R&T First Drive - 2011 Dodge Charger
11-21-2010, 12:31 PM
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R&T First Drive - 2011 Dodge Charger New Charger is a good sign Dodge has recovered
By Shaun Bailey / Photos by John Lamm
November 5, 2010
A year ago Chrysler moved out from bankruptcy, a shadow of their former selves. A new partnership with Fiat has allowed them to play catch-up, and this hard work is paying off with a slew of new products primed for 2011. Leading the charge, so to speak, is the revamped 2011 Dodge Charger. This 4-door muscle car has been redone with a focus on retaining its unique character while improving interior quality and driving dynamics.
At first blush, the new Charger seems familiar, but when compared to the previous generation, you readily see that every aspect has changed for the better. Its freshened exterior is heavily influenced by the Chargers of the late 1960s, especially in the rear taillamps and side scallops. The new split crosshair grill, however, is in keeping with Dodge's more recent history.
While the exterior has a fresh look, it's the interior that has made even greater strides. There are no more hard surfaces. Gone is that flat plastic, boring dash and center console. In its place is an all new design that doesn’t skimp on softness or retro style. A large, etched aluminum panel sits just behind the new thick rimmed steering wheel, giving the Charger a distinctive appearance. If you option out the nav system, you're rewarded with a massive 8.6-inch touch screen. A nice touch on the gauges is the tachometer and speedometer pointer that’s detailed with a lighted arrow.
With your backside planted in the seat, and the wheel adjusted for angle and reach, the Charger becomes a comfortable place to do business. The previous steering wheel seems more appropriate in a bus compared to the new, smaller diameter rim. Not only does the car look good, it feels good too.
In an earlier test drive of some prototypes, hitting the keyless ignition brings to life one of two engines. A new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 making 292-bhp, or carryover 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 massaged to make 370-bhp. Both engines have a throaty rumble totally in character for the car. The new V-6 not only eclipses the anemic 178-bhp 2.7-liter found in the last generation's base models, it is also superior to the previously optional 250-bhp 3.5-liter. In any event, the V-6 still won't rival the thrill of the Hemi V-8. The best thing about the new V-6 though is that the base 2011 Charger SE costs roughly the same as it used to at $25,170, with the bonus of a 5-speed automatic that supplants the previous base 4-speed auto.
Packages aplenty for the new Charger that allow a V-6 to be ordered with nearly all the options of the up-level R/T. But only the R/T can be equipped with the Super Track Pak option. As is the case with the past Challenger model, this option gives the stability control a full-off mode, an important feature for those who like to do smoky doughnuts or enjoy the occasional power-slide.
When we sampled the prototypes around Chrysler’s Chelsea proving grounds, the new Charger showed off much improved ride and handling thanks to changes in the shocks and springs. Gone is the thud and thump over bumpy roads. In its place is the subdued snubbing of road irregularities. The general attitude of the car is benign and requires decent trail braking to hit a corner apex at speed, but never once did it miss step. The steering is light, but precise making the large sedan feel smaller than it actually is.
There was a fear the Chrysler Group had lost its way in the past years, but with the release of the new Dodge Charger, it’s obvious to anyone that drives one that they’re back on track.
By Shaun Bailey / Photos by John Lamm
November 5, 2010
A year ago Chrysler moved out from bankruptcy, a shadow of their former selves. A new partnership with Fiat has allowed them to play catch-up, and this hard work is paying off with a slew of new products primed for 2011. Leading the charge, so to speak, is the revamped 2011 Dodge Charger. This 4-door muscle car has been redone with a focus on retaining its unique character while improving interior quality and driving dynamics.
At first blush, the new Charger seems familiar, but when compared to the previous generation, you readily see that every aspect has changed for the better. Its freshened exterior is heavily influenced by the Chargers of the late 1960s, especially in the rear taillamps and side scallops. The new split crosshair grill, however, is in keeping with Dodge's more recent history.
While the exterior has a fresh look, it's the interior that has made even greater strides. There are no more hard surfaces. Gone is that flat plastic, boring dash and center console. In its place is an all new design that doesn’t skimp on softness or retro style. A large, etched aluminum panel sits just behind the new thick rimmed steering wheel, giving the Charger a distinctive appearance. If you option out the nav system, you're rewarded with a massive 8.6-inch touch screen. A nice touch on the gauges is the tachometer and speedometer pointer that’s detailed with a lighted arrow.
With your backside planted in the seat, and the wheel adjusted for angle and reach, the Charger becomes a comfortable place to do business. The previous steering wheel seems more appropriate in a bus compared to the new, smaller diameter rim. Not only does the car look good, it feels good too.
In an earlier test drive of some prototypes, hitting the keyless ignition brings to life one of two engines. A new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 making 292-bhp, or carryover 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 massaged to make 370-bhp. Both engines have a throaty rumble totally in character for the car. The new V-6 not only eclipses the anemic 178-bhp 2.7-liter found in the last generation's base models, it is also superior to the previously optional 250-bhp 3.5-liter. In any event, the V-6 still won't rival the thrill of the Hemi V-8. The best thing about the new V-6 though is that the base 2011 Charger SE costs roughly the same as it used to at $25,170, with the bonus of a 5-speed automatic that supplants the previous base 4-speed auto.
Packages aplenty for the new Charger that allow a V-6 to be ordered with nearly all the options of the up-level R/T. But only the R/T can be equipped with the Super Track Pak option. As is the case with the past Challenger model, this option gives the stability control a full-off mode, an important feature for those who like to do smoky doughnuts or enjoy the occasional power-slide.
When we sampled the prototypes around Chrysler’s Chelsea proving grounds, the new Charger showed off much improved ride and handling thanks to changes in the shocks and springs. Gone is the thud and thump over bumpy roads. In its place is the subdued snubbing of road irregularities. The general attitude of the car is benign and requires decent trail braking to hit a corner apex at speed, but never once did it miss step. The steering is light, but precise making the large sedan feel smaller than it actually is.
There was a fear the Chrysler Group had lost its way in the past years, but with the release of the new Dodge Charger, it’s obvious to anyone that drives one that they’re back on track.
11-22-2010, 04:40 PM
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That's a sharp looking car, especially for a 4-door. 
11-23-2010, 08:15 PM
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