[MEDISIN]

Originally Posted by Stew

You hold on to those mag times sir, we will see how this plays out on the tracks across the US when it hits the stretets. The average owner seems to have NO problem getting mid 12s from the 392 SRT cars.

Right, and the professional staff at Edmunds, C&D, MotorTrend and MotorWeek all ran in the 12's too. So what's your point?

Originally Posted by Stew

The only logical thing I can imagine is that they had green cars with few miles and it generally takes between 3000 and 5000 miles before the Hemis are at their full power. Same thing with the 5.7 Hemis, once they are broken in mid 13s seem to be no issue, don't believe, do your research.

Now you're making excuses. So the Hemi requires 3000-5000 miles break-in before it can keep up with a Chevy? What happens when the Chevy engine breaks in? Hmmm, back to where we started.

Originally Posted by Stew

Another interesting tidbit. the ONLY test i know of where a Charger SRT8 was put against the GXP on the same day and same tract was done by road and track. The times were close enough to be a wask. The GXP did 0-60 in 4.7, the SRT8 4.9, That gap had actually closed to .1 second in the 1/4 mile, 13.1 for the GXP and 13.2 for the SRT8. Top speeds where 165 for the Charger, 155 for the GXP (limiter). Both cars provided .88g on the skidpad while the SRT8 provided the higher slalom speed at 65.8 vs 65 for the GXP. Those numbers, same day/same conditions are more revelant than any posted by either one of us yet. Now take into effect the SRT8 has seen HUGE upgrades in not only the powerplant, but the suspension as well.

Not paying attention I see. I already brought this up way back at post #167. They were close but the GXP was still faster. The 392 is faster still but only by 2-tenths to 60, 3-tenths and 3mph in the quarter.

Originally Posted by Stew

If you think the SS is going to handle like a ZL1 or 1LE you are more than likely going to get an unpleasant surprise. it is still a sedan and must still maintain more ride compliance than the stiff 1LE and it will not be getting the ZL1s trick magnetic dampers. it wso won't compare with them in braking considering it's front end only Brembos compared to the 1LE, ZL1 (oh and SS and SRT8s) 4 wheel brembos.

Never did I say the SS would handle like the ZL1 or 1LE. Your reading comprehension is abysmal. I merely brought up these cars to illustrate the workings of the Zeta platform in relation to the LX platform. The Zeta has been praised time and again for its handling characteristics. Likewise the LX has been praised for its comfy interstate ride quality. Around a track the LX suffers. The fastest time recorded in the Lightning Lap for an LX based vehicle was the 392 Challenger last year, only one-tenth faster than the 2010 Camaro SS. For the sake of comparison:

2:57.5 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1
3:01.5 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 1LE
3:09.4 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 392
3:09.5 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS
3:10.1 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 392
3:16.3 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 370
3:18.2 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 370

Given the GXP's performance is just shy of the Camaro SS in a straight line given the extra 150lbs, I'm guessing the SS sedan is smack in Charger 392 territory around a track. Only time will tell.

Ultimately, some will prefer the smaller size and interior of the SS over the Dodge. The Dodge is a bit played out in my opinion. Both are performance bargains. Will most likely come down to brand preference and the uniqueness of the SS relative to the Dodge.