RE: Dodge Charger SRT8: PH Carpool
Monday 12th June 2017
Name: R Farmer
Car: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8
Owned since: February 2017. For me this is the peak of modern Chargers - earlier models were a little gawky and the 'big Golf' look of new front end isn't for everyone. To my eye this car is big, mean and impressive, and I still turn my head to glance at it each time I park up.
Previously owned: Alfa 159, Ford Ka, Hyundai i10, Mazda RX-8 Evolve, BMW 118d, Alfa Giulietta, 2009 Ford Mustang, Volvo S80 (bought with 450K miles on the clock!)
Styling a big part of the appeal, funnily enough...Why I bought it:
"Look at it! Like a lot of people I grew up loving American cars in movies. Unlike a lot of people, however, I never grew out of it. I've had a Mustang before which looked the part but this Charger is on another level in terms of power, comfort, materials, fit and finish. Plus it is has a huge boot/trunk and lots of back seat room; perfect for a sensible family man like me..."
Expanse of black paint less popular!Things I love:
"It goes like stink. 470hp and the same amount of lb ft make up for the size and weight and then some. That it can feel like a serene, super-comfy executive limo if you want is a bonus - the seats are very 'American' and I've owned smaller armchairs. The mix of comfort and brutality is really what sold me on it and the juxtaposition never gets old.
Big, comfy, and better built than a Mustang!Things I hate:
"Well there's the fuel thing, obviously, and the noise it makes when the (admittedly optional) 'eco' cylinder deactivation system kicks in is far from glamorous. I thought I'd hate the five-speed auto but I'm actually enjoying it and the shifts are plenty fast and smooth enough for me coming from a lifetime of manuals.
Dodge Charger SRT8: PH Carpool
V8 muscle car as your sensible daily drive? It can be done!
Car: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8
Owned since: February 2017. For me this is the peak of modern Chargers - earlier models were a little gawky and the 'big Golf' look of new front end isn't for everyone. To my eye this car is big, mean and impressive, and I still turn my head to glance at it each time I park up.
Previously owned: Alfa 159, Ford Ka, Hyundai i10, Mazda RX-8 Evolve, BMW 118d, Alfa Giulietta, 2009 Ford Mustang, Volvo S80 (bought with 450K miles on the clock!)
Styling a big part of the appeal, funnily enough...
"Look at it! Like a lot of people I grew up loving American cars in movies. Unlike a lot of people, however, I never grew out of it. I've had a Mustang before which looked the part but this Charger is on another level in terms of power, comfort, materials, fit and finish. Plus it is has a huge boot/trunk and lots of back seat room; perfect for a sensible family man like me..."
What I wish I'd known:
"Everyone asks the same question - "How much does it drink in fuel?" Having previously owned an RX-8 and a Mustang I thought I was well-adjusted to the world of thirsty cars but this one is brutal. I've seen the trip computer get up to 24mpg but that was slipstreaming a lorry on a downhill gradient with my feet nowhere near the pedals. 18 is probably a more realistic number. Insurance isn't too bad, though."
Expanse of black paint less popular!
"It goes like stink. 470hp and the same amount of lb ft make up for the size and weight and then some. That it can feel like a serene, super-comfy executive limo if you want is a bonus - the seats are very 'American' and I've owned smaller armchairs. The mix of comfort and brutality is really what sold me on it and the juxtaposition never gets old.
"The stability management systems do a great job of correcting any silliness but really I drive it sensibly and respect the power for the most part.
"Plus it's packed with technology that makes life a little easier. From simple things like UK sat-nav and rear parking camera to radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, remote start and heated/cooled cup-holders. Seriously: heated and cooled cup-holders.
"Oh, and you can probably imagine how good it sounds."
Big, comfy, and better built than a Mustang!
"Well there's the fuel thing, obviously, and the noise it makes when the (admittedly optional) 'eco' cylinder deactivation system kicks in is far from glamorous. I thought I'd hate the five-speed auto but I'm actually enjoying it and the shifts are plenty fast and smooth enough for me coming from a lifetime of manuals.
"But the paint. Man, the black paint is a pain in the rear and there's just so much of it to keep clean!"
Where I've been:
"Back and forth to work, mostly! Yup, it's my daily driver; drop the kid at nursery, take stuff to the tip kind of car. I'm looking forward to showing it off at American Speedfest and Festival of Speed this year, however."
What next?
"I think I'm due a fill-up, actually..."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
Discussion
Pretty sure I had a mooch around this yesterday at Speedfest. Absolutely stunning, and a car I'm seriously considering as my next purchase in a few years. Beast of a car.
PS Didn't purchase this from Performance Paddock did you? They had one when I was picking up my Vette, same spec.
PS Didn't purchase this from Performance Paddock did you? They had one when I was picking up my Vette, same spec.
Saw this yesterday as well at speedfest.
I have always liked american cars myself - always hated the bashing they get especially over this side of the pond.
It honestl doesn't bother me if the car doesn't have soft plastics everywhere, the main thing for me is I turn the key, the car starts and gets me to where I want to go.
The fact it has a v8 as well - would absolutely love one. Had a v6 charger when in the usa - and did enjoy the drive. But then filling it up was less painful!
I have always liked american cars myself - always hated the bashing they get especially over this side of the pond.
It honestl doesn't bother me if the car doesn't have soft plastics everywhere, the main thing for me is I turn the key, the car starts and gets me to where I want to go.
The fact it has a v8 as well - would absolutely love one. Had a v6 charger when in the usa - and did enjoy the drive. But then filling it up was less painful!
Nice motor and echo most of your thoughts.
Had mine around 2 1/2 years and it's been a joy in that time.
Take a look here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
All the best with it.
Had mine around 2 1/2 years and it's been a joy in that time.
Take a look here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
All the best with it.
A few years ago the standard V6 version was a regular option as a full-size rental car and on my frequent visits to the US I always made sure I rented one of these. The first, and to date, only American car I enjoyed driving. I drove from Las Vegas to El Paso and back in one on a 10 day road trip and really enjoyed its power and drivability especially off the interstates.
I saw a few the V6s around in 'Vegas about four years and they were hansom cars and very comfortable inside - they even looked good as taxis. I think the current Challenger looks a bit tall and narrow from the rear, these don't. There's the odd one lurking round here but not nearly as numerous as Challengers, Mustangs and Cameros. Does it sound as good as the Challenger?
Hi guys, the car is mine, thanks for all the positive comments. It was great to see how popular it was at Speedfest too (fun event!). To answer a few questions:
This one has an aftermarket Magnaflow exhaust. Advantage is it sounds great (as good as the few Challengers I've heard but so many in the UK have aftermarket exhausts that it's hard to compare like with like). Disadvantage is it doesn't have the valve that shuts up the noise in cylinder-deactivation mode. Stock exhaust is a bit muted, by all accounts. Cabin is nicely insulated with double-glazed windows etc so it's not like you have to shout your conversations.
I can't comment on average prices etc as you see so few here. I paid less than I would for a Challengers I've seen that are of similar spec that are 3yr / 30,000 miles older. The UK market seems to put a premium on Challengers over Chargers, probably because they look even more 'American'.
This one has an aftermarket Magnaflow exhaust. Advantage is it sounds great (as good as the few Challengers I've heard but so many in the UK have aftermarket exhausts that it's hard to compare like with like). Disadvantage is it doesn't have the valve that shuts up the noise in cylinder-deactivation mode. Stock exhaust is a bit muted, by all accounts. Cabin is nicely insulated with double-glazed windows etc so it's not like you have to shout your conversations.
I can't comment on average prices etc as you see so few here. I paid less than I would for a Challengers I've seen that are of similar spec that are 3yr / 30,000 miles older. The UK market seems to put a premium on Challengers over Chargers, probably because they look even more 'American'.
Having a V8 Mustang, a V8 daily driver is such a wonderful thing to behold, but having a LHD daily driver; that I find most interesting. Is it easy to get on with in terms of car park barriers and overtaking? When I was looking at a Camaro SS 6 years ago, LHD daily just put me off a little.
I have some experience from my old Mustang (the first couple of drives of that were tricky) plus I have use of my wife's rhd car. To be honest I've reached a point where I can chop and change between the two without even thinking about it. The Charger's a-pillars are a bit chunky and the hood is huge, but that'd be the same in rhd. I know it's an issue for some but I don't notice any drawbacks, and in fact it makes merging into traffic from the left even easier with the over-shoulder view.
Jimtasteek said:
Hi guys, the car is mine, thanks for all the positive comments. It was great to see how popular it was at Speedfest too (fun event!). To answer a few questions:
This one has an aftermarket Magnaflow exhaust. Advantage is it sounds great (as good as the few Challengers I've heard but so many in the UK have aftermarket exhausts that it's hard to compare like with like). Disadvantage is it doesn't have the valve that shuts up the noise in cylinder-deactivation mode. Stock exhaust is a bit muted, by all accounts. Cabin is nicely insulated with double-glazed windows etc so it's not like you have to shout your conversations.
I can't comment on average prices etc as you see so few here. I paid less than I would for a Challengers I've seen that are of similar spec that are 3yr / 30,000 miles older. The UK market seems to put a premium on Challengers over Chargers, probably because they look even more 'American'.
Where are you servicing it in the UK and what are the costs like?This one has an aftermarket Magnaflow exhaust. Advantage is it sounds great (as good as the few Challengers I've heard but so many in the UK have aftermarket exhausts that it's hard to compare like with like). Disadvantage is it doesn't have the valve that shuts up the noise in cylinder-deactivation mode. Stock exhaust is a bit muted, by all accounts. Cabin is nicely insulated with double-glazed windows etc so it's not like you have to shout your conversations.
I can't comment on average prices etc as you see so few here. I paid less than I would for a Challengers I've seen that are of similar spec that are 3yr / 30,000 miles older. The UK market seems to put a premium on Challengers over Chargers, probably because they look even more 'American'.
My biggest gripe is the 5000km service intervals here in the UAE. I loath going so frequently, but its nice to know that the 6.4l hemi is treated to fresh oil each time.
I recently drove the facelift version with the 8 speed auto. I was expecting it to be almost BMW 8sp ZF smooth, but it really wasn't. It made me feel better about the 5 speeder in mine. Still a weak point though, but the torque hides its deficiencies well. Have you ever suffered any bogging down when going from part throttle to full throttle quickly (in particular at 40mph +)?
Matt
Jimtasteek said:
I have some experience from my old Mustang (the first couple of drives of that were tricky) plus I have use of my wife's rhd car. To be honest I've reached a point where I can chop and change between the two without even thinking about it. The Charger's a-pillars are a bit chunky and the hood is huge, but that'd be the same in rhd. I know it's an issue for some but I don't notice any drawbacks, and in fact it makes merging into traffic from the left even easier with the over-shoulder view.
I just waited for Ford to be smart enough to release a RHD Mustang. My presumption is that the chance of a right hand drive Dodge or Camaro will be nil though 
.matt_knowles said:
Jimtasteek said:
Hi guys, the car is mine, thanks for all the positive comments. It was great to see how popular it was at Speedfest too (fun event!). To answer a few questions:
This one has an aftermarket Magnaflow exhaust. Advantage is it sounds great (as good as the few Challengers I've heard but so many in the UK have aftermarket exhausts that it's hard to compare like with like). Disadvantage is it doesn't have the valve that shuts up the noise in cylinder-deactivation mode. Stock exhaust is a bit muted, by all accounts. Cabin is nicely insulated with double-glazed windows etc so it's not like you have to shout your conversations.
I can't comment on average prices etc as you see so few here. I paid less than I would for a Challengers I've seen that are of similar spec that are 3yr / 30,000 miles older. The UK market seems to put a premium on Challengers over Chargers, probably because they look even more 'American'.
Where are you servicing it in the UK and what are the costs like?This one has an aftermarket Magnaflow exhaust. Advantage is it sounds great (as good as the few Challengers I've heard but so many in the UK have aftermarket exhausts that it's hard to compare like with like). Disadvantage is it doesn't have the valve that shuts up the noise in cylinder-deactivation mode. Stock exhaust is a bit muted, by all accounts. Cabin is nicely insulated with double-glazed windows etc so it's not like you have to shout your conversations.
I can't comment on average prices etc as you see so few here. I paid less than I would for a Challengers I've seen that are of similar spec that are 3yr / 30,000 miles older. The UK market seems to put a premium on Challengers over Chargers, probably because they look even more 'American'.
My biggest gripe is the 5000km service intervals here in the UAE. I loath going so frequently, but its nice to know that the 6.4l hemi is treated to fresh oil each time.
I recently drove the facelift version with the 8 speed auto. I was expecting it to be almost BMW 8sp ZF smooth, but it really wasn't. It made me feel better about the 5 speeder in mine. Still a weak point though, but the torque hides its deficiencies well. Have you ever suffered any bogging down when going from part throttle to full throttle quickly (in particular at 40mph +)?
Matt
Swapping out the exhaust on 2015 and later Chargers/Challengers is a bit redundant, because the OEM dual-mode system is so good and very well matched to the 392 engine in the way it flows.
My only real criticisms are the modesty of the rear wheels/tires and the fact that the ECU is sealed, so needs to be professionally 'cracked' (unlocked) to flash it with a Diablo Trinity/Tazer SCT.
Stock airbox is a compromise given the lack of under-hood space. The GT Momentum cold-air system is a significant improvement (totally insulated from the engine bay environment, rather than sealing to the underside of the hood, like the Mopar CAI does). Not cheap but quite effective.
I'm a big fan of regular oil-changes. These big inch iron-block sluggers' days are numbered, so look after that Apache and it'll run forever.
Ram 1500 5.7 HO Hemi on LPG, running costs down to that of a small family saloon, equivalent to 44mpg on diesel. Why would you want your Toyota pox box when you can have this as your daily driver!! And with the latest LPG gear, you don't get that mushy drop in power or throttle response that the old systems used to have. brilliant and loving it! Not particularly noticed the swap from ordinary to Eco mode, but engine only turning about 1200-1500 rpm when that happens.
Jimtasteek said:
This one has an aftermarket Magnaflow exhaust. Advantage is it sounds great (as good as the few Challengers I've heard but so many in the UK have aftermarket exhausts that it's hard to compare like with like). Disadvantage is it doesn't have the valve that shuts up the noise in cylinder-deactivation mode. Stock exhaust is a bit muted, by all accounts. Cabin is nicely insulated with double-glazed windows etc so it's not like you have to shout your conversations.
I've owned a 2016 version of the same car (now called the SRT 392) for over a year. It has the stock exhaust. If the cylinder deactivation is audible, I haven't noticed it. Edited by Stilltim on Thursday 22 June 02:59
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