Photos: Chrysler LLC

Among the Chrysler brands, there is little doubt that Dodge is the one with the strongest “enthusiast” values. That is certainly a function of heritage, in part, but also of leadership. While we’re not real big here on developments in the area of SUVs and grocery-getters, even those corners of the market are being updated with the new attitude at Dodge.

“We’ve spent the last year redefining and building the Dodge brand. Now we’re going to show customers what the future of Dodge will look like,” explained Ralph Gilles, President and CEO — Dodge Car brand. “At Dodge, we’re passionate about driving; we look forward to it. We think a car should have a personality, be powerful and fun.”

Dodge may have scored a holeshot win with their announcement of the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 model. The new 392-cid HEMI V8 delivers 470 horsepower and 470 lft-lb of torque, making it the quickest coupe in the Dodge lineup. There’s nothing nostalgic about numbers such as 0-60 mph in high 4-second range and quarter-mile E.T.s in the high 12-second range.

While the SRT8 retains the previous year’s styling, subtle changes have driven significant improvements in performance and good looks. The larger front splitter and integrated front spats acted to improve high-speed aerodynamics and overall balance. As a result, top speed has been increased to more than 180 mph with the manual transmission and 173 mph for the automatic. A modified front fascia chin spoiler also improved aerodynamics.

A limited run of 1492 “Inaugural Edition” SRT8 392 Challengers will be available in Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes. Significant enhancements in the suspension and steering allow for 0.93g performance on the skid pad – the most of any production Challenger and on par with some of the world’s best-handling performance coupes.

Even the regular production Challengers have gained stature with the 2011 model changes. The company’s new PentaStar V6 engine, sets the baseline at 305 HP for the most pedestrian model. Coupled with updated suspension design, 18-inch wheels and tires, as well as braking improvement raise the bar for all competitors.

When equipped with the optional “Super Track Pak,” the upscale Challenger R/T arrives with 20 x 8-inch aluminum wheels and 245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires, as well as high-performance monotube shock absorbers, performance-rated springs, a brake package with high-performance brake linings and a three-mode electronic stability control system with a much-requested “off” mode.

The redesigned Dodge Charger emerges from the studios with direct design influence from the 1968 to 1970-era Charger coupes. The flared bodysides of the four-door fastback coupe have been dramatically sculpted, providing 6 inches of offset between the roof rails and shoulder lines, giving the all-new Dodge Charger its visually aggressive stance. According to Gilles, though, its not all about good looks.

“With its all-new fastback four-door coupe proportions, iconic styling to excite enthusiastic Dodge fans, benchmark performance and precision handling, the latest in-car technology and high-quality execution and materials, the Charger is loaded with attitude and innovation, and delivers an extreme dose of value.”

Engine choices include a 305 hp V6 and 370 hp 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Fuel saver technology and all wheel drive options mean that you’ll want to be driving this Dodge all week long, as well as on the weekends. The redesigned suspension and an all-new electro-hydraulic power steering system, deliver the goods to handle all weather conditions.

Innovation carries on inside the 4-door fastback, with leading audio and electronics options and well as connectivity options for those who can’t be out of touch. For the first time, safety and security features include adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection and rear backup camera with grid lines, all help to give the driver added confidence while behind the wheel.

Similar strides forward are evident on the remaining nameplates in the Dodge lineup for 2011. What is, of course, striking in its absence is any mention of the Dodge Viper. Prior comments from the Chrysler/Fiat brass have left the door open for its future return and the good news at this point may well be that they’re not rushing some kind of hack job to market.

The Dodge Motorsports’ Viper Cup series will carry on next year, so the excitement and potential for this performance icon will not be soon forgotten.