What grounds do I have for such a bold claim? Well, the majority of sedans that it's up against offer very little bang at all, so it kind of
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| The Charger SRT8's fully independent suspension, large-diameter wheelsand tires, body hugging seats and all-powerful HEMI V8 put it in aleague of few. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
stands alone in its field. Even sport coupes, such a Ford's Mustang GT pale in comparison, and when it comes to handling corners even the blue-oval brand's supercar-defying Shelby Cobra GT500 will most likely be left eating the SRT8's proverbial dust. What makes it so good?
That's easy. Start with a fully independent suspension system derived from Mercedes-Benz's previous E-Class, a steering rack, robust five-speed automatic transmission with Autostick manual functionality, and other components pulled (after being reworked for their new application) from the same premium vehicle, and then stuffed under the hood, one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines the world has to offer, also, along with various go-fast suspension parts such as SRT-tuned dampers, specially designed spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter anti-sway bars, as well as larger wheels and tires, aerodynamic add-ons and sport-oriented interior
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| Willow Springs raceway was the ideal location for track testing a bevy of North America's most enticing cars, trucks and SUVs. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
enhancements, and then wrapping it all up in a package that has a similarly intimidating visual presence to Dodge's outrageous Viper supercar, and finally, topping it off with a completely approachable $44,790 price tag, nothing can compare dollar for dollar.
Heck, not much can compare no matter how much you spend. Willow Springs raceway, where I first slid behind the wheel of the all-new Charger SRT8, is a serpentine track that combines dramatic elevation changes with some of the more complex corner combinations I've ever had the pleasure of negotiating. It was the ideal location for an SRT event, not only due to the opportunity to track test a bevy of North America's most enticing cars, trucks and SUVs, allowing for speeds over and above 210 km/h (130 mph) and long sweeping corners seemingly designed to push vehicles as close to their breaking points as physically possible, with only open deposits of the Mojave's fine desert dust and gravel mixture and/or tire barriers to limit any overzealous behaviour, but also an arid climate that almost ensured ideal weather conditions.
