The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket. Image: Chrysler Group LLC
If taxi-cab yellow is your idea of subtle, and if 470 horsepower from a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 sounds sensible, Dodge has your ride in either coupe of sedan flavor. Launching at next week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket and the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee both tip their hat to classic Mopars of the past. Neither car gets anything in the way of performance upgrades, but we’re fine with that since the SRT8 models are so good to begin with.
Both models do get Stinger Yellow paint with Pitch Black accents, black body side striping and “Yellow Jacket” or “Super Bee” logos. Inside, the leather seats are trimmed in yellow, the seats get embroidered logos and silver stitching is used to add contrast. Expect yellow accents to add color to the interior as well.
The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee. Image: Chrysler Group LLC
If you want a six speed manual, your only choice is the Challenger. If you’re happy with a five-speed automatic, both the Challenger and the Charger come with a paddle-shift equipped auto trans. Automatics also get cylinder deactivation, which yields a fuel economy of up to 23 mpg on the highway. Manual transmission Challengers get the same highway fuel economy rating, thanks to a tall sixth gear.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Expect both models to hit dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2012. Dodge is calling them “limited editions,” but it isn’t clear how many it plans to build or what price the cars will sell at. Look for more information following the L.A. Auto Show.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
