2018 Dodge Challenger SRT 392

Ten years into the third Challenger generation and still the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 is far from being outdated. The Challenger carries its heritage on its sleeve with 1971-inspired muscle-car styling but at the same time is more contemporary than ever before. Roaring under the hood of the two-door coupe in SRT 392 guise is a 6.4-liter V8 engine powering the rear-wheel-drive setup with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission regulates outputs by default with an eight-speed automatic transmission optionally available. The Challenger SRT 392 is a brute amongst the muscle-car segment with its massive size amplified alongside rivals such as the pony-car Camaro SS and Mustang GT. The bite matches the bark, though, and while it's no Demon, 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds is nothing to make fun of.

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 presents a strong case for performance value for money with an MSRP of $49,495, excluding tax, registration, and licensing fees as well as Dodge's $1,495 destination charge.

The Challenger SRT 392 impresses with its ability to deliver a drive soft and comfortable enough for daily use while also offering competitive performance when the occasion arises, but the stigma of muscle cars being straight-line monsters isn't cast aside entirely.

It is, after all, a massive vehicle and it drives like one. Though tuned for performance, the SRT 392's suspension and adaptive damping system take care of most road inconsistencies and undulations with poise. The chassis remains solid and composed at all times and the large coupe stays planted to the tarmac. The steering is precise and weighted suitably according to the drive mode selected whether it be for casual or sporty driving. However, seeking the hard limits tends to yield heavy doses of body roll, while the tires struggle to contain all 4,200+ lbs and give way to understeer - easily corrected with judicious application of the loud pedal that quickly sends the rear of the SRT 392 sliding. In regular use, the steering makes the larger SRT feel nimbler than it is, but there's no escaping the sheer size of the thing when trying to navigate tight spaces.

The six-piston Brembo performance brakes perform phenomenally in the SRT 392 delivering ample stopping power, offering much-needed confidence when it comes time to drop anchors and bring the SRT back to sane speeds.

With the advent of the all-conquering Challenger Demon, many may have forgotten about the SRT 392. But its under-the-radar status simply adds to the allure of what is a highly accomplished muscle car in its own right, and one of the last of its kind. A naturally aspirated V8 and incredible performance are balanced with an impressively refined ride/handling balance, giving it a duality of purpose. Signature muscle car looks in an assortment of out-there colors give buyers the option to customize their SRT 392 in a number of ways. It backs this all up with quality infotainment, a commodious, comfortable interior, and high-quality build. However, it's not quite as agile as the pony cars it's regularly stacked up against, and there's compromised daily usability by virtue of its sheer size. These are, of course, small concessions, and ones we'd gladly make to own an SRT 392. It's a new take on classic American muscle, and it's a true performance bargain.

While some may be swayed by the theory of 'new is always better' and look towards the Challenger Demon for their performance thrills, the SRT 392 presents as a more reasonable daily performance car. It possesses enough power to enjoy, but not enough to kill you around every corner, and with the optional Technology Package equipping forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control - must-haves in our opinion - it's well equipped too. We'd spec the 19-inch Brass Monkey alloy wheels and Plum Crazy paint job, plus some go-faster stripes in black to complete the look. And we'd keep things manually operated, because, with the SRT 392, you'll want to be in control.

For $14,800 more than the SRT 392, one could opt for the now second-in-line Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine the Hellcat gets 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque that propels it from a standstill to the 60mph mark in a mere 3.5 seconds, a second quicker than the 392. The Hellcat also gets bespoke suspension and steering systems to give it enhanced performance, but a straight line is still where it performs best. But with a big ol' supercharger strapped to the Hemi V8, the Hellcat is less economical than the SRT 392, returning 13/22/16 mpg on EPA cycles. These two models are two varying degrees of insanity, with the Hellcat reserved for those who like to live a little more dangerously. If you don't frequent the dragstrip, though, the SRT 392 is the logical choice for a daily driver.

The 2018 Chevrolet Camaro carries an MSRP of around $7,500 less than the Dodge Challenger SRT 392. It is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine with lesser outputs of 455 hp and 455 lb-ft, with that powertrain setup enabling a 0-60mph sprint in an equal 4.2 seconds. But with smaller dimensions and a greater focus on nimbler handling, the Camaro is easier to fling around and makes for a better sports car rather than a muscle car. But by virtue of the smaller dimensions, it offers a smaller trunk and less in-cabin room compared to the Challenger. It did receive better crash-test safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though. The Camaro is considerably more affordable than the Challenger and offers similar straight-line performance and better handling dynamics. Though not as practical as the Challenger, the Camaro offers is the better performance car, making it our pick of the two..