Video: 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 on the Dyno

Chrysler has had a turbulent year, but they seem to have landed on their feet. Besides now being part-owned by Fiat, they have begun rolling out a slew of new products. Thee 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has gotten a lot of praise, and the new Dodge Charger looks sharp.

Then there is the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Hemi. The top-end Challenger’s 6.1 liter engine has been bored out to 6.4 liters. Power jumped from 425 horsepower to a spine-crushing 470 horsepower and 470 ft-lbs of torque. National Speed Inc. strapped one of these monsters to a dyno to see if the numbers back up Chrysler’s claim.

6.4 liters is a special number for Chrysler. Back in the days when the Challenger was first conceived, engines were measured in cubic inches. 6.4 liters roughly translate into 392 cubic inches. The 392 Hemi is an important number for Chrysler and the Hemi’s, as these big engines were incredibly popular with racers and hot rodders when they debuted back in 1958. Much of the Hemi lore for power came from those engines. Now the 392 is back, and Chrysler claims it makes a stump-pulling 470 horsepower and 470 ft-lbs of torque at the flywheel. But how much of that horsepower makes it through the transmission and tires and down to the ground?

National speed took a 100% stock 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and put it on the dyno to find out. The result was 420 horsepower and 419 ft-lbs of torque. If you figure a 15% drivetrain loss through the transmission, this bigger engine is making more like 480 horsepower and ft-lbs of torque. If anything, Chrysler has underrated these motors. The aftermarket hasn’t even had a chance to get at these cars either; give them a few weeks under the hood to strap on a turbo or supercharger, and these engines will easily be making 700 horsepower. That’s one hell of a Hemi. 

Source: National Speed’s YouTube Channel