2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Delivers Balance of Intelligent Performance and Power
09/01/2012
Dodge
The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 continues to bring intelligent performance features and loads of power to the Dodge brand's iconic four-door fastback coupe. Making a return to the Charger SRT8 lineup are the popular Charger SRT8 Super Bee core-performance models with a variety of new exterior color choices that will be rolled out during the model year.
Powered by the 6.4-liter HEMI(R) V-8 engine that offers 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. (637 N-m) of torque across a wide rpm range, performance numbers for the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 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.
Awe-inspiring powertrain
Even with the high horsepower and torque numbers, up to 23 mpg on the highway is achieved by the use of an active valve exhaust system that allows the standard Fuel Saver Technology (four-cylinder mode) to engage over a wide rpm range for efficient motoring or the use of all eight cylinders when the extra power is needed. The active valve exhaust system also allows for straight through mid and rear mufflers for a throaty exhaust note under engine load.
The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 features an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing to provide maximum low-end torque for strong standing starts while optimizing high-end power.
The proven five-speed automatic transmission uses standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters or the center console mounted Auto Stick, allowing for a choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the racetrack. Both methods give the driver the ability to manually select specific gears on the transmission.
In "Drive," the transmission controller will automatically shift the vehicle. The aggressiveness of the shifting is defined by the mode chosen - either "Normal" or "Track." Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.
In "Manual," the shift method is defined by the driver choosing to use either paddle shift or Auto Stick. The "Track" mode adds a hold function to the calibration in all gears, allowing the driver full control of the shifting schedule.
Outstanding ride, handling and capability
New for 2013 is an improved adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system that is expanded to three modes and tuned specifically for the Dodge Charger SRT8 to provide an everyday performance ride or a much firmer race track capable damping for more challenging driving situations.
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 longitudinal/lateral/vertical accelerations - automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions.
In "Sport" mode, the damping system rebound and compression is locked to a higher damping rate. Drivers can easily choose between settings with a press of a button on the center stack to quickly change the shock damping characteristics from "Auto" for everyday commuting to "Sport" for more spirited driving situations.
In "Track" mode, the higher damping rates combine with a performance shifting and gear holding feature that allows the driver full shift control when using the steering wheel mounted paddle controls or AutoStick.
A new for 2013, standard launch control system helps maximize straight-line acceleration.
When the vehicle is at a complete stop, the driver engages the system by pressing the ESC button twice and then with their foot securely on the brake, quickly applies full throttle. Launch control holds the engine at optimal launch rpm (1,825) and waits for the driver to release the brake. Launch control then uses engine torque management to achieve controlled wheelslip for maximum acceleration up to 62 mph (100 kph).
The performance SRT-tuned, fully hydraulic steering system uses a heavy-duty pump and unique gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.
Maximum handling rating for the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 is .88g on the skidpad,with the available Goodyear three-season tires.
Standard split five-spoke, 20 x 9-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels with black painted pockets provide great looks. New for 2013 is the same style wheel available in the SRT-exclusive Black Vapor Chrome finish.
The 2013 Charger SRT8 Super Bee models ride on 20 x 9-inch, five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets developed specifically for a unique performance look.
Available three- or four-season Goodyear tires make the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 easy to handle and fun to drive in any condition.
Benchmark braking
The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 has 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 painted red. Improved brake cooling and fade performance at all four corners comes courtesy of an underbody belly pan with integrated brake ducting.
The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop. The electronic stability control pump then engages to set the brake pads against the rotors, speeding up the time required for full brake application.
Aggressive and functional exterior
There is no mistaking the high performance look of the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 through the exclusive high-gloss black front grille, grille surround, Dodge crosshair next to the signature SRT badge and the 6.4-liter HEMI badges on each fender.
The performance-sculpted hood features an air exhauster for added engine cooling.
Nine exterior paint color choices for 2013 include Copperhead Pearl Coat, Pitch Black Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Peal Coat, Jazz Blue Pearl Coat, Phantom Black Tri-coat Pearl, Redline 3-Coat Pearl and TorRed Clear Coat.
Charger SRT8 Super Bee models are available in three exterior colors including Bright White Clear Coat, Pitch Black Clear Coat and TorRed Clear Coat.
The signature exterior of the Super Bee also features a unique SRT badge with a 3-D helmeted bee mascot on the split crosshair grille finished in Gloss Black.
Satin black hood graphics (charcoal gray on Pitch Black models) mirror the black deck-lid stripes with a solid wide center-line flanked by solid dual tracer lines. Standard rear deck-lid spoilers are matte black or matching body color on the Pitch Black model.
Both front fenders on Super Bee models tout the historically significant V-8 engine with "392 HEMI" badges first seen on the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. Flanking both rear fenders are the legendary round Super Bee graphics, which include the wording "Powered by SRT" to commemorate the modern incarnation of this celebrated performance icon.
Unique side-sill cladding on all Charger SRT8 models is painted to match the body color.
In the rear, the Charger SRT8's signature "racetrack" taillamp design with 164 illuminating LEDs sits just below the rear spoiler. Round 4-inch dual exhaust tips are positioned inside of the rear fascia while the SRT8 decklid badge boldly shows the Street and Racing Technology DNA.
Race-inspired and high-performance interior
The interior environment of the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 combines world-class accommodations with race-inspired technology and appointments.
The SRT-exclusive, leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel features a unique satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo. The standard paddle shifters flank both sides of the steering wheel behind contoured palm rests.
For the high-performance look, Dark Engine Turn fiber aluminum interior trim pieces are integrated into the instrument panel and shifter bezel.
Both front seats have unique, aggressive bolstering under the Nappa leather and Axis perforated suede insert fabric to help "grip" the driver and passengers, keeping them in place during spirited driving. Front seats are also heated and ventilated and have the SRT logo embroidered in the seat backs. Reactive headrests are standard.
Modified door trim panels feature unique bolster material that matches the seats.
Interior color combinations include Black and the available Radar Red/Black, which adds color to the seats, door trim panels and center console cover.
Passengers in the rear also benefit on cool days with heated rear seats.
The full-color graphic Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with exclusive Performance Pages includes timers for 0-60 mph, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times, 60-0 braking distance, along with lateral and longitudinal G-forces within the touchscreen display.
The instrument panel's 8.4-inch color touchscreen display - the segment's largest standard (available on Super Bee) display - also has all the same Performance Pages data as the EVIC, and is further expanded to include steering angle, horsepower and torque outputs along with engine gauges. The display is customizable to a driver selectable background.
Unique interior appointments on the 2013 Charger SRT8 Super Bee models include exclusive Z-stripe cloth performance seats with 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.
Modified software includes the appearance of the Super Bee logo in the center instrument panel's EVIC at vehicle start up.
Safety and security
The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 features more than 65 advanced safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.
In addition, standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard full-length side-curtain air bags, driver's knee air bag and standard front seat-mounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.
The available Driver Confidence Group adds Blind-spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Path detection and SmartBeam(R) headlamps.
Connectivity and infotainment
The Dodge Charger SRT8 features an available 900-watt, 19-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. The system offers world premier innovation, featuring a 32-volt Tracking Power Supply (TPS) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.
The 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 system's 19 GreenEdge ultra lightweight, high-efficiency speakers include:
Seven 3.5-inch Unity Coaxial mid-range speakers with seven integrated tweeters located in the front dash, rear doors and rear deck
Two 6 x 9-inch subwoofers located in the front doors
Two 6 x 9-inch subwoofers in the rear deck
One 10-inch subwoofer in the rear deck
The intuitive user interface for the system is controlled through the state-of-the-art Uconnect Touch on the largest standard (available on Super Bee) touchscreen display (8.4-inch) in the segment. Benchmarked against the best E-segment sedans from Europe, Asia and North America, the easy-to-use system also features Uconnect Voice to deliver world-class functionality to keep all passengers easily connected, comfortable and secure.
The Uconnect Touch system features handsfree texting with compatible Bluetooth devices, voice commands for Garmin Navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and more iPod control features to expand on the system's connectivity and convenience technologies.
Safety and ease-of-use is a priority, and the upgraded Uconnect Touch 8.4 and 8.4N models with handsfree texting keep passengers even more connected through voice commands. With a compatible Bluetooth phone, Uconnect Touch enables text-to-speech for incoming text messages and provides the driver with recorded speech-to-text responses for outgoing messages.
The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 is built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price is $44,995 (plus $995 destination) for the SRT8 model and $41,775 (plus $995 destination) for the Super Bee model.
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.
About SRT
The Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand uses a successful product development formula featuring five proven hallmarks: awe-inspiring powertrains; outstanding ride, handling and capability; benchmark braking; aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired and high-performance interiors to remain true to its performance roots.
The SRT lineup in the 2013 model year features five vehicles that are world-class performance contenders and bring the latest in safety technologies and creature comforts. The Chrysler 300 SRT8, Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, Dodge Charger SRT8 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 are joined by the SRT flagship Viper and Viper GTS models which are making their highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market.
About the Dodge Brand
For nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and in style. Building upon its rich heritage of muscle cars, racing technology and ingenious engineering, Dodge offers a full-line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs built for top performance - from power off the line and handling in the corners, to high-quality vehicles that deliver unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. Only Dodge offers such innovative functionality combined with class-leading performance, exceptional value and distinctive design. With the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, the all-new Dodge Charger paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission that achieves a class-leading 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the new Durango and the significantly revamped Grand Caravan - inventor of the minivan - Journey, Avenger and iconic Challenger, Dodge now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the United States.