2009 Dodge Charger SRT8®: A Muscle Sedan the Family Loves

August 31, 2008 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - 

The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8® packages all of the features and amenities expected of an excellent family sedan combined with benchmark performance delivered by Chrysler Street and Racing Technology (SRT®) vehicles.

For the Dodge Charger SRT8, key SRT ingredients include 6.1-liter, 425-horsepower (317-kW) HEMI® power, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, functional and aggressive-looking exterior enhancements, and a race-inspired interior.

The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 delivers benchmark performance for a muscle sedan: 0-60 mph in the low five-second range, quarter-mile time in under 14 seconds, braking distance from 60-0 mph in approximately 110 feet and 0.89 g on the skid pad. The Dodge Charger SRT8 also accomplishes SRT’s signature performance test of 0-100-0 mph in less than 17 seconds.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009

EXTERIOR
• New color: Deep Water Blue Clear Coat
• New taillamps

INTERIOR
• Dual-zone automatic temperature control standard
• Automatic headlamps standard
• One-touch up/down windows standard
• New front-seat head rests
• Remote start standard
• Air filtration standard
• Heated front seats standard

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
• New ABS/ESP calibration with brake knockback mitigation
• Retuned suspension including knuckle and shock valve
• Improved fuel economy results in a lower gas guzzler tax

PACKAGES
• Limited edition Super Bee “buzz model” in Hemi Orange with serialized dash plaque
o Package includes Charger SRT8 Super Bee wheels with black anodized pockets
o Exterior decals for the hood and “Super Bee” on rear quarter
o Silver Brembo brake calipers
o uconnect tunes radio standard
o Orange accent color on seat
• Limited edition Brilliant Black Edition (spring 2009)



DESIGN

The functional performance of the Dodge Charger SRT8 is reflected in its exterior. The front fascia integrates ducts that help direct fresh air to cool the brakes, and an air dam to reduce lift. The hood is equipped with a scoop to funnel cool air into the engine compartment.

The rear fascia features integrated lower strakes to direct air flow, and aggressive cutouts to accommodate dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A dramatic deck lid spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for high-speed stability and traction.

Available exterior colors for the 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 are Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Clear Coat and TorRed.

Race-inspired interior appointments in the 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 start with the available SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD). Other SRT-exclusive interior appointments include Dark Slate Gray interior color seats with agate-color accent stitching, carbon-fiber-like leather-trim door handles and carbon-fiber-like leather-trim steering wheel, SRT logo on front seat inserts and center console, and LED lighting in the front cup holders and front- and rear-door map pockets.

Befitting its high-performance character, the 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 continues to provide power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and highly bolstered sport seats in the front, fitted with performance suede inserts to hold occupants during maneuvering. Rear seats have matching performance suede inserts.

Full instrumentation includes a 180-mph (300-kph) speedometer, a tachometer and a coolant temperature gauge. A light-emitting-diode (LED) display within the gauge cluster is driver configurable for oil temperature, oil pressure and tire pressure readouts.


ENGINEERING

The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 is powered by the 425-horsepower (317-kW), normally aspirated 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 producing 420 lb.-ft (569 N•m) of torque.

Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated, driver-selectable Auto Stick, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection.

Chassis setup on the 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 includes SRT-tuned dampers, tailored spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter anti-sway bars. For added stability and aerodynamic benefit, the ride height of the 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the Dodge Charger. Handling is engineered for performance with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and ABS with brake knockback mitigation tuned specifically for the 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8.

The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 rides on 20-inch aluminum, SRT-designed wheels that sport either Goodyear RS/A four-season tires or the optional Goodyear Supercar F1 three-season tire.

Benchmark braking performance comes from Brembo four-piston brake calipers on all four wheels, gripping a vented disc – 360 mm x 32 mm up front, with 350 mm x 26 mm in the rear. The SRT-exclusive braking system includes brake knockback mitigation software for even better track response. The system senses lateral acceleration and effectively primes the system in anticipation for the next brake application.

Enhancing the total driving experience, is the available KICKER® premium sound system with driver-selectable surround sound for all audio inputs. For rear-seat passenger entertainment, the SIRIUS BackSeat TV™ system is available. SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of respected children’s programming from the most well-known kids’ TV: Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 is the ultimate modern American muscle sedan – “Charger on steroids”
• Powered by the 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 that produces 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque, the Dodge Charger SRT8’s performance-tuned ride and handling offer a world-class performance sedan experience
• Builds on the momentum of Charger, HEMI and SRT

Dodge Charger SRT8 is the quickest sedan in the Dodge lineup
• SRT performance: 0-60 mph in the low 5-second range, 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds, 60-0 mph in approximately 110 feet

Dodge Charger SRT8 formula: balanced performance
• Functional, performance-oriented exterior design features 20-inch SRT wheels, 3.5-inch chrome exhaust tips, front fascia with air dam and cooling ducts, and functional hood scoop and rear deck lid spoiler. Race-inspired interior appointments include deeply bolstered seating and comprehensive instrumentation. All that, combined with benchmark braking and world-class ride and handling characteristics, make the Dodge Charger SRT8 civilized enough for a grocery run but fully capable in more challenging situations
• The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 is part of a broad lineup of Street and Racing Technology vehicles developed under the credo “Race inspired, street legal”


SAFETY AND SECURITY

Please refer to the Safety and Security Glossary for descriptions of the following features:

• Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System
• All-speed Traction Control System
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Auto-reverse Sun Roof
• BeltAlert
• Brake Assist
• Brake/Park Interlock
• Child-protection Rear Door Locks
• Constant Force Retractors
• Crumple Zones
• Electronic Stability Program
• Energy-absorbing Steering Column
• Enhanced Accident Response System
• Height-adjustable Seat Belts
• HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver
• Inside Emergency Trunk Release
• Interior Head-impact Protection
• Knee bolsters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
• Low-risk Deployment Air Bag
• Power Adjustable Pedals
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer
• Side-impact Door Beams
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Display


COLOR AVAILABILITY

• Deep Water Blue Clear Coat
• Bright Silver Metallic
• Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
• TorRed
• Hemi Orange (with Super Bee Special Edition Package)


MANUFACTURING INFORMATION

• 2009 model year production start: July 2008
• Production location: Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada
• 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine: Saltillo Engine Plant in Saltillo, Mexico
• Five-speed automatic transmission: Indiana Transmission 1 in Indianapolis


MARKET POSITION

Dodge Charger SRT8 is the latest incarnation of a storied Dodge performance nameplate, combining SRT performance attributes with Dodge attitude.



DEMOGRAPHICS

• Gender: 70 percent male/30 percent female
• Age: 40-59 years old
• Annual Household Income: $80,000 to $100,000
• Education: 45 percent college graduate
• Household: 65 percent married; primarily post-family
• Occupation: mix of mid-level white-collar workers, skilled tradespeople, and traditional blue-collar workers in high-paying professions

MARKET ADVANTAGES

• The ultimate modern American muscle sedan – the “Charger on steroids”
• Powered by an SRT-engineered, 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 that produces 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque
• SRT performance: 0-60 mph in the low five-second range, 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds, 60-0 mph in approximately 110 feet
• Benchmark braking
• World-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range
• Functional, performance-oriented exterior design and race-inspired interior appointments
• Benchmark performance at the best price


PRODUCT CHRONOLOGY

2008 MODEL YEAR

EXTERIOR
• New color: Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat

INTERIOR
• Available Side-curtain Air Bags
• Available SIRIUS BackSeat TV™
• Available SRT-engineered KICKER® premium surround sound system
• New instrument panel cluster
• New center console
• SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display (RCD)
• LED lighting in the front cup holders and front-and rear-door map pockets
• Dark Slate Gray interior color
• Agate-color accent stitching
• Carbon-fiber-like pattern door handles and carbon-fiber-like leather-trim steering wheel

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
• New optional 20-inch aluminum wheel

PACKAGES
• Super Bee Special Edition — with Surf Blue Pearl Coat

2007 MODEL YEAR

EXTERIOR
• New color: TorRed

INTERIOR
• Optional Rear Seat Video system, including KICKER® Mobile Surround Sound

PACKAGES
• Super Bee Special Edition—with Detonator Yellow exterior color
• SRT Track Experience—Standard

2006 MODEL YEAR
New high-performance version of the Dodge Charger with new 6.1-liter HEMI® engine

EXTERIOR
• Colors: Brilliant Black, Bright Silver, Inferno Red
• New front fascia with integrated brake duct inlets
• Insert in rear fascia
• New rear spoiler
• Body-color mirrors and door handles (carryover base car)
• “SRT8” exterior badge (deck lid)
• Mesh grille insert with “SRT” badge
• Brake duct system in front belly pan
• 16 mm clearance rear fascia to exhaust tips
• New hood with scoop, bezel and underhood duct
• New hood silencer pad


INTERIOR
• Colors: Dark Slate/Light Slate Gray
• Sport front seats with matching trim on rear seats
• Red accent stitching
• Carbon fiber leather on steering wheel upper
• Satin finish steering wheel spokes (from 300C)
• Satin Silver shift bezel and lock knobs (from 300C)
• “SRT8” badge below right-hand air conditioning outlet duct
• Satin Silver color for center stack bezel

POWERTRAIN
• 6.1-liter HEMI® engine (425 horsepower/420 lb.-ft.)
• A580 transmission with Auto Stick and four-bolt flange
• Hag 215 axle (3.06 ratio) with four-bolt flange
• Modified air cleaner/induction system
• Injector covers replace engine cover (pia)
• Prop shaft with four-bolt flanges
• “Hemi Orange” block treatment
• Revised clean air duct
• Modified air cleaner box

CHASSIS
• New wheel/tire assembly (three-season, non-directional); 20-inch front wheels and
245/45/20 tires (forged); 20-inch rear wheels and 255/45/20 tires (forged)
• Lower ride height (with spring length)
• Brakes (new rotors, red calipers, and hoses)
• Exhaust system with 3.5-inch tips and revised tuning
• TIRE FIT system (sealant and compressor)
• ESP—unique calibration and three-position switching
• Cooling module (42 mm core) and radiator hoses
• Revised damper tuning and spring rates
• Increased output fuel pump
• Modified front and rear suspension knuckles
• MK 25E ABS system (July 2005 implementation)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
• Unique engine controller (NGC LEO) calibration
• Unique transmission calibration
• Custom cluster graphics (180 mph and 300 kph)


Contact Information

Nick Cappa
Office: (248) 512-4266
Cell: (248) 202-8039
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