2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 on the Track with SRT CEO Ralph Gilles
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 on the Track with SRT CEO Ralph Gilles. Ralph & MotoMan lap Willow Springs to discuss SRT's latest product, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, as well as design, engineering and a hint at future SRT products.
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Ralph really is such a knowledgeable guy, and i'm so happy he's leading the charge for SRT. He's perfect for the job.
Ralph thank you for your support for SRT performance
He's a great representative for his company.
im a proud owner of a '13 srt8 300, i fricken love it. velvet hammer :)
Do u still have it now
WOW! Now that is dedication . . . I'll mention it to Ralph . . .
Sergio and Ralph are exactly what Chrysler needs, and it is Ralph's passion for the SRT brand that might see me in a Chrysler product in the years to come.
I totally miss Mr. Giles being out front of the SRT brand. What a great personality and knowledgeable guy. I didn't want a Dodge until checking him out.
This is a great interview. I have nothing but respect for Ralph Giles.
Totally agree. Also, don't discount Ralph's business acumen. He has the unique ability to apply the right amount of business logic to passionate products. It is a rare gift that few in the industry have.
I love the new style and aggressive facia, Horse power is good but transmission needs great attention and possible rear end gear ratio research for sure for the perfect match....Make us feel like we made THE BEST PURCHASE EVER....and when the garage door opens..and when the rubber meets the pavement....Respect!!!
I own the same model, same color, same year. 78k miles on her. Fun car. Old skool. Started the horsepower wars between the big 3.
The car looks great on the outside and inside. I am too with the majority who thinks that manual (6 speed) is the way to go. If that doesn't happen then they definitely should go with 6 or 8 speed automatic. It's great to see an American car finally having style with speed. Congrats, Ralph and continue the great work!!
Ralph, only you hold the key, please give us the option of having a manual trans in our new chargers. And please bring back HIDEAWEAY HEADLIGHTS for the charger!!!!!! Keep up the great work, its nice to know that we the mopar fanatics have someone that stands for us.
Love Ralph! He is such an awesome guy, love SRT!
Just something to think about. I'm an old timer, car nut, MOPAR Maniac, and Magnum RT owner. I lived through the original muscle car years. Most of us wouldn't think of having a muscle car without the glorious Hurst four speed shifter! The most popular MOPAR's had the pistol grip four speed shifters. The cars that bring the best prices at Muscle Car auctions today...have four speed manual transmissions. Listen to the people...manual transmissions...six speed today! Think about it!
@MotoManTV That makes perfect sense! Thanks a lot MotoMan, your the best!!
Congrats Ralph!!! good seeing you again, keep the great products coming!
Make a coupe charger to bring back the old classic chargers, and of course with manual options available.
Then get a challenger. Makes no sense in having two identical car
Ok, manual gearboxes, Challenger Convertibles, I totally agree, but what about a traditional 2 door Charger with exclusive front and rear styling mirroring off the '68-'70 Chargers.
I love how Ralph constantly gives credit to the enthusiasts for "keeping the brand alive" and talks about how they need to "nurture the relationship" but avoids discussing the un-tuneable NGC computer going into the cars that prevents modification in any significant way. I own a 2011 SRT8 Challenger. Even after the warranty expires I cannot modify it. No superchargers. No turbos. I love my car but chrysler has made an enemy of me.
I have a feeling you will... that's why im waiting to see what they do for 2014 chargers... also best to have them work out the bugs...and see how that 8 speed transmission holds up.
This car looks great! Manual is a must option for those preformance cars, out of all the SRT's I would go for the charger. And Ralph, I think it is a great idea to bring a SRT4 comeback
I own a neon srt4. I love that car. when I am older i want to get the dart srt4,it is such an awesome vehicle
cool I just figured a SRT dart could be FWD and a avenger for a little more money could be AWD also thanks for the reply motoman never had anyone actually reply back. If your ever in the northern VA area let me know car guys need to support other carguys !
@TheRacer3000 Mopar is the parts division - the brand that provides you with parts for a Chrysler product you already bought. SRT is a division that sells you a WHOLE performance car. Think AMG, BMW M, Cadillac V, etc. . . .
This is an awesome car. you can't really find another sedan with a price like charger SRT for the whole package
I would love to own this car and meet this guy
James grant , him and his wife are great people
@Shift4g An interesting tidbit - the camera car that was used to film Ralph's Charger at Willow Springs was a Challenger SRT8 392 Driven by that car's lead engineer. Take a wild guess what transmission it had?
Could not agree more!!!!!!
I've done a lot of campaigning on this topic with Chrysler as well as other companies. The issue is not unsold cars on the lot. Rather, cost of development and testing. Sadly, if we don't collectively join together and start ticking the 'manual' box - we will see less and less vehicles on offer with a handshaker . . . SAVE THE MANUALS!
There's no guarantee of a Dart SRT4 yet, but as we just heard they've been wanting to do another 4-cylinder platform, and the Dart, being an Alfa Romeo, it'd be a perfect platform.
Given that there are SRT platforms of the other two Challenger-themed cars (Charger and Challenger) I'd put money on a Dart SRT4.
And I bet it'll be epic awesome.
Hey Paul - It doesn't matter - you are at the party - ENJOY IT!
Dear Chrysler
Your new cars are some of the best out there. The 6.4 Liter V8 is a powerful engine, but you can make it even better if you put a 6 speed transmission. So PLEASE, PLEASE PUT A 6 OR 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION IN YOUR SRT8 CARS. IT WILL MAKE YOUR CARS A BETTER CHOICE OVER GERMAN CARS.
Please thumb this up, and copy and paste into other 2012 SRT8 related videos
Good to know the rear wing is functional but it'd be nice to blend functionality with aesthetics at some point...
It is otherwise a great car.
In terms of gearbox, they have 7 or 8 gears automatics that work great. Food for thoughts as well.
That's a tough call . . . The Charger SRT8 is damn good but something tells me that you will be standing at Barrett-Jackson in 20 years kicking yourself if you sold the Ram now . . . Just one man's opinion . . .
mY brother has a 2005 single cab 6 speeed ram srt-10. After seeing and feeling what that truck can do, all I can say is KEEP IT. They have never made a truck like nor will they ever make another truck like this beast.
Thank goodness for Ralph! Keeping a pulse at Mopar! Yes a manual needs to be available forever. Also put the Challenger on an 800lb diet with a 108" wheelbase etc. SRT4 Dart NEEDS to happen also, and with AWD to boot.
@ss0rca I understand your point, but mine still stands. If you are targeting your product to a demographic that want's maximum fun, maximum involvement, and maximum sport, don't brush a fundamental ingredient like the transmission under the table. You don't ask why a race car has a manual transmission because it's understood that it is for racing. You don't market a very high performance car as such, then leave stuff like that out. An auto shouldn't be preferred in this segment. Why go 3/4?
So does he . . . Stay tuned.
I love what Ralph Gilles is doing over at SRT... that being said, I love beating them in my Pontiac G8! All in good fun fellas no hate. I can't wait to see the SRT Dodge dart. If done right, that car could be in my future. Keep up the good work...and a drop top Challenger would be killer!
Ralph Giles is an amazing designer, i just wish Chrysler and Dodge would bring back the Dodge Magnum and produce a SRT Model, but i like the crossover with the manual and automatic transmission
I never really liked the new Chargers, but these new ones are awesome in every way besides the transmission. If I have a fun car, then I want a manual. Paddle shifters are cool but nothing beats a good manual IMO.
Take a look at any of our four Targa Newfoundland episodes for that answer . . .
Congrats Ralph... great car
Don't forget to remind Ralph to make sure the CMC is solid...we don't want them popping with the aftermarket clutch/pressure plate!
@Shift4g I understand your passion. They have to look at the business case. Time and again they hear the clamoring for manual trans in certain cars, build it and then no one buys it. Management looks at the profit margin of the whole program, and if the numbers don't work then maybe the performance editions go away completely because the manual r + d cost turned good numbers into bad. Usually hard to justify, I think.
I like the more aggressive front end. Reminds me a bit of the 2013 Mustangs. I just wish the mileage was a big better. The gas guzzler tax is a bit hard to swallow and makes me look at the SHO Taurus a bit more. I know it's not as fast though.
I definitely concur!!!
I just realized. I probably won't be buying a new car until a couple years after college (~2017, 2018) and I will probably still want this model Charger (SRT-8 of course xD). I hate to say it, but this design challenges the Challenger for me as well...
Word is it will be back possibly for 2013... check out allpar they have lots of info on future cars.
Hey MotoMan tht car has the potential to be a muscle car monster. The only thing holding it back is an outdated 5 speed auto. Tell Ralph next chance you get six speed, or dual cluth, so I can drive this thing like it ought to be driven, 10/10ths
I own a 2015 Charger SRT 392 and it is the best car I have ever owned. It is powerful, efficient, and strikes a menacing pose on the streets. It is as good a build as you will find anywhere. MOPAR Baby!
To Mr Gilles great driving I do have an idea that I believe will change Dodge.
@ss0rca but in this case there is no r + d involved. The 392 Challenger has the 6 speed tremec mated to the 6.4L Motor. Understandably making a manual for the base model for example wouldn't be cost effective, but in a performance model when people are shelling out 50K for one it would. To me they are ignoring the demand due to the restructuring of the company and they fear of taking a risk after fiat purchased such a liability. If only they listened to our feedback instead of claiming they do.
you know me motoman...I have commented on many a video. I rented the old charger and was angry that people were purchasing a tank like that. I was like "this is what happens when a car has cheap lease prices". For example I couldn't find a competitor that the old charger was better than. This looks a great deal better but if the interior has anywhere near as much hard plastic I will punch someone. Jk. But this looks better and seems to perform closer to its contemporaries.
Sure about that? As it sits, the Avenger lays down a 14 second quarter mile, which is right there with a lot of really serious equipment from the '60s, pretty much one step below the biggest and baddest. The thing has about as much power as an Evo. If they gave it an aggressive suspension (read: alignment and balance, not just stiff!) and some quality performance tires, the Avenger ought to be able to break some hearts. The numbers would be similar to an Audi S4, for a LOT less.
this car is pretty rare on the streets i've only seen one in my whole town.
I would sure hope so, given the nearly double price tag when new.
You may have seen that Mean Gene and I had a 2012 Charger SRT8 about three months ago and that car was anything but quiet . . .
"performance needs to be protected" AMEN!!!
Before saying this, I would prefer and manual, I own a 06 R/T, but you must remember that almost all muscle cars from the 60's had automatics and they are going by the numbers only. Now to me it does not make sence that they cant throw in a few manuals becuase its and otion for the Challenger and it would be something to hard to do. If there were not manuals in the Challenger then I would agree with Chrysler to not option the 6-speed.
I personally love the feel of driving a manual, but I understand it seems I hear that from so many, yet the sales just aren't there. I guess as a business man I would say no, as myself, give me a stick.
I feel obligated to say this though, if an SRT car is designed without a stick shift option, then the auto-stick needs to be FULLY controllable. I mean let me red line the engine if I want to, not that I would, but give me that option.
is the SRT8 any good in the corners?
Hey MotoMantv i just wanna ask you if i get the Dodge charger srt8 will it be noisy when i go fast because ive seen a dodge challenger srt8 and it had pretty awsome sound!
So Motoman, what then is the difference between the SRT division and the Mopar division at Dodge?? Aren't they the same in a sense?
My close friend has an EVO and my brother has an SRT8. They're both great cars and i've driven both. The driver experience is on polar opposites, so if you intend to argue that the SRT is a copy, please have a Valid argument and seeing how it's not, there is none so sit down.
Wish you could find a SRT 8 with the oval shaped exhaust tips. The ones on the basic Charger.
How i wish todays charger was almost similar to the 70 body charger and 2 door. They should of made it for what it was known, 2 door, style, power.
I LOVE my R/T, I'll be trading it in for an srt8 in a few years :P
Yeah right
@Ripside2 Anyone that has seen the show knows that I am detail freak! Well, what I said at the opening of 'Green with Envy' is 1000% true. Chrysler (Thanks to Ralph and some hardcore engineers) have come a HUGE way in the area of interior build quality. I ask you NOT to believe me. Try this test: Go take a look at the top of the door panel on a 2012 Charger or 300 BASE model and then compare it to what you get in a Nissan or Hyundai. Let me know what you think.
great interview.
Awesome conversation! I think I'm turning SRT!
Manual is in the Challenger - so, Challenger.
Can't wait for the Cuda!!!
MANUAL PLEASE AND THANK YOU
Challenger is 6 speed and automatic. Jeep has always been an automatic. Charger is automatic, and that would be the only one that I would want the 6 speed in but as always the automatics will always be faster than any human being will ever be. I have to agree with your enthusiast experience though, it is way more fun. I used to have a 2011 Challenger SRT 8 6 Spd. It was amazing, and with a hurst short shifter and some exhaust modifications it was like driving an old school muscle car again.
Why do people complain about the transmission? You need to know how to work it. I got a 2010 Dodge Charger SXT and I've outran a 5.0 Mustang before in the canyons at Whittier. You guys need to REALLY know how to drive. I'm 21 years old and I go to Willow Springs from time to time.
my feedback is pease make the charger manuel. ive been waiting ever since it came out for it to be manuel. ive even checked on how much they would charge me to covert it from an auto to a manuel but they do not recommend it. please make it manuel. i said plz
AND YES YES MAKE A MANUAL AT LEAST AS OPTION... BUT FOR THE AUTO PUT THE 8 SPEED IN IT AND GIVE IT A LAUNCH CONTROL
BRING BACK
1. Manuals
2.MAGNUM
3. SRT Dart/Avenger ( make them Different)
4 Make baracuda RETRO but lighter to go up against the mustang!
i wonder what a new neon would like though lol i know about the dart r/t. Its coming out this year i think but then the srt4 one is coming next year? correct me if im wrong
WE WANT!!!!!! MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON CHARGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Bizzair1990 No not the previous generation Charger. When I say interior I mean the ability for me not to hear the steering rack move. Most of the time that the general public uses a car is not for 0-60 runs but for milk runs to the grocery store and road trips. I enjoy being able to use my car all around. EVERY reviewer of cars talks about interiors, reliability, residual prices, etc. (all things Chrysler lacks or used to lack)
Idk how it would look but I've seen an 06-10 charger model with a drop top of course only in Houston. We tend to mod the hell out our cars
If I were I were a bettin' man, I would say the Charger SRT8 will get the 8 Speed or a paddle shift derivation of it shortly . . . Take a look at the 2014 Jeep SRT8 Film Ralph and I just shot at Circuit of the Americas - he kinda spills the beans . . . Video = EantmmF2Mao
I went out looking for a manual charger and nothing. i would like to see myself in a stick shift charger soon ;)
Cars that are as fun as the SRT8? And they also cost around the same new? Hmm Hyundai Genesis R Spec, Ford Taurus SHO, Cadillac CTS-V, Lancer Evolution MR, Subaru WRX STI, and maybe a Tesla Model S. Yes some of these cars have manuals,smaller engines, forced induction, or maybe they don't contain an engine at all but the point is they all cost around 36k-62k and are fun to drive.
Manual Transmission for the win!!!
Gentlemen - I can say after spending a week with an EVO GSR this past week and as you have seen LOTS of time in the Dodge, they are NOTHING alike . . .
Yes Manuel charger for sure
2022 here we r ❤️
Nice car but I personally suggest and it my dream to see a newer model of the 1969 dodge charger Rt 2 door would be so much better because 4 doors take away the aggresiveness and makes it look like a family everyday car
i shouldnt say its foregn designed, but it suuurrreee does have that foriegn look.
it's from the late 80's/early 90's and is based off of the V-10 from Dodge trucks...
A manual charger would be FANTASTIC!!!!
Did he say challenger convertible? ID BUY ONE IN A HEARTBEAT!
Thanks :)
I want a manual so bad! I'll never buy a sports car unless it has a manual transmission, including the Charger. You simply feel more connected to the car and the driving experience. Who says "no manuals!!!"? There will always be automatics, but add a manual to the Charger lineup. It's simply more fun!!
put a manual transmission in this car,even if it s not a profit maker,it helps with the performance image of the brand.modern paddle shifters are faster than a manual transmission, but when your driving around on the street who cares about 10 th's of a sec.Personally i take great pleasure in shifting my own gears,the control.I would love to be able to buy a car like this,big American 4 door with power and luxury with a stick,but there isonly the Cadillac CTSV and i can t afford that unfortunatly
about 4 months ago, i bought a 2006 Magnum srt8 and i wouldnt trade it for anything.