Engine and Performance Specs

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a 5-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The SRT8 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 175 mph.

The engine uses a naturally aspirated design without turbocharging or supercharging. Fuel injection is direct, meaning gasoline sprays directly into the combustion chambers rather than into the intake manifold. This configuration was standard across the SRT8 lineup that year and delivered consistent power across the engine's operating range. The engine block is cast iron, and the cylinder heads are aluminum, a common pairing in performance V8s of that era.

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The 2012 Charger SRT8 is rated at 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined rating of 19 mpg. These figures assume regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. The vehicle's fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, giving a theoretical range of around 350 miles on a full tank under mixed driving conditions.

Emissions testing places the SRT8 in the Tier 2, Bin 5 category under EPA standards. The vehicle meets federal emissions requirements but does not may have access to as a low-emission vehicle (LEV) or ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV). It produces approximately 360 grams of CO2 per mile under EPA test conditions. The catalytic converter system uses dual converters to meet these standards.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2012 Charger SRT8 uses a 6.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with 470 horsepower and requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
  • Fuel economy is 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined mpg, which is typical for large V8 sedans of that generation.
  • The vehicle meets federal Tier 2, Bin 5 emissions standards but does not carry LEV or ULEV certification.
  • The SRT8 is not a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or alternative-fuel vehicle; it runs exclusively on gasoline and produces approximately 360 grams of CO2 per mile.
  • The 5-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission option, with rear-wheel drive as standard and a limited-slip differential for traction.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The 5-speed automatic transmission was the only transmission option for the 2012 SRT8. It includes a torque converter and does not have a manual shift mode or paddle shifters. The transmission is tuned for performance, with shift points calibrated to maximize acceleration rather than fuel economy. Transmission fluid is a proprietary Mopar ATF+4 specification and should not be substituted with other brands.

Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is not available on the SRT8. The rear differential is a limited-slip unit designed to improve traction during hard acceleration. Curb weight is approximately 4,400 pounds, making the SRT8 one of the heavier four-door sedans of its era. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 4,840 pounds.

Fuel Type and Tank Capacity

The 2012 Charger SRT8 requires regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Using lower-octane fuel may cause engine knock and reduce performance. Premium fuel (91 or 92 octane) is not required but may be used without harm. The fuel door is opened by pushing on the door itself from the outside; there is no fuel door release inside the cabin.

The fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gallons. The fuel cap is a standard threaded cap with no locking mechanism. Under typical mixed driving, the vehicle can travel approximately 350 miles on a full tank, though this varies significantly based on driving habits and road conditions. Highway driving at steady speeds yields better range than city driving with frequent acceleration.

Maintenance and Oil Specifications

The 2012 SRT8 uses SAE 5W-20 motor oil. Oil change intervals are recommended every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The engine holds approximately 7 quarts of oil when the filter is replaced. Air filter replacement is typically recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions and air quality in your area.

Spark plugs are rated for 100,000 miles under normal driving. The cooling system uses a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol coolant and distilled water. The radiator capacity is approximately 14.5 quarts. Brake fluid is DOT 3 specification, and the brake system includes four-wheel disc brakes with ABS as standard equipment on all 2012 SRT8 models.

Dimensions and Curb Weight

The 2012 Charger SRT8 measures 200.3 inches in overall length, 75.7 inches in width, and 59.8 inches in height. The wheelbase is 120 inches. Curb weight ranges from 4,395 to 4,410 pounds depending on options. These dimensions place the SRT8 in the full-size sedan category, larger than midsize competitors but smaller than some luxury sedans of the same era.

The vehicle seats five passengers and has a trunk capacity of 16.2 cubic feet. Ground clearance is 5.2 inches. The front track width is 63.4 inches, and the rear track width is 63.0 inches. These proportions give the SRT8 a wide, planted stance designed for high-speed stability and cornering performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What octane fuel does the 2012 Charger SRT8 need?

The SRT8 requires regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Premium fuel is not required but may be used. Using fuel with an octane rating below 87 can cause engine knock and reduce performance.

How many miles per gallon does the SRT8 get?

The EPA rating is 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Actual mileage varies based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance. Aggressive acceleration and highway driving at high speeds typically reduce fuel economy below the EPA estimate.

Is the 2012 Charger SRT8 available with all-wheel drive?

No. The SRT8 is rear-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive is not offered on the SRT8 trim level, though it is available on other Charger models in the 2012 lineup.

What transmission does the SRT8 use?

The 2012 SRT8 uses a 5-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. There is no manual transmission option and no manual shift mode or paddle shifters available.

How often should I change the oil in a 2012 Charger SRT8?

Dodge recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The engine uses SAE 5W-20 motor oil and holds approximately 7 quarts when the filter is replaced.