Dodge recently redesigned its fullsize Charger sedan, giving it bodylines and other styling cues that pay homage to the iconic car’s heritage. Keeping it current and marketable, the automaker loads the vehicles with a host of modern powertrains and interiors (and safety equipment).
Under the hood of our first recent Charger tester – an R/T – was the latest 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI with Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation technology that offers 25 mpg on the highway but still delivers a very healthy 370hp when prompted. The R/T came with a five-speed automatic but adds new die-cast zinc steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and features 20-inch chrome-clad wheels with all-season performance tires.
A Super Track Pak was added to this Charger that puts performance steering, sport suspension and heavy-duty disc brakes on the car along with sport mode electronic stability control. The car is absolutely gorgeous and is clad with heritage R/T badging and at night the interior is bathed in warm ambient lighting.
The second and most recent Charger was the AWD Sport model arriving with the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 powertrain backed by an eight-speed automatic gearbox and featuring new electronic T-shifter. With the addition of the Sport package and its sport-tuned dual exhaust and cold-air induction system, power output is a very respectable 300 ponies with a growl that will leave no one believing this baby has a six under the hood.
The new AWD package features an active transfer case and front axle disconnect system for enhanced fuel economy under normal driving conditions with seamless integration when less than desirable road conditions are sensed or for enhanced grip in full sport mode driving. The AWD system is also available on R/T models.
A full host of modern amenities are found throughout the latest Charger models, including heated and ventilated front seating and one of the largest indash infotainment displays in a modern performance vehicle (all 8.4 inches of it) and now Charger is offered with the Beats by Dr. Dre audio system for an even more entertaining drive.
The Dodge Charger is not just a modern sedan for gearheads – I would recommend this car to anyone who enjoys the journey as much as they do the destination.
Pricing for the Dodge Charger R/T began at $29,995, with our loaded tester arriving at $37,665. The AWD Sport arrived on the SXT platform with V-6 and began at $31,295 with a final sticker of $36,380. Fuel economy for the AWD/V-6 runs 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Big sedans are no longer en vogue but with automakers offering vehicles like the Dodge Charger they will be pleasing their owners as they have when they were all the rage.