Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is Cheapest Way to a 6.4-liter Hemi at $40K(ish)

Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is Cheapest Way to a 6.4-liter Hemi at $40K(ish):

After taking a closer look at the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee at the L.A. auto show, we noticed that the differences between it and the standard SRT8 go beyond the cosmetic changes we already reported. We now have a better idea of what’s included—and what isn’t—as well as how much the car will cost.

While official pricing hasn’t been confirmed, an SRT spokesperson told us to expect a sticker right between those of a well-equipped Charger R/T and the SRT8. That puts a base Super Bee, we figure, somewhere near $40K. If our hunch bears out, it will be the least expensive SRT8 model from Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge.

Here’s a rundown of what’s deleted from a standard SRT8 in exchange for the approximate $8000 rebate:

• Active exhaust


• Adaptive dampers (the Super Bee uses regular Bilstein dampers)


• Forged, 20-inch aluminum wheels (the Super Bee’s 20s are cast)


• Leather upholstery (the Super Bee gets its own embroidered cloth seats)


• Navigation (it’s not even optional in the Bee)


• Heated and cooled cup holders


• Twelve-way memory driver’s seat (a six-way non-memory seat is subbed in)


• Heated seats and steering wheel, front-seat ventilation

In addition, a few items become optional instead of being included off the bat: HID headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control, remote start, satellite radio, and, oddly enough, paddle shifters. And several regular SRT8 options can’t be ordered at all, including a sunroof, the Driver Confidence Group (rain-sensing wipers, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, auto high-beams), and the Adaptive Cruise Group (adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning).

So it turns out the Super Bee is a stripper, offering big Hemi power for less in much the same way the Ram Express does for Chrysler’s trucks. While some who decide to drop $40,000 on a Charger will surely just pony up the additional $8K to get the goodies, we have no doubt that the lower price will entice more than a few technophobes, purists, and collectors. Lots of muscle at a lower price—consider us on board.

Source : Google Reader