Quick Drive: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Hemi

So it’s got a Hemi, but it’s got a lot of weight to move around too, so it’s still not that fast right? Well no. I haven’t driven the Challenger before today, not a V6 model and not a V8. This new Challenger is stuffed with a bigger Hemi V8, the 392-cubic inch, pushing 470 horsepower and 470 ft-lbs of torque. That puts it at the top of the horsepower race in compared to its pony car rivals. Our car was also equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission with a pistol grip style shifter giving you free will to try and control the power.

Right before we hit the track we had a word of warning from the driver right before us. “Take it easy, I was sideways a lot and almost spun off the track.” Remember its wet out. So that’s 470 hp to deal with on a wet track in a car that we’ve been told is squirrely. There were a few corners that we really let the back end come out but mostly the Challenger seemed composed and quick, a surprise for me. Was it my favorite car out there? No, but it was much better than I was expecting.

Thanks to our friends at Non-Stock Photography for the photos.

Car was driven and reviewed by Adam Moore at the Texas Auto Roundup in conjunction with the .