Dodge Challenger SRT8 sports G-meter, built-in 0-60 timer
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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Casey 12:05PM (5/07/2008)
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.
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Chris 12:12PM (5/07/2008)
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 12:27PM (5/07/2008)
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 12:29PM (5/07/2008)
@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 1:56PM (5/07/2008)
"Make something fool-proof, and only a fool will use it." - unknown
Matt 12:41PM (5/07/2008)
That feature sure wasn't on my 2007 Jeep SRT-8, which sucks since it's the fastest SRT-8 of them all!
Kristina 12:51PM (5/07/2008)
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 12:57PM (5/07/2008)
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 2:03PM (5/07/2008)
Actually the Caliber SRT4 has it available as an option. It is not limited to SRT8s.
Xcountryflyer 12:12PM (5/07/2008)
The new Pontiac G8 handily spanked the Charger SRT8 in this month's C&D.
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Mike 12:37PM (5/07/2008)
Not to nitpick, but that was the Charger R/T, not the SRT8. There's a pretty big difference.
Charger06RT 1:14PM (5/07/2008)
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 5:11PM (5/12/2008)
Let's be fair and compare the GXP to the SRT8, then some of us can start bragging...
Roadrunner 9:49PM (5/07/2008)
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 4:38AM (5/08/2008)
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 9:31AM (5/09/2008)
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 12:18PM (5/07/2008)
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.
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Matt 4:27PM (5/07/2008)
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 12:23PM (5/07/2008)
I guess the speedo should only go to 55mph as to not encourage speeding, Right???
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TriShield 12:24PM (5/07/2008)
Excellent schooling Casey.
These DIC features have been in SRT8 vehicles for quite awhile now.
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