Engine and Powertrain

The 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 is powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine that produces 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The combination delivers 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 175 mph.

The engine uses a traditional naturally aspirated design rather than a supercharger or turbocharger. Fuel consumption is a significant consideration for this model—the EPA rates it at 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway when using regular unleaded gasoline. The fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gallons.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2013 Charger SRT8 produces 470 horsepower from a 6.4-liter V8 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
  • Fuel economy is 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, which is typical for high-performance V8 sedans of that generation.
  • The vehicle weighs approximately 4,400 pounds and measures 200 inches in length, making it a full-size performance sedan.
  • Emissions compliance includes a catalytic converter and particulate filter system designed to meet 2013 federal standards.

Dimensions and Weight

The 2013 Charger SRT8 is a full-size four-door sedan measuring 200.8 inches in overall length, 75.7 inches in width, and 47.4 inches in height. The wheelbase is 120.2 inches. Curb weight ranges from 4,380 to 4,410 pounds depending on options and configuration.

The vehicle seats five passengers and offers 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space. The wide stance and aggressive body lines are characteristic of the SRT8 performance variant, with a lower ride height than standard Charger models.

Emissions and Environmental Ratings

The 2013 Charger SRT8 meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 8 emissions standards, which were the federal requirement for that model year. The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and an evaporative emissions control system. These components work together to reduce tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds.

The Environmental Protection Agency assigns the 2013 Charger SRT8 a combined fuel economy rating of 17 mpg. This places it in the lower range for fuel efficiency compared to non-performance sedans, but is standard for large V8-powered vehicles. The annual fuel cost estimate for 2013 was approximately $1,900 to $2,100, depending on local fuel prices and driving patterns.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The five-speed automatic transmission is a Chrysler TorqueFlite unit designed to handle the high torque output of the 6.4-liter engine. The transmission includes a torque converter and electronically controlled shift points. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is not offered on the SRT8 variant.

The rear differential is a limited-slip design with a 3.06:1 gear ratio. This ratio balances acceleration and highway cruising efficiency. The suspension uses independent double-wishbone geometry in front and a multi-link independent setup in the rear, with performance-tuned springs and dampers.

Braking and Safety Features

The 2013 Charger SRT8 is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (anti-lock braking system). The front brakes are 14.2 inches in diameter, while the rear brakes are 13.8 inches. Stopping distance from 60 mph is approximately 110 to 115 feet, which is typical for performance sedans of that era.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, and curtain airbags. Electronic stability control and traction control are standard. The vehicle received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in crash testing.

Interior and Technology

The 2013 Charger SRT8 interior features performance-oriented design with available leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum trim accents. The dashboard includes a 3.5-inch or optional 8.4-inch touchscreen display depending on the trim level. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and cruise control.

The audio system options range from a basic AM/FM radio with four speakers to a premium system with satellite radio capability. Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls is available on higher trim levels. The vehicle does not include modern driver-information features like lane-keeping information or adaptive cruise control, which were less common in 2013.

Maintenance and Reliability Considerations

The 2013 Charger SRT8 requires regular oil changes every 10,000 miles using synthetic oil. The engine bay is relatively accessible for routine maintenance, though some tasks require professional service. Spark plugs typically last 100,000 miles. Brake fluid should be flushed every two years.

Common maintenance items include tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles and wheel alignment checks after any suspension work. The transmission fluid does not have a specified change interval in the owner's manual, though some owners perform fluid changes at 60,000 to 80,000 miles as preventive maintenance. Coolant is rated for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 2013 Charger SRT8 and the standard Charger?

The SRT8 variant features a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower, compared to the standard Charger's 3.6-liter V6 with 292 horsepower. The SRT8 includes performance suspension tuning, upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned transmission, and distinctive exterior styling with a more aggressive front grille and hood vents.

Can the 2013 Charger SRT8 run on regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, the 2013 Charger SRT8 is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). However, Dodge recommends premium fuel (91 octane or higher) for optimal performance and fuel economy. Using regular fuel will not damage the engine but may result in slightly reduced horsepower and efficiency.

What is the towing capacity of the 2013 Charger SRT8?

The 2013 Charger SRT8 is not rated for towing. The vehicle is designed as a performance sedan and does not include towing equipment or transmission coolers necessary for towing applications. Standard Charger models with V6 engines are also not rated for towing.

How does the 2013 Charger SRT8 compare to competitors like the Chevrolet SS or Chrysler 300C?

The Charger SRT8 competes directly with the Chevrolet SS (introduced in 2014) and the Chrysler 300C. All three are full-size performance sedans with V8 engines. The Charger SRT8 offers the lowest starting price, while the 300C provides more luxury features and the SS emphasizes handling dynamics.

What is the expected lifespan of the 2013 Charger SRT8 engine?

With proper maintenance, the 6.4-liter V8 engine typically reaches 150,000 to 200,000 miles before major repairs become necessary. Regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and attention to any warning lights are essential for longevity. High-performance driving and neglected maintenance can significantly reduce engine life.