Dodge has introduced a new Charger sedan for 2011 but for the high-performance SRT8 version the automaker chose to go with a 2012 model year designation. That’s right, the new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 has been revealed today, with the car going on display this week at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.

Under its long hood sits the same 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 as the recently introduced Challenger SRT8 392, with estimated performance numbers coming in at 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Specific horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to the vehicle's launch later in the year, but expect a hefty bump over the 425 horses of the outgoing model.

A key feature of the car's mighty powerplant is cylinder deactivation, which now comes with an active valve exhaust system that allows the technology to engage over a wider rpm range, in-turn delivering improved fuel economy or the use of all eight cylinders when the power is needed.

There’s also an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing to provide maximum low-end torque for stronger standing starts and more high-end power. Shifting duties is taken care of by a five-speed automatic transmission with new paddle-shifters.

Dodge is predicting 0-60 mph times in the high 4.0 second range, a quarter-mile ET in the high 12 second range and a top speed of around 175 mph for its new Charger SRT8.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

Also new for 2012, the Dodge Charger SRT8 features an adaptive damping suspension that uses a wide range of on-road and driver inputs, such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration, to automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions.

Drivers also can manually choose between “Auto” and “Sport” settings that quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from the ease of everyday commuting to harsher, more challenging driving situations.

The car’s hydraulic steering system also receives revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.

Other updates for 2012 include newly designed 20 inch forged aluminum wheels, four-piston Brembo brakes, a leather steering wheel, carbon-weave and aluminum interior trim, a 900 watt 19 speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system and an 8.4 inch display with Chrysler’s Uconnect touchscreen technology.

This latter feature can display key metrics such as steering input measurements, horsepower, torque, expanded engine information, along with 0-60 mph time, 60-0 braking, g-forces and one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be built at the Brampton assembly plant in Ontario, Canada and will be in dealer showrooms this fall.