The new 2012 Dodge Charger Redline features three available Mopar stage kits for factory turned performance. It’s the Hemi V-8 crate engine producing 590 horsepower that most will crave yet few will get because it's not street legal.
The Gen III Hemi V-8 crate engine puts out 220 more horsepower than the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T and 120 more horsepower than the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 6.4-liter V-8 that produces 470 horsepower. With its legendary 426 cubic-inch “Elephant Motor,” the Dodge Charger Redline delivers 590 horsepower via a lightweight aluminum V-8 engine block that shaves more than 100 lbs. from the traditional cast-iron crate version.
The new Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine includes a stout, balanced lower reciprocating assembly that features a forged-steel crankshaft with six-bolt mains at 2, 3 and 4, and cross-bolted 4-bolt mains at 1 and 5. H-beam style rods are made from forged steel and coupled to forged 11:1 compression ratio aluminum pistons. Included is a revised windage tray to provide excellent oil dispersion and prevents oil aeration by the crankshaft.
The Gen III High Output 426 HEMI engine’s valvetrain starts with a more aggressive roller camshaft with .639 intake and .628 exhaust lift and cylinder heads that feature the latest designs for exceptional flow characteristics. To help stabilize the valvetrain at high engine rpm, tie bars are available. Mopar cast-aluminum valve covers and billet fuel rails are also included in the Dodge Charger Redline’s Stage III performance kit.
Now that all of the engine details are out of the way, lets take a moment to focus on what else the Dodge Charger Redline has to offer. Based on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T model, Mopar’s list of Stage I modifications includes a full-width Mopar carbon fiber chin spoiler to give the Charger Redline a more aggressive appearance. Matching the Redline Tri-coat paint, the two-piece grille features a body-color painted-grille surround with black signature “crosshair” insert. Large 20 x 8-inch Mopar Black Envy Wheels feature a Pitch Black-painted wheel face with polished accents. Mopar carbon fiber door scoops highlight Dodge Charger Redline’s signature body-side scallops and include heritage “R/T” badging to pay homage to the historic 1970 Charger model. A three-piece Mopar carbon fiber rear spoiler adds additional down force and provides an even more dynamic look. Emphasizing Dodge Charger Redline’s fastback silhouette is Mopar’s vinyl roof graphic in matte black.
The Dodge Charger Redline’s cockpit design features premium materials and is further enhanced with a Mopar aluminum shift bezel and aluminum instrument panel bezel with Redline perimeter accent. For a more enthusiast-desired look, Mopar pedal covers are made from stainless steel and feature a rubberized pattern for improved traction.
Mopar’s Stage II performance kit to enhances the power, handling and braking of the Dodge Charger Redline. Allowing the Hemi V-8 engine to perform at its optimal level, Mopar’s cat-back performance exhaust system delivers an increase in horsepower and a menacing “throaty” sound. Under the hood, a front-tower cross-brace and front tower brace caps provide increased structural stability for improved handling dynamics. For ultimate braking capabilty, high-performance Mopar brake linings are track tested and deliver fade-resistance during hard braking use.
No pricing info was made public on the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline. Expect pricing info to come at the Detroit Auto Show, which opens with Media Days Jan. 9 and 10 and opens to the public Jan. 14 to 22 after an industry preview Jan. 11 and 12 and a charity preview on Jan. 13.