such as the Dodge Charger or the Chrysler 300. This year, SRT will reveal two new models; one is the Chrysler 300 SRT concept (which previews an updated version of the high-performance version of the Chrysler 300, which in in my opinion, will have the same 8-speed AT as the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8) and this, a special edition Charger 392. Using the Dodge Charger SRT8 as its basis, the special edition model features black accents on the hood and roof and sporting the iconic ‘392’ badge on the front fender. It even comes with the "392 HEMI" badge which came from the Challenger SRT8 392.

It is limited to 392 units and sales start soon this year with available exterior colors are Bright White, Billet Silver, Plum Crazy, HEMI® Orange and TorRed.

Story: http://www.drivesrt.com/news/2013/03/srt-charger-392-appearance-package-debuts-at-spring-fest.html

Police Cars

Ford Police Interceptor vs. Chevrolet Caprice PPV vs.
Dodge Charger Pursuit

So, the Ford Crown Victoria, the king of cop cars, is gone and American policemen are on a shopping spree for the next generation of cop cars but the question is, which of the new generation of cop cars is the best? I've once watched the Police Cars (S03E01) episode of American Top Gear to find the answer. Tanner Foust, being a Ford guy, drives a 2013 Ford Police Interceptor while Adam Ferrera drives a Dodge Charger Pursuit and Rutledge Wood drives the Chevrolet Caprice PPV, a police-only version of the car imported from Australia.

Here's a quick sum-up:

- The Ford Police Interceptor has a quicker 0-100mph time than the Caprice and the Charger and it has greater stopping power from 100mph to zero against those.

- Chevrolet Caprice PPV doesn't have the strength to endure tear gas attacks that suffocate officers on the inside.

- Lastly, the Ford Police Interceptor's makes the police officer sitting next to you having a hard time shooting the targets. Caprice PPV and the Dodge Charger Pursuit can do better, well Charger Pursuit's not quite good enough for the donuts part...well, doing donuts while eating donuts.

The 2013 Ford Police Interceptor wins the challenge and hey, there's nothing even better than having a Corvette Z06 Police Car race against a quick motorcycle from the warehouse to the bridge, where the Z06 Police Car defeated the motorbike at the end.

Yellow Fury

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee and
Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket

Talk about getting yellow in fury! Yellow Fury! Because the Dodge Challenger SRT gets a special edition Yellow Jacket and the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 gets the Super Bee comeback. These two special editions are sure enough to explode with action!

PRESS RELEASE:

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8® Super Bee Designed for Core Performance Enthusiasts

Newest Charger SRT8® offers modern SRT performance in limited-edition, back-to-basics package

Available in Stinger Yellow or Pitch Black with exclusive interior and exterior appointments

Powered by proven 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 with 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque

Arrives in U.S. dealer showrooms in first quarter 2012

November 9, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Designed and built for the core performance enthusiast, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8® Super Bee makes its public debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 16.

There is no mistaking the unreserved performance attitude of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee. Available in either Stinger Yellow or Pitch Black exterior paint with special Super Bee graphics, the exclusive models reflect a specially designed modern and extroverted interpretation of the legendary Super Bee performance built for the enthusiast who enjoys a vehicle with one mission in mind – to go fast.

"The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is a salute to the fun-loving past of Dodge muscle cars powered by the legendary 392 HEMI® V-8 in a back-to-basics performance machine," Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - SRT and Motorsports said.

Exclusive Super Bee Content Inside and Out

The race-inspired interior of the 2012 Charger SRT8 Super Bee features the SRT exclusive three-spoke contoured performance steering wheel, exclusive Z-stripe cloth performance seats with amped yellow and silver striping in both the front and rear as well as silver accent stitching and embroidered Super Bee logos on each of the front seat headrests.

The instrument panel also features the Charger Super Bee logo on a unique dash plaque.

Newly modified software includes the appearance of the Super Bee logo in the center instrument panel's Electronic Vehicle Information Center at vehicle start up.

On the exterior, the Charger Super Bee features a unique SRT badge with a 3-D helmeted bee mascot on the new split crosshair grille finished in Gloss Black.

Satin black hood graphics mirror the black decklid stripes with a solid wide center line flanked by solid dual tracer lines on the Stinger Yellow model, while charcoal gray graphics are used on the hood and decklid of the Pitch Black model. Standard rear decklid spoilers are matte black on the Stinger Yellow model or matching body color on the Pitch Black model.

Both front fenders tout the historically significant V-8 engine with "392 HEMI" badges first seen on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. Flanking both rear fenders are the legendary round Super Bee graphics, which now include the wording "Powered by SRT" to commemorate the modern incarnation of this celebrated performance icon.

New 20 x 9-inch, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets developed specifically for the Super Bee models provide a unique performance look.

Available Goodyear F1 Supercar three-season, ultra high performance tires give the Super Bee tenacious grip on the road or track. Also available are Goodyear Eagle RS-A 2 all-season tires that make the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee an all-season performance machine.

Braking power for the Super Bee comes courtesy of SRT engineered Brembo brakes with vented and slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers painted anodized black.

A limited number of 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee units will be built for the U.S. market. All Dodge Charger models are built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Both Stinger Yellow and Pitch Black Super Bee models will be available for ordering in December at Dodge dealerships nationwide and will be arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2012.

SRT's legendary performance

The 2012 Dodge Charger Super Bee is powered by the new 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 that delivers 45 more horsepower and 50 more lb.-ft. of torque than the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 it replaces – up 11 percent to 470 horsepower (351 kW) and up 12 percent to 470 (637 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque.

The new for 2012, exclusive SRT heated steering wheel features available mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track

World-class stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet comes through 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers. Improved brake cooling and fade performance at all four corners comes courtesy of a new underbody belly pan with integrated brake ducting.

Performance numbers include 0-60 mph acceleration in the high 4-second range; quarter mile in the high 12-second range; 0-100-0 mph in less than 16 seconds; top speed of 175 mph and stopping power from 60-0 mph in 120 feet.

Super Bee history

The Dodge Super Bee, first introduced in 1968 as a member of Dodge's Scat Pack performance group, brought a high-performance vehicle to the low price class.

Based on the mid-sized Coronet model, the standard engine for 1968 was the 335 horsepower version of the 383 cubic-inch V-8 while the legendary 426 HEMI V-8 also was available.

The standard transmission was a heavy-duty four-speed manual with a Hurst Competition-Plus floor shifter. The power bulge hood let everyone know this was no ordinary car. The Super Bee could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 15 seconds. Not bad for a car that you could buy for a little more than $3,000.

In 1969, the radical 440 Six-Pack was added to the Super Bee's list of engine options. By placing three Holly two-barrel carburetors on top of the 440 Magnum V-8, the Super Bee generated 390 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft.of torque.

The Super Bee was switched to the Charger model for 1971 but continued to offer its impressive engine line-up, as well as its heavy duty suspension. The Hemi-power '71 Super Bee could reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and ran the quarter mile in only 13.7 seconds.

In its brief original four year run, the name Super Bee reached legendary status by giving the customer an ultra-high performance vehicle that they could drive to work during the week, yet take to the track on the weekend and outperform the competition.

For the 2007 model year, Dodge and SRT revived the Super Bee nameplate with the limited-edition Dodge Charger SRT8. It featured "Detonator Yellow" exterior color with black hood and deck-lid face, unique "hockey stick" stripes on the rear fenders, Super Bee logos on front and rear fenders, and contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob. The wheels were fully polished versus the stock SRT8 Charger which featured wheels with silver painted areas.

Powered by the 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 425 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee was the first special edition Charger from SRT. Only 1,000 units were built for the 2007 model year.

The 2008 Charger SRT8 Super Bee package featured a B5 Blue Pearl Coat exterior reminiscent of the blue used by Chrysler vehicles in the 1960s and 1970s. Instead of fully polished SRT8 Charger wheels, the "pockets" were painted black. Blue accent stitching inside replaced the yellow found on the seats and steering wheel from the previous model year. Only 1,000 units of the Charger SRT8 Super Bee were built in 2008.

In 2009, the Super Bee package featured Hemi Orange Pearl Coat paint with decals on the hood and rear quarter fenders; new Super Bee wheels with black anodized pockets with silver Brembo brake calipers. On the inside were orange accented seats and a serialized dash plaque. Only 425 units of the Super Bee were built in 2009.

SRT Track Experience

Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction from the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks.

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2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8® 392 Yellow Jacket Creates Buzz at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

Special limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT8® model features exclusive Stinger Yellow exterior and interior appointments

Proven 392 cubic-inch (6.4-liter) HEMI® V-8 engine provides pulsating 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque across a wide rpm range while also delivering 23 miles per gallon on the highway

Two-mode adaptive damping suspension system offers selectable suspension tuning and automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for optimal vehicle control

Exclusive SRT® heated steering wheel features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track

Available 18-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, with innovative GreenEdge® technology, offers 900 watts of power

Arrives in U.S. dealer showrooms in first quarter 2012

November 9, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team today announced an exclusive production run of special-edition 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8® 392 Yellow Jacket models featuring Stinger Yellow exterior paint and interior appointments.

Based on the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, the Challenger SRT8 Yellow Jacket features a Stinger Yellow body color and black grille surround to match the standard black body-side stripes that highlight the newly developed Yellow Jacket logo on the rear fender. New 20 x 9-inch, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide a unique performance look.

Inside, the standard leather seats feature an exclusive Stinger Yellow accent band with embroidered Yellow Jacket logo and silver accent stitching. The driver's seat also features a full adjustable lumbar position with seatback tilt, memory and an easy-to-reach release handle, while the front-passenger seat adds tilt and slide with memory, which makes it even easier for passengers to get in and out of the back seat.

"The Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket adds another piece of performance car nostalgia to our rear-drive muscle coupe lineup in 2012," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – SRT Brand and Motorsports. "The Stinger Yellow paint and interior accents speak directly to the performance enthusiast who appreciates a memorable and collectible color that helps deliver even more excitement and exclusivity."

The original Dodge "Yellow Jacket" show car, which evolved from the 1970 Challenger, was shown at various auto show exhibits beginning in late 1969. Painted pearlescent Honey Gold, the roadster was powered by the 426-cubic inch HEMI V-8 and carried a number of the famous Dodge "Scat Pack" performance features, such as a unique front spoiler, wider tires, heavy-duty suspension and brakes, and manual transmission, along with the Rallye instrument cluster and shaker hood.

A limited number of 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket models will be built for the U.S. market. All Dodge Challenger models are built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

The Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket will be available for ordering in December at Dodge dealerships nationwide and will be arriving in U.S. dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2012.

About the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8® 392

For 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8® 392 adds even more high-tech performance features to solidify its place as the brand's ultimate modern American rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe. With 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque from the proven 392 cubic-inch HEMI® V-8, the balanced performance approach of the Challenger SRT8 392 provides outstanding straight-line acceleration, world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the most up-to-date technologies that deliver more driver excitement and control.

The standard Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission and a dual-disc high-performance clutch are proven performers that were first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10®. Both automatic and manual models feature a standard limited-slip differential to maximize performance.

The optional five-speed automatic transmission features new, standard steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that join the center console mounted Auto Stick, allowing for a choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the race track. Both methods give the driver the ability to manually select specific gears on the transmission.

Standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) in automatic transmission equipped models allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use the power of all eight cylinders when needed. The EPA fuel economy miles per gallon (mpg) (City/Hwy) ratings for the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 are 14/23 for both manual and automatic transmission models.

The adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system is new for 2012 and tuned specifically for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. The ADS system on the Challenger SRT8 392 features the fastest turn-in and most nimble handling characteristics of any SRT product.

In the "Sport" setting, the system provides the highest damping rates allowing the driver to push the handling envelope like never before. In "Auto" mode, a wide range of on-road and driver inputs – such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral/vertical accelerations – automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions.

Drivers can easily choose between settings to quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from "Auto" for everyday commuting to "Sport" for more spirited driving situations.

The handling result is .90g capability on the skid pad – the most of any production Challenger and on par with some of the world's best-handling performance coupes.

The standard SRT performance brake package produces world-class stopping power of 60 to 0 mph in just 117 feet from 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo fixed calipers painted red. The three-mode electronic stability control system with knockback mitigation also includes four-wheel ABS, all-speed traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist (HSA).

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 accelerates from 0-60 mph in the high 4-second range; runs the quarter mile in mid-12-second range with the automatic transmission (high 12-second range with the manual); goes from 0-100-0 mph in the low 15s, reaches a top speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission (175 mph with the automatic).

The large front splitter and integrated front fender spats and body-color rear decklid spoiler provide stable high-speed aerodynamic balance while the front fascia chin spoiler also improves aerodynamic drag and is accented in black for a more aggressive look.

Unique "392 HEMI" badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V-8 engine that remains true to its high-performance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger in terms of horsepower and torque ratings. From the rear, the 4-inch rectangular exhaust tips deliver the 392's performance exhaust note while adding the styling cue of a serious muscle car.

The race inspired and high-performance interior begins with the new, exclusive SRT® heated steering wheel that features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track. All audio and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) controls are accessible from the horizontal spokes on the steering wheel.

The trapezoidal instrument panel features a four-bomb gauge cluster with chromed accent rings and unique SRT graphics. Inside the cluster, the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with performance pages gives the driver trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback on 0-60 mph acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features more than 35 advanced safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.

For maximum convenience and to keep passengers connected, a wide array of connectivity, infotainment and mobile multimedia options are available on the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

New for 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an available 900-watt, 18-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. The system offers world premier innovation, featuring a 32-volt TPS (Tracking Power Supply) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.

The new system uses GreenEdge® speaker and amplifier technology to offer superior sound quality and high Sound Pressure Level outputs with minimum energy consumption. GreenEdge amplifiers alone outperform traditional amplifier efficiency by up to 55 percent, representing a net efficiency of more than 90 percent in some cases. The speakers are tuned for maximum efficiency and perfectly matched to the amplifier output.

The innovative Uconnect® Media Center 430, 430N and 730N radios integrate a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with a hard drive where more than 150 hours of music and photos can be stored. Uconnect Media Center radios also offer two navigation options, including segment-leading Garmin® Navigation guidance and mapping (Uconnect Media Center 430N), or premium GPS Navigation with SIRIUS Traffic (Uconnect Media Center 730N). Both navigation solutions feature SIRIUS Travel Link, providing real-time weather, fuel prices and more while on the go.

SRT Track Experience

Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks.

Scoop: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/dodge-challenger-srt-yellow-jacket-and-charger-srt8-super-bee-de/

Verdict: We think these two special editions were hot in yellow.

This all new Dodge Charger SRT8 is all about being itself

The Stig tries out the new Charger SRT8

Impressed that this car was part of Forza Motorsport 4's November Speed Pack DLC, the all new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is one angry monster that you don't want to see this landing on the Playground modes, especially the Tag Infection, Keep The It, or Cat & Mouse. When I get inside the all new Charger SRT8, this car is freaking mental in the corners and it turns out that this car is too difficult to handle, even with the Traction Control off. It's hard to master the new Charger SRT8 but with practice, I'm sure that this is a brute force to be reckoned with.

A pure embodiment of evil

I like the sound of the new 6.4L HEMI V8. It kinda like...the stuff of nightmare. A very embodiment of evil... Despite looking like a muscle car, this car loves corners but it gets a bit carried away. In partial terms of tuning, there are some surprises awaiting at the Aero & Appearance section...

Disguised as a regular Charger

For example, you can disguise this as a regular Dodge Charger by putting up some Dodge Street Front Bumper ,Dodge Street Rear Bumper, Dodge Street Side Skirts, and a Dodge Street Hood. This disguise turns the Charger SRT8 into a regular Charger but still hides the HEMI V8 engine. For me, I want my Charger SRT8 looking like the Charger Rallye Plus just by placing some of the aero parts I have mention and slam it with some MOMO GTR rims.

The Dodge Charger Cop Car from Fast Five!

Surprisingly, you can attach it with a front bullbar and if you select the right combination on the 2012 Charger SRT8 (and if you have sharp painting/designing skills), you can recreate the Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicle and for the fun of it, you could recreate the cop car you seen on Fast Five. How about a quarter mile drag race at The Top Gear Test Track? Oh well. This 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is all about surprises in every corner.

Things I like; the aggressive design, it has the combinations to replicate the original Charger and the Charger Pursuit, and the sound of the new 6.4L HEMI V8 engine is very crispy and its the embodiment of evil. Things I don't like; the handling is too vulgar, and the 5-speed paddle shit transmission is too unresponsive.

8-speed 845RE automatic

2011 Chrysler 300

2011 Dodge Charger

The 2012MY Chrysler 300 Limited and the 2012MY Dodge Charger SXT comes with the class first 8-speed 845RE automatic. This new 8-speed automatic transmission provide lower emissions and better class leading fuel efficiency of 31MPG highway. A combination between the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine and the new 8-speed 845RE automatic would be a good combination but for me, eight gears would be somewhat too excessive and it kills the fear factor because of the added weight.

The 8-speed 845RE automatic was developed jointly with German supplier ZF.

Further reading: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20102095-48/chrysler-8-speed-gearbox-to-boost-big-sedans-fuel-economy/?tag=cnetRiver

New Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 interior

The all new Dodge Charger SRT8 really transform the regular Charger from a battering ram into a much powerful battering ram that can penetrate even the toughest walls in one hit. Once you meet face to face with the beast, you are guaranteed that you'll be dead because of its looks more meaner than the original Charger.

In the hands of the owner, the Charger SRT8's new interior makes them in control of the untamed V8 monster. It makes owners saying "You can run but you can't hide" or "you will respect my authoritah", depending on your road rage level is. Like most of its SRT brothers such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and the Chrysler 300 SRT8, the new Dodge Charger SRT8 comes with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center that allows owners to check real time information such as telemetry, lap times, and others. It comes with a 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Uconnect Touch that provides the best information and entertainment inside the new Charger SRT8 and the Harman Kardon 7.3 Surround Sound System with 19 High-Performance, High-Efficienct GreenEdge Loudspeakers provides the best sound experience, which makes it more perfect enough to listen to some heavy metal music while driving the new Charger SRT8 on the road.

Now, under the hood, it comes with the all new 6.4L HEMI V8 engine which produces 465bhp of power and 465lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a W5A580 five-speed paddle shift transmission that makes it more ambitious but more rubbish. Like most HEMI vehicles, the Charger SRT8 comes with the Fuel Saver Technology for variable cylinder management that promises fuel economy of 23MPG Highway. It comes with the new Adaptive Damping Suspension that allows owners to switch between Auto mode and Sport mode.

Available in five colors; Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Pitch Black, Redline 3-Coat Pearl, and Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat.

My comment:
The new Dodge Charger SRT8 really is a battering ram in steroids that is waiting to kill its prey in its top speed. I might think that the Charger SRT8 may end up being a Lotus Carlton but I am wrong because of the rubbish 5-speed paddle shift transmission that I might find it hard to catch up against high-speed rivals and the handling's a bit too rubbish even if you've turned off the Traction Control. I thought that this new Charger SRT8 is promised to be an instrument of terror but not as terrorizing as a vintage car called Brutus.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.