2010 Charger SRT8
Charger SRT8 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2010 Charger SRT8 is a powerful street machine that features all the amenities of a family sedan.
The Charger SRT8 is a performance-tuned variant of the Dodge Charger, which stands out in the muscle car class for its satisfying combination of power and utility.
While critics question whether the Charger SE, SXT and, to some degree, even the HEMI-powered R/T do the Charger's rich heritage justice, most agree that the SRT8 does. Upping the ante with a 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine and proper muscle-car engineering, the SRT8 growls and intimidates.
The 2010 Charger SRT8 in unchanged for 2010 and features a standard five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual controls. Since the Charger hasn't changed since 2009, car shoppers may want to opt for last year's model instead. Those that do may save more money and receive Dodge's now-expired lifetime powertrain warranty.
- "SRT8 models are true modern muscle cars." -- Consumer Guide
- "The Dodge Charger is a full-size, four-door sedan that makes a bold design statement and backs it up with serious horsepower." -- New Car Test Drive
- "This may technically be a family sedan, but with a 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 underhood, it qualifies as a muscle car in our book. Even so, this Charger offers all the space and amenities your brood requires." -- Car and Driver
- "True, this four-door Charger sedan was a far cry from the huge two-door coupe adorned in orange paint and a Confederate flag in the "Dukes of Hazzard," but the spirit certainly lives on. For those who yearn for the good ol' days of good ol' boys and good ol' horsepower, the Charger's big-time power and brash styling represent a welcome revival." -- Edmunds
The Bottom Line
The 2010 Charger SRT8 is everything an American muscle car should be -- big, burly and powerful. It isn't, however, the only bad boy on the block. The Challenger SRT8 and all-new Chevy Camaro SS feature similar specs and power output. For more gut-wrenching power, consider the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which features 500-horsepower V8 engine.
Drivers, however, shouldn't expect that any of these muscle machines are capable of behaving like an agile sports car. While they're powerful and fast, they're also large and heavy. If you're in the market for an all-around dynamic, American sports performer with more than 400 horsepower, check out Chevy Corvette. It too possesses a rich racing heritage. Plus it's a dream on winding roads.
Performance Dynamics
Test drivers report that the Charger SRT8 is quick and powerful. While its hefty curb weight prevents it from being sports-car agile, it's still surprisingly capable. Besides, muscle cars aren't engineered to handle twists and turns. They're all about straight-line performance. Based on that expectation, the Charger SRT8 delivers.
The Charger SRT8 features a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 425 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 420 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual operation is standard. The EPA reports that it nets a city/highway fuel economy of 13/19 mpg.
The rear-wheel drive SRT8 features a performance-tuned steering and suspension system. Bringing the SRT8 to a halt are anti-lock four-wheel disc performance brakes with Brake Assist. What's more, an Electronic Stability Program senses over- and under-steer and automatically applies individual brakes and controls the vehicle's throttle to help maintain control in adverse driving conditions. The SRT8 also comes standard with All-Speed Traction Control.
- "The Charger SRT8 is the king of the hill, with a 6.1-liter V8 that produces 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. ... In track testing, the SRT8 went from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds." -- Edmunds
- "The five-speed AutoStick transmission works equally well in either Automatic or Manual mode. In Automatic mode, full-throttle upshifts wait until redline, and downshifts for passing are executed with minimal delay. In Manual mode, the transmission holds a gear to red line before shifting (unless you shift sooner manually, of course)." -- New Car Test Drive
- "This bad-boy delivers Detroit muscle in a serious way, topped off with fine handling courtesy of its Mercedes-sourced bones." -- Car and Driver
- "Linear steering with good road feel. Stable at highway speeds. These big cars aren't nimble in quick direction changes, but they have fine balance and grip in turns, SRT8s in particular." -- Consumer Guide
- "Beyond its blisteringly quick performance, the Charger SRT8's capable suspension allows it to run circles around average family sedans. The steering feel is direct and precise, with little play in the heavily weighted system. Braking is also first-rate, aided by huge four-piston Brembo disc brakes." -- Kelley Blue Book
