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| Photo Property of Dodge |
I was presented with the opportunity to drive the new Charger with the fresh Pentastar V6 engine mated to an eight speed gear box. The model was a base SE rear drive V6 with only the additional gears ($1000) and the Uconnect system for Bluetooth connection. This car had a sticker of $28,495.
Features:
This car was limited on the features side. As I mentioned, the only things checked on this tester were the additional gears and the Uconnect system. This did not include navigation. My first complaint with the V6 SE model is the inability to put the bigger 8.4" screen in it. This leaves those looking for more entry level Chargers with the iPhone like 4.3" screen. This can be quite frustrating to some as you are left with this large gap below the screen. It can take some getting use to. Jumping up to the SXT does change the screen option.
Another issue for me are the behind-the-steering-wheel radio control buttons. I felt these could have been placed on the front of the wheel dumping the computer control buttons to maybe a single button on the wiper stalk in a BMW-like fashion.
My last major complaint is the quality of the interior and the use of hard plastics. This is not limited to just Dodge but it is showing up all over the automotive market. In a car like this reaching almost $30,000 in price, you would expect the materials to be more luxurious and of higher quality. What you receive is the exact opposite replicating almost a low end car. Everywhere you look, you will find hard plastics and cheap looking grey trim. Also the knobs and buttons (especially the climate control unit) feel flimsy and close to falling off at the lightest touch. You'd be better off using the touch screen even with its diminutive size.
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| Dodge Charger Interior. Photo Property of Zach's Auto Review |
The Drive:
Getting into this car almost feels like a second home. The cabin is roomy and comfortable but, as I have mentioned, a little too much use of hard plastic for my taste. Starting this car incorporates Dodge's push button start system. My reason for mentioning this is my concern with the range of the key away from the vehicle to start the car. From what I was told, the system runs on Bluetooth and the range to start the vehicle is pretty large. Walking out of the vehicle with the key netted about 20-25 feet before the computer realized the key was leaving. This leaves me concerned about the possibilities this system could compromise car security. The feature only seems helpful if you are playing a practical joke on the owner by moving their car while they sit at a restaurant.
After putting the new eight speed gear box into drive (the model I drove did not have automated manual shifting or paddles), I headed towards the highway to test the acceleration and how the car drove at highway speeds. With the powerful (3.6L, 292hp, and 260 lb-ft torque) Pentastar V6 under the hood, I found myself at 60mph in about 6.7 seconds. One of the first things you notice is the way the new transmission shifts. I had many complaints with the old five speed transmission and this one, which is similar to the transmission out of the Audi A8, shakes some of those complaints. However, only one more ratio is added under 100mph so shifts now happen at 45, 65, and 100. However, on the A8 you find shifts around 35, 55, 85, and 105 which would help with acceleration and fuel economy (the Charger only nets 31mpg highway with this gear set up and could be better). Some might question why I am comparing this to the Audi A8. If you look at the transmission, they are essentially similar. The only main difference is the gearing ratios.
As a result of the new transmission, green light readiness is improved but could be better. One way to solve this would be the option for a manual transmission which is missing from the line-up. To add to the transmission issues, when the car goes to shift with a wide-open throttle, you feel like you are going to fly through the windshield because of the harsh gear changes. I have also heard complaints that the paddle shifts can begin ignoring commands to shift. I did not experience this as my model did not have paddles.
The driving style is rather agile for the size of this car. You do feel like you are driving a larger car (which you are) but it is very agile for its size. However, there is a lot of understeer at speeds over 50mph. On my usual test route, I have no problem hitting this one L-shaped corner at full highway speeds of 70mph (70mph is the limit for this area) and getting through in anything from a Corolla to a full size F-350 without dramatic speed loss. This car, however, had to be slowed down to about 45 or it would have gone straight off into the woods. While I did enjoy the smooth ride, this inability to turn took away my confidence in the car. Now I know some readers will think, "its a muscle car, it is not meant to turn." My response for that, if Dodge wants to target people who otherwise might buy a Taurus or Avalon or even the German competition, they need to have a car that can handle. In addition, this car is used for police fleets nationwide. Imagine, in the middle of a pursuit, that you cannot catch the next OJ because your car understeers into the woods.
Conclusion:
Overall, this is a very nice vehicle minus my stated complaints. It may not be as exciting as the Charger but I enjoy the quality, ride, and overall experience of the Ford Taurus a bit more. If you choose to pick one of these, go with at least the SXT line or higher and opt for the eight speed transmission. While the Hemi is nice, the V6 will suit your needs should you have a heavy foot or choose to avoid a higher insurance cost in addition to the higher sticker. Speaking of sticker, This car starts at $25,495 for the V6 placing it between the full size cars of other brands and entry level luxury cars. If you are looking to pick up the 472HP Hemi, prepare to shell out at least $47,295.
Stay tuned for more car reviews in the near future including the new Porsche 911, the Jaguar XF, and the Camero 2SS.
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