2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 on the Track with SRT CEO Ralph Gilles

[@MrChinchillen]

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.

[@jonathangloster640]

Ralph thank you for your support for SRT performance

[@digisuboob]

im a proud owner of a '13 srt8 300, i fricken love it. velvet hammer :)

[@kizofromchi]

Do u still have it now

[@Geordo1960]

He's a great representative for his company.

[@MotoManTV]

WOW! Now that is dedication . . . I'll mention it to Ralph . . .

[@gonzalezgrant]

I would love to own this car and meet this guy

[@maurico6262]

James grant , him and his wife are great people

[@elusivellama]

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.

[@Prismace2009]

This is a great interview. I have nothing but respect for Ralph Giles.

[@skyisdlimit6125]

This is an awesome car. you can't really find another sedan with a price like charger SRT for the whole package

[@mcaddicts]

Make a coupe charger to bring back the old classic chargers, and of course with manual options available.

[@skyisdlimit6125]

Then get a challenger. Makes no sense in having two identical car

[@MotoManTV]

Hey Paul - It doesn't matter - you are at the party - ENJOY IT!

[@JoshJW11]

Love Ralph! He is such an awesome guy, love SRT!

[@MotoManTV]

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.

[@NotesofNate]

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.

[@jjlwis]

Congrats Ralph!!! good seeing you again, keep the great products coming!

[@jonzahn78]

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.

[@Tinstar2]

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!

[@bolly0915]

WE WANT!!!!!! MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON CHARGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@airassault11]

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!!

[@TheRacer3000]

@MotoManTV That makes perfect sense! Thanks a lot MotoMan, your the best!!

[@justinroberts8302]

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.

[@Chalieboi76]

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!!!

[@janskice]

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.

[@guycd1]

I LOVE my R/T, I'll be trading it in for an srt8 in a few years :P

[@dennisreynolds6915]

Yeah right

[@BattleBudzPod]

MANUAL PLEASE AND THANK YOU

[@MotoManTV]

Take a look at any of our four Targa Newfoundland episodes for that answer . . .

[@NissanDrifterS14]

Manual Transmission for the win!!!

[@MotoManTV]

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 . . .

[@boomee78]

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 !

[@KeshaIsHot808]

this car is pretty rare on the streets i've only seen one in my whole town.

[@jorgefromthefuture]

great interview.

[@jaman585]

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

[@MotoManTV]

@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. . . .

[@MotoManTV]

Could not agree more!!!!!!

[@jeff72496]

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

[@mandlclark]

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!

[@crmannella1]

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!

[@MotoManTV]

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!

[@jjlwis]

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.

[@MotoManTV]

@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?

[@MotoManTV]

So does he . . . Stay tuned.

[@MotoManTV]

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 . . .

[@Ajacques8000]

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.

[@407to618]

is it me or does Ralph remind me of Tiger Woods?

[@MrUpgraydde]

Awesome conversation! I think I'm turning SRT!

[@TotallyWow123]

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!

[@eldo59]

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.

[@Thinkeroutsidethebox]

"performance needs to be protected" AMEN!!!

[@Firetemp]

Congrats Ralph... great car

[@bdhmbre]

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.

[@jace9116]

To Mr Gilles great driving I do have an idea that I believe will change Dodge.

[@wun1gee]

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.

[@extremepsychogamer]

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

[@nophonypony]

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!

[@brenjimin]

Ralph, we all miss the SRT4

[@Ripside2]

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.

[@ecyout]

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.

[@jonashansen8508]

is the SRT8 any good in the corners?

[@ArnoldWatson]

I definitely concur!!!

[@T90bruce]

Can't wait for the Cuda!!!

[@elhaajfernanders9037]

Lets get a Chrysler 400 wagon Srt8 And a new Durango srt10

[@Cyberronnin]

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

[@MotoManTV]

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 . . .

[@trad9178]

I want a MANUAL stick with a leather, or white ball grip on a Dodge CHARGER. I like the Charger body styles better than the Challenger and don't want to have to go to a Challenger just to get a stick. Dodge just needs do DO IT! People will buy it!

[@Jabbawocky007]

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...

[@LancerBballer08]

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.

[@xaviersummers]

Did he say challenger convertible? ID BUY ONE IN A HEARTBEAT!

[@MotoManTV]

Manual is in the Challenger - so, Challenger.

[@jonashansen8508]

Thanks :)

[@marufawal]

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

[@2014Challenger]

A manual charger would be FANTASTIC!!!!

[@jeff72496]

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

[@nedfrichman]

I went out looking for a manual charger and nothing. i would like to see myself in a stick shift charger soon ;)

[@Lukos0036]

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.

[@MotoManTV]

Two Things: 1.) Amen 2 dat . . . - and - 2.) You would be surprised how many people *within* Chrysler agree with you . . .

[@scottp6761]

YES put a damn manual 6 speed in IT !!!!!! I have the srt8 300 2012 and I LOVE the car but I nearly will trade it in because I want a manual. The worlds of srt8 owners about 50% of them want a manual I bet. Just look on these comments.

[@phantom5161]

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.

[@05front]

Ralph We want a stick in ALL SRTs!!!

[@MotoManTV]

With ya on everything but the Avenger . . .

[@decoydee6240]

2022 here we r ❤️

[@Triggerhappyug18]

about 4 months ago, i bought a 2006 Magnum srt8 and i wouldnt trade it for anything.

[@chicklafitte]

Wish you could find a SRT 8 with the oval shaped exhaust tips. The ones on the basic Charger.

[@theciv511]

Word is it will be back possibly for 2013... check out allpar they have lots of info on future cars.

[@TheRacer3000]

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?

[@MotoManTV]

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

[@richardspitz62]

i want one of those SRT hats yo

[@baboolubey]

I want the SRT hat Ralph is wearing!

[@2010challengerRT]

I would sure hope so, given the nearly double price tag when new.

[@Shift4g]

@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?

[@MotoManTV]

@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.

[@JETZcorp]

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.

[@Scor0806]

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

[@MotoManTV]

TOTALLY different cars . . .

[@bigmaine36]

I love Ralph Giles

[@deathnight00]

I WANT MANUAL CHARGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@katanaben1]

dont gimme no Dart SRT4 if it's a fuckin' front wheel drive

[@depresso9775]

This srt8 is a rear wheel and it has 400+HP

[@reallunacy]

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.

[@sant1to]

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.

[@TheRealBirdmann]

Dodge did a great job with this SRT-8 and replicating the Japanese technology without using any of their parts!

[@kdog18ful]

Love that car !!!