Click above to watch video after the jump.
We wade through an unhealthy amount of press releases each day, so even when something big hits – like the release of the Challenger SRT8 – we sometimes miss the occasional detail. Such is the case with Dodge's new pony car, which apparently comes equipped with an "SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display" (RCD). What does that mean? Well, you can customize the readout at the bottom of the SRT8's 180 mph speedo to display 0-60 acceleration times, 60-0 braking times, 1/4-mile times and g-forces to see if your numbers and Dodge's agree. According to the video after the jump, you can also log your best runs and see how you faired at a later (read: safer) time.
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
James Garner recovering from mild stroke
VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8
IIHS releases official results on the smart fortwo
Tragedy at LeMons: Send love and a little bit more
Officially Official: New Ferrari California exposed!
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang
Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Project Track Slut, Part One: Pick a weapon on the cheap
_thumbnail.jpg "Lamborghini Reventon unboxed in Las Vegas")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Casey @ May 7th 2008 12:05PM
This is a cool feature and it apples to all SRT8 vehicles. Not sure about other SRTs. This started in 2007 with 0-60 timers, and progressed from there.
Chris @ May 7th 2008 12:12PM
While I think its "cool" it is also irresponsible too. Do they know how many fools are going to be distracted by this thing and get into accidents? Let alone it encourages idiot behavior as well.
Then again, maybe its just Evolution in Action
TORR @ May 7th 2008 12:27PM
Chris- Stupid people do stupid things because they are stupid. This doesnt distract people with a responsible approach to anything that is in their vehicle. Examples include A/C, Radio, compass and temperature readout, Navigation, or your tachometer! If you dont have the ability to differentiate between this you shouldnt be driving any car let alone this one. Not to mention most "losers and idots" cant afford this anyways.
yacoub @ May 7th 2008 12:29PM
@Chris: You don't just Not Do something because of the off chance some idiot can hurt themselves doing it. If that was the case, most interesting, exciting, or cool things would not be built/done/allowed.
mk @ May 7th 2008 1:56PM
"Make something fool-proof, and only a fool will use it." - unknown
Matt @ May 7th 2008 12:41PM
That feature sure wasn't on my 2007 Jeep SRT-8, which sucks since it's the fastest SRT-8 of them all!
Kristina @ May 7th 2008 12:51PM
I think it is too cool! I love these cars but I know the 0-60 gauge would have me trying it out all over the place.
http://www.azautophile.com
Casey @ May 7th 2008 12:57PM
Matt, you checked the "easter egg" menu? Its not in the regular EVIC menu where the MPG and all the user-configurable options are. Its in a hidden menu, i think you have to hold the Menu and the right arrow buttons on the steering wheel for several seconds. its located in there. the difference for 2008 is that this option is available right through the user EVIC, no hidden menus or anything.
C.D. Ward @ May 7th 2008 2:03PM
Actually the Caliber SRT4 has it available as an option. It is not limited to SRT8s.
Xcountryflyer @ May 7th 2008 12:12PM
The new Pontiac G8 handily spanked the Charger SRT8 in this month's C&D.
Mike @ May 7th 2008 12:37PM
Not to nitpick, but that was the Charger R/T, not the SRT8. There's a pretty big difference.
Charger06RT @ May 7th 2008 1:14PM
He's right. There is a big difference between the two. RT = 350hp. SRT8 = 425hp.
Not to mention SRTs are very tuned from Street Racing Technology.
Dean @ May 12th 2008 5:11PM
Let's be fair and compare the GXP to the SRT8, then some of us can start bragging...
Roadrunner @ May 7th 2008 9:49PM
Pontiac is the 'joke' division of GM. They should have killed it in 2003 instead of Oldsmobile. Either way if you want to go fast in 2008, you'll buy a Charger or Challenger! Yeah it's got a Hemi!
Richard43 @ May 8th 2008 4:38AM
Pontiac hasn't been 'driving excitement' for decades. You better hope the new Camaro's sister car is a very good new GTO, or you'll be driving your Pontiac and seeing a lot of Dodge taillights!
Randy @ May 9th 2008 9:31AM
Someone stole my R/T badge of the front of my Charger!
Just wanted to vent! :(...
I think I'm going to put a mustang emblem on the front! LOL... Confuse people! - Or maybe a Prius badge! Really mess with heads!
Casey @ May 7th 2008 12:18PM
Well Chris, i purchased my SRT8 in April of 2007, and now that its May 2008, i made it through at least one year of life without killing myself or someone else. These are not exactly $20,000 cars that 18 year olds are going out and testing their performance on public roads with. Its rare to find someone in the SRT8 sections of the forum that is under 30 years old.
In fact...Ive never read a story on any of the forums about someone testing this and getting in an accident...but im sure everyone is just really, really lucky.
Matt @ May 7th 2008 4:27PM
Casey, I don't see it. The 2008s have a different gauge cluster anyway (white versus blue/green readout) so maybe the 2007 WKs missed out on that feature. I know the 2007 LXes had them. I also don't see it on wkjeeps. Any ideas?
LostInDC @ May 7th 2008 12:23PM
I guess the speedo should only go to 55mph as to not encourage speeding, Right???
TriShield @ May 7th 2008 12:24PM
Excellent schooling Casey.
These DIC features have been in SRT8 vehicles for quite awhile now.