2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Video Review

If you were thinking about it on its first go around but couldn’t quite pull the trigger I’ve got good news for you; Plum Crazy is back.  Here’s a quick look at my favorite American muscle car, the 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT 392.

In October of 2009 Dodge announced an exclusive production run of the 2010 Challenger R/T Classic and SRT8 featuring the Plum Crazy Pearl Coat exterior color.  But this archived paint code wasn’t bottled up for long, when earlier this year Dodge announced another limited production run of Plum Crazy Challengers. And even though the 2014 models are available now, a quick look on the Dodge web site reveals some of these Plum Crazies are still waiting to be harvested from dealer lots.

This was my 5^th Challenger test-drive since the car’s rebirth in 2008 and the second one powered by the revived 392 HEMI V8.  In my nearly 17 years of evaluating cars, I can only remember driving one other that was painted purple however – not surprisingly another Chrysler Group creation; the Plymouth Prowler.  And man, did this one grab attention despite a design we’ve seen on the streets now for over 5 years.  The Challenger is the most authentically retro of the current pony cars and for that reason it holds the highest appeal for me.  Its fusion of heritage styling, classic American car ride quality and unbeatable volume is spot on.

New for 2013, a 3^rd mode has been added to the adaptive damping suspension allowing for Auto, Sport and full-blown Track settings and launch control is now standard, even with this 6-speed stick shift.  The driver can adjust the launch RPM to suit his needs while the performance pages capture the glory.  My best 0-to-60mph run occurred in about 5-seconds flat but Dodge quotes numbers in the high 4’s which are certainly feasible.  Either way, it’s a mind blowing experience you can’t wait to do again and again.

This 470 horsepower Challenger with the no charge dual silver stripes, Harman Kardon Audio, Navi and 20” Black Chrome wheels wrapped in 3-season rubber stickers for $49,820 which includes a gas guzzler tax.  Mileage is rated at 17mpg city/23mpg highway.  A much needed interior freshen along with other modifications will debut in the summer of 2014.