Everybody in America knows what the hottest 2011 Dodge Challenger can do, the SRT8 392 is somewhat of a hero there.
In Germany however, nearly nobody knows about it, which meas that what GeigerCars is doing is clearly just for extreme enthusiasts.
GeigerCars will be importing some of these wild cars to Germany at a staggering price of €55.000 which is the equivalent of US $77.800, a price that’s unheard of for a Dodge.
Sure the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is impressive, but I don’t think it’s going to be worth it, even with the whole limited edition factor.
Remember, less than 1.500 units of the SRT8 392 are going to be built, each packing a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 delivering 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
The power is reasonably impressive, but the gearboxes are not really in that ballpark, as the standard option is a five-speed automatic transmission and the manual is reasonable at best, not really fitting the car.
My best guess is that this is still a comfy GT car rather than a true muscle contender, only in this specification, Dodge gave the 2011 Challenger a bit more power.
Perhaps the Germans GeigerCars has on the customer list are interested in the image factor, after all, you almost never see one of these cars around town.
Monumentally stupid “Euro-German” review. “The power is reasonably impressive, but the gearboxes are not really in that ballpark, as the standard option is a five-speed automatic transmission and the manual is reasonable at best, not really fitting the car…”
What does that drivel mean? The TREMEC Tranny is a full-race manual six speed. This is American Muscle, runs 12.44 quarter mile/4.3 0-60, with top speed in excess of 180 mph. The motor is conservatively rated at 470 horsepower/470 ft lbs of torque. This car smokes a BMW M3 and cost 47,000.00 msrp, unlike a 87,000 M3.
This is American muscle, not some kraut auto-bahn car.
The 2011 392 Challenger is basically all about the engine. After that is sorted, the gearbox is chosen as one that can match the power which isn’t always the best way to go.
I find the Challenger great as a GT (or, if you prefer, Muscle) car, it’s not really the sort of sports car that makes you work for your pleasure. It’s just a kick of adrenaline and that doesn’t really need the manual shifter.
This is why I prefer the automatic gearbox. With the 392 version I can say it’s pretty much similar in thinking of the creators as the SL 65 AMG. That one is German and even though the straight line speed is amazing, there’s not that much else to say about the car.
As for the price comparison it is irrelevant. A Veyron and an Ariel Atom have the same 0 to 60 time yet the price difference is so immense it’s not worth counting.