While there are no doubt still a few purists who are grumbling about the two most recent generations of Dodge Charger being four-door sedans (though we have to wonder if they were this vocal when the last Charger before that – a four-cylinder, front drive hatchback – was being made), it’s hard to argue against the 21st century Chargers’ styling and performance, the latter being especially potent in SRT8 form. We’re especially fond of the new 2012 Charger, with styling that more closely mirrors that of the iconic 1968-’70 models and more powerful yet more efficient powerplants.
However, even the Charger SRT8 – packing a 6.4L Hemi V8 that makes 470hp – is a bit of a weakling by modern super sedan standards. Chrysler’s in-house performance parts and accessories arm, Mopar, isn’t taking this matter lying down. In fact, it has gone so far as to create a concept car for next week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but there’s much more to this concept than a cat-back exhaust system and big wheels.
The centerpiece of this red rocket – dubbed the Charger Redline – is Mopar’s new 426 Hemi crate engine. No, it’s not the legendary Gen 2 Hemi, aka the Elephant Motor, but a 426 cubic inch (7.0L) aluminum block version of the Gen 3 Hemi. It’s rated at a raucous 590hp and is now on sale (though it’s only intended for track use). No word on what transmission it’s matched with, but we’re betting it’s the stock SRT8’s 5-speed automatic.
Other performance-oriented upgrades include a cat-back exhaust system, front strut tower braces and high performance brake pads. And while the 590hp is easy to notice when you stand on the gas, the visual changes are even more readily apparent. The Charger Redline rolls on Mopar’s 20” Black Envy wheels, while the body is given carbon fiber jewelry in the form of a front chin spoiler, three-piece rear spoiler, and rear-facing front door scoops that pay homage to the sculpting on the 1970 Charger’s doors. Inside, this dynamic Dodge is fitted with aluminum shifter and instrument panel bezels and stainless steel pedal covers.
On the whole, we dig this thing. But unless the 426 Hemi get emissions certification and starts getting installed at the factory, there’s not much to get excited about here. We’d just like to see Chrysler truly go after the Cadillac CTS-V and the Germans by endowing the Charger (and Chrysler 300) SRT8 with 550-ish horsepower and a more modern automatic (or better yet, manual) transmission. Stop letting the big kids push you around!
Press Release
Mopar® Introduces Dodge Charger Redline Infused With New High Output 426 HEMI® Aluminum Crate Engine and More Aggressive Style
• New 2012 Dodge Charger Redline features three available Mopar® stage kits for factory-tuned performance
• Stage One features aerodynamic exterior components and interior accents
• Stage Two features bolt-on performance parts for improved power, handling and braking
• Stage Three features new high-output version of the powerful aluminum-block Gen III 426 HEMI® V-8 crate engine, delivers 590 horsepower
• Dodge Charger Redline will debut at 2012 North American International Auto Show
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 2, 2012 - Delivering performance and an even more aggressive look, the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline is a 426 HEMI®-powered showcase of new Mopar® performance kits that will arrive later this year. The Dodge Charger Redline vehicle with all three Mopar performance stage kits will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.
"Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger – and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "With three kits, Mopar offers a tailored choice for every customer."
Stage I: Aerodynamic Carbon Fiber Exterior Components and Interior Accents
Based on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T model, Mopar's list of Stage I modifications includes a full-width Mopar carbon fiber chin spoiler to give the Charger Redline a more aggressive appearance. Matching the Redline Tri-coat paint, the two-piece grille features a body-color painted-grille surround with black signature "crosshair" insert. Large 20 x 8-inch Mopar Black Envy Wheels feature a Pitch Black-painted wheel face with polished accents. Mopar carbon fiber door scoops highlight Dodge Charger Redline's signature body-side scallops and include heritage "R/T" badging to pay homage to the historic 1970 Charger model. A three-piece Mopar carbon fiber rear spoiler adds additional down force and provides an even more dynamic look. Emphasizing Dodge Charger Redline's fastback silhouette is Mopar's vinyl roof graphic in matte black.
The Dodge Charger Redline's cockpit design features premium materials and is further enhanced with a Mopar aluminum shift bezel and aluminum instrument panel bezel with Redline perimeter accent. For a more enthusiast-desired look, Mopar pedal covers are made from stainless steel and feature a rubberized pattern for improved traction.
Stage II: Mopar Bolt-on Performance Parts Deliver Improved Power, Handling and Braking
Designed and tested straight from the factory, the Dodge Charger Redline features Mopar's Stage II performance kit to enhance its already world-class power, handling and braking.
Allowing the Dodge Charger Redline's legendary HEMI® V-8 engine to perform at its optimal level, Mopar's cat-back performance exhaust system delivers an increase in horsepower and a menacing "throaty" sound. Under the hood, a front-tower cross-brace and front tower brace caps provide increased structural stability for improved handling dynamics. For ultimate braking capabilty, high-performance Mopar brake linings are track tested and deliver fade-resistance during hard braking use.
Stage III: Mopar's Gen III High Output 426 HEMI V-8 engine, with 590 Horsepower on Tap
Delivering 220 more horsepower than the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T, the Charger Redline features the new high-output version of the powerful and lightweight Gen III 426 HEMI V-8 crate engine (for race/off-road use only).
With its legendary 426 cubic-inch "Elephant Motor," the Dodge Charger Redline delivers 590 horsepower via a lightweight aluminum V-8 engine block that shaves more than 100 lbs. from the traditional cast-iron crate version. The new Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine is professionally built and includes a stout, balanced lower reciprocating assembly that features a forged-steel crankshaft with six-bolt mains at 2, 3 and 4, and cross-bolted 4-bolt mains at 1 and 5. H-beam style rods are made from forged steel and coupled to forged 11:1 compression ratio aluminum pistons. Included is a revised windage tray to provide excellent oil dispersion and prevents oil aeration by the crankshaft.
The Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine's valvetrain starts with a more aggressive roller camshaft with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift and cylinder heads that feature the latest designs for exceptional flow characteristics. To help stabilize the valvetrain at high engine rpm, tie bars are available.
Mopar cast-aluminum valve covers and billet fuel rails are also included in the Dodge Charger Redline's Stage III performance kit.
• New 2012 Dodge Charger Redline features three available Mopar® stage kits for factory-tuned performance
• Stage One features aerodynamic exterior components and interior accents
• Stage Two features bolt-on performance parts for improved power, handling and braking
• Stage Three features new high-output version of the powerful aluminum-block Gen III 426 HEMI® V-8 crate engine, delivers 590 horsepower
• Dodge Charger Redline will debut at 2012 North American International Auto Show
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jan 2, 2012 - Delivering performance and an even more aggressive look, the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline is a 426 HEMI®-powered showcase of new Mopar® performance kits that will arrive later this year. The Dodge Charger Redline vehicle with all three Mopar performance stage kits will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.
"Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger – and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "With three kits, Mopar offers a tailored choice for every customer."
Stage I: Aerodynamic Carbon Fiber Exterior Components and Interior Accents
Based on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T model, Mopar's list of Stage I modifications includes a full-width Mopar carbon fiber chin spoiler to give the Charger Redline a more aggressive appearance. Matching the Redline Tri-coat paint, the two-piece grille features a body-color painted-grille surround with black signature "crosshair" insert. Large 20 x 8-inch Mopar Black Envy Wheels feature a Pitch Black-painted wheel face with polished accents. Mopar carbon fiber door scoops highlight Dodge Charger Redline's signature body-side scallops and include heritage "R/T" badging to pay homage to the historic 1970 Charger model. A three-piece Mopar carbon fiber rear spoiler adds additional down force and provides an even more dynamic look. Emphasizing Dodge Charger Redline's fastback silhouette is Mopar's vinyl roof graphic in matte black.
The Dodge Charger Redline's cockpit design features premium materials and is further enhanced with a Mopar aluminum shift bezel and aluminum instrument panel bezel with Redline perimeter accent. For a more enthusiast-desired look, Mopar pedal covers are made from stainless steel and feature a rubberized pattern for improved traction.
Stage II: Mopar Bolt-on Performance Parts Deliver Improved Power, Handling and Braking
Designed and tested straight from the factory, the Dodge Charger Redline features Mopar's Stage II performance kit to enhance its already world-class power, handling and braking.
Allowing the Dodge Charger Redline's legendary HEMI® V-8 engine to perform at its optimal level, Mopar's cat-back performance exhaust system delivers an increase in horsepower and a menacing "throaty" sound. Under the hood, a front-tower cross-brace and front tower brace caps provide increased structural stability for improved handling dynamics. For ultimate braking capabilty, high-performance Mopar brake linings are track tested and deliver fade-resistance during hard braking use.
Stage III: Mopar's Gen III High Output 426 HEMI V-8 engine, with 590 Horsepower on Tap
Delivering 220 more horsepower than the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T, the Charger Redline features the new high-output version of the powerful and lightweight Gen III 426 HEMI V-8 crate engine (for race/off-road use only).
With its legendary 426 cubic-inch "Elephant Motor," the Dodge Charger Redline delivers 590 horsepower via a lightweight aluminum V-8 engine block that shaves more than 100 lbs. from the traditional cast-iron crate version. The new Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine is professionally built and includes a stout, balanced lower reciprocating assembly that features a forged-steel crankshaft with six-bolt mains at 2, 3 and 4, and cross-bolted 4-bolt mains at 1 and 5. H-beam style rods are made from forged steel and coupled to forged 11:1 compression ratio aluminum pistons. Included is a revised windage tray to provide excellent oil dispersion and prevents oil aeration by the crankshaft.
The Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine's valvetrain starts with a more aggressive roller camshaft with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift and cylinder heads that feature the latest designs for exceptional flow characteristics. To help stabilize the valvetrain at high engine rpm, tie bars are available.
Mopar cast-aluminum valve covers and billet fuel rails are also included in the Dodge Charger Redline's Stage III performance kit.
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