The 2013 New York auto show is ramping up in the frigid northeast, but on the other side of the country in California, things are hot at the annual Spring Festival, held for owners of LX-platform Chrysler models. (For those not in the know, those are the Dodge Challenger and Charger, as well as the Chrysler 300.) Things got even hotter, however, when SRT revealed an all-new 392 appearance package for the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 as well as a 300-based SRT concept.
Dodge Charger SRT8 392
The 392 moniker isn’t new—Dodge recently slapped it on the Challenger SRT8 for 2011 to create a special edition, later melding that car into the regular Challenger SRT8 lineup—and it’s a nod to the Chrysler’s 1950s 392 engines. (OK, so the SRT-specific 6.4-liter Hemi V-8′s displacement is actually 391 cubic inches, but what’s a little advantageous rounding among friends?) But this is the first time the 392 name has been applied to the Charger SRT8 sedan. Besides getting a 392 badge on each front fender, the limited-edition Charger’s hood bulge, roof, rear spoiler, and mirrors are painted black. The wheels are the same 20-inchers offered on the regular SRT8, but painted a black chrome finish, and there is a black stripe package that runs above the rocker panels.
The appearance kit will be available with five exterior paint colors: Bright White, Billet Silver, Plum Crazy, Hemi Orange, and TorRed. Mechanically, the Charger SRT8 is untouched, meaning it sports a 470-hp V-8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Based on our testing, this combo is good for some impressive performance stats. Inside, there is a serialized plaque affixed to the dashboard showing which number the car is out of the 392 that will be built this year and next. Finally, for those lucky enough to get their hands on a Charger 392—SRT will start taking orders in April—the privilege will cost $2495 over the cost of a regular example. If the looks matter to you, the price won’t.
- Instrumented Test: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee
- Instrumented Test: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
- Comparison Test: 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye vs. 2012 Ford Focus SE
Chrysler 300 SRT Concept
In addition to the Charger SRT8 392 package, SRT also debuted a Chrysler 300 SRT8–based concept car just for Spring Fest fans. The mean-looking 300 wears a non-metallic grayish-blue paint job, gets blacked-out trim, and black chrome wheels. According to Chrysler, the 300 SRT concept doesn’t preview any specific upcoming model or trim package, but merely was created as a treat for Spring Festival attendees. Still, we think it looks pretty bad-ass—or at least the front-end does. We just wish Chrysler had supplied a few more photos.
