EDIT: Sorry about the typo in the subject, can't change it now, it's a 392 obviously. 
Peeps,
Being a new 392 owner, I figured I'd post my first impressions here that may help others thinking about pulling a trigger on a 392. Just got it this weekend, so was finally able to drive it wide open today and then let a friend drive it hard as I sat in the passenger seat which gave me additional information that I'll share.
First off, I've had powerful cars before, so it's not like this is my first fast car or I'm coming from a Mini-van.
Thanks for reading and any new owners, feel free to chime in as well.
PS. Two pics below the 392 is mine and I figured I'd post the Road Warrior/Mad Max car to give you a sense of comparison with the, "Authority/menace/presence" our cars give the street. It's not quite as foreboding as the Mad Max Car but some of the similarities are striking.
Alex
Peeps,
Being a new 392 owner, I figured I'd post my first impressions here that may help others thinking about pulling a trigger on a 392. Just got it this weekend, so was finally able to drive it wide open today and then let a friend drive it hard as I sat in the passenger seat which gave me additional information that I'll share.
First off, I've had powerful cars before, so it's not like this is my first fast car or I'm coming from a Mini-van.
- Link so you believe me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wffK2MQWylo (Work safe and no ads). :thumbsup:
- Quieter than I imagined. You can hear the exhaust but it's not intrusive. Kind of like a low growl all the time. Even when you hammer it, it doesn't scream. As this is my DD, it's perfect. Plus I can mod it (CAI, Flow masters, if I really want to hear it).
- Rides more smoothly than I thought it would. I have a Core, with the non-adjustable shocks which are permanently set in sport mode, but even with that, ride is slightly firm, but very comfortable.
- Great torque even at low RPM. In first gear, even with traction control on, when I hammer it, I go sideways a bit. Very impressive. Torque is much more useful down low and for DD as you don't need to wind the engine out to get it. For me torque is more useful than HP, again for a daily driver. This was particularly noticeable when I sat in the passengers seat and my friend hammered it. I was literally thrown back in my seat as I didn't have a steering wheel to which to hold.
- Visibility is better than I thought. I test drove a Camaro SS and Jesus, Mary and Joseph, (Hey I'm Catholic, it's OK) it was hard to see out of. The Challenger is much better in this regard. Still a bit hard to see out of the rear window, but no real issues.
- It's fairly roomy inside. I'm 6'2, 245lbs and I fit fine with good head room despite it having a sunroof. Backseats are fine as well. I sat back there and while my head touched, I could stay back there if needed.
- The trunk is massive, plus the rear seats fold down. Took the 3 young kids to school this morning, and all 3 of their booster chairs fit in the trunk and I still had room. And no, I didn't make them ride in the trunk. (They're good kids...)
- The car has massive street presence. The thing just oozes menace. Mine is all black, with black wheels and I watched people's reaction and it got a TON of stairs, nods, etc. Women grabbed their small children in concern. (Well...not exactly...but you get my point.) At a stop light people would be slowly creeping up on me looking at it reading the 392 on the fender.
- While silly, and not my main reason for buying it, I feel supremely cool driving it. I'm talking like Fonzi, Kojack, Mel Gibson Road Warrior, understated, cool. Not flashy, look at me, Magnum PI, Night Rider, David Hasselhoff cool. (Wow, I've just dated myself.) :bigthumb: I suddenly have the urge to chew gun while driving it or having a lollipop. (Kojack)
- It's actually surprising practical as a DD. 23+ MPG on the freeway and 475HP to boot, with a 19.5 gallon fuel tank. Have your cake and eat it to sort of vehicle.
- Tires are skinner than I'd like...245 in the rear. I don't think any other 475HP car as such narrow tires and quite a few sub 400 HP cars are wider tires. Yes I can upgrade, but wish it came with 275's standard.
- Love the remote start, probably the most fun/useful feature. It gets hot here in AZ, so starting it remotely and letting it run for 5 minutes cooling itself down is fantastic.
- Fantastic brakes, on par with my AMG E55's.
- My young kids love riding in it screaming, "More power Daddy, drop the Hammer Daddy!" As kids have no filter, it just shows the fun and joy this car can deliver.
- Wife hates it, but see drives a Hyundai. She hates the 82 inch TV I bought a few years back so enough said there.
- The front spoiler lip can catch on things so be very careful. I think it's only 3-4 inches to the ground from the spoiler so just be aware.
- Love the cup holders in the engine bay. (Not sure they're actually cup holders, but check them out again once you pop the hood, 1 on each far side right above the radiator, looks cool. Mickey's Malt Liquor Tall Boy, feel the sting!
- The engine is gorgeous. Pop the hood and just marvel at it. Aesthetically, Dodge did a super job with it and it looks magnificent. Not a ton of hoses and wires going everywhere, it's almost...elegant. My AMG motor (E55) and a similar look, very clean, very precise, very nice. They should have somebody sign it like an AMG.
Thanks for reading and any new owners, feel free to chime in as well.
PS. Two pics below the 392 is mine and I figured I'd post the Road Warrior/Mad Max car to give you a sense of comparison with the, "Authority/menace/presence" our cars give the street. It's not quite as foreboding as the Mad Max Car but some of the similarities are striking.
Alex
