Dodge revives the 392 Hemi in the 2011 Challenger SRT8

The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 marks the return of the 392-cubic-inch Hemi V8.

The 392-cubic-inch Hemi (6.4 liters), which has not been in a production car for 52 years, produces 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. That is up 45 hp and 50 lb-ft over the previous 6.1-liter Hemi V8 in the Challenger SRT8.

The new powertrain should propel the Challenger SRT8 down the quarter-mile in the high-12-second range, according to a Dodge spokesman.

The exterior of 2011 Challenger SRT8 will include a larger front splitter, front fender spats and Mopar quad exhaust tips. It will also have “392 Hemi” badges on the fenders.

The interior will have “392” embroidered on the front seats, just under the headrests.

Dodge will make 1,492 Inaugural Edition copies of the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392--1,100 for the United States and 392 for Canada--with a choice of blue with white stripes, or white with blue stripes, for the exterior color scheme. There will also be an Inaugural Edition 392 Hemi dash plaque.

The original 392-cubic-inch Hemi V8 debuted in 1957, replacing the original 354-cubic-inch Hemi, which debuted in 1951. The 392 was dropped as a production engine after the 1958 model year.

By Brad Constant