2011 Dodge Charger Reviews

With the 2011 Dodge Charger, Dodge has gone even more overboard. Not all the change in the Dodge Charger is quite so graphic, but the Charger's new flares and filigrees "pop" on camera and strike a deep masculine nerve, like finding out Catholic girls'-school uniforms are suddenly back in style. While the V-8 engines in the R/T and SRT8 remain the most desired models, much of the 2011 Dodge Charger model line is V-6-powered. Upgraded shocks, control arms and bushings don't seem to release any road feel while touching up the Charger's ride quality lightly. Despite the highly emotional styling of the 2011 Dodge Charger, which might just turn off some sensible, comfort-minded shoppers, the Charger doesn't fare too badly as a stock American-issue sedan. Big door cut-outs, a tall roofline, wide and lightly bolstered front seats and fairly spacious back seat put the Dodge Charger near the front of the line for all sorts of pedestrian uses, from police duty to real-estate caravanning. Feature-happy Chrysler is following hotly on Ford's heels, if a step or two behind.



The 2011 Dodge Charger receives a number of significant upgrades, including freshened styling, higher-quality interior materials, an all-new and more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, a retuned suspension, electric-assist power steering, more standard features and a new electronic interface.



The 2011 Dodge Charger is a good example. The most noticeable change regards the Charger's new exterior styling. The "2011 Dodge Charger" is a large sedan that's offered in two basic trim levels: SE and R/T. Entry-level SE models are rear-wheel-drive only, while the R/T can be had with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.



The R/T model comes with a V8 engine, a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch on AWD models), xenon headlights, fog lights and a rear spoiler (RWD models only). Inside, available options include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled cup holders and power-adjustable pedals. Other options include adaptive cruise control with front collision warning, a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, a Garmin-sourced navigation system with Sirius Travel Link service, and a nine-speaker Alpine surround-sound audio system.



The 2011 Dodge Charger's power train choices have been greatly simplified. All-wheel drive is offered for the V8-powered R/T.

Standard safety features for the Dodge Charger include electronic stability/traction control, antilock brakes, and side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, a driver-side knee airbag, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.



Power and interior accommodations have improved on the 2011 Dodge Charger, making it an exciting alternative to affordable large cars. Reviewers generally dislike the Charger’s five-speed automatic gearbox, which is the only transmission available. If you need affordable large car practicality, but want muscle car performance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a car that walks the line better than the Dodge Charger.



The 2011 Dodge Charger poses an interesting option to consumers, straddling the line between muscle cars and affordable large cars. Muscle car shoppers who don’t need the Charger’s extra interior space should check out the Chevrolet Camaro.

2012 dodge charger First Drive reviews

Up front, the blacked-out cross hair grille is all Dodge, and with the SRT plaque fitted to the Dodge Charger, it's evident that is is more than an average sedan. From nose to tail, the SRT8 runs 200.3 inches, and if you pace off that distance, you'll arrive around back to find more classic Charger DNA. With our rear gripping the seats, our hands are free wrap around the large, meaty steering wheel, which features a design unique to the SRT family of vehicles.

It's the cleanest sounding stock audio system we've heard in some time, and it's just one item that SRT8 owners can boast over standard Dodge Charger owners.
Dodge has fitted the updated sedan with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, which produces 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. That miserly tech pairs perfectly with the all-new active valve exhaust system to help allow the Dodge Charger SRT8 run on four cylinders over a greater range of engine speeds. We know that Chrysler is hard at work on its next generation of transmissions. Will it wind up in the SRT8 king of the hill? In sport mode, the Dodge Charger SRT8 also firms up the suspension damping.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is equally happy to blast down canyon roads as it is to chuck its oversize body into Willow's high-speed bends. Click on the touchscreen and head over to the SRT Performance Pages. Besides displaying a variety of digital gauges and fore, aft and lateral handling figures, the system also displays a time slip for 0-60 runs, along with eight-mile, quarter-mile and 60-0 mph braking distance. The SRT8's invisible musculature and bone work keeps it stable and safe, which also helps keep us flat (and mentally calm) pushing through both slow speed switchbacks and the high-speed bends. Composure at that far end of the speedo is a result of the well thought-out aerodynamic enhancements, SRT-tuned independent front and rear suspension with active damping and rolling stock comprised of 20x9-inch forged aluminum wheels.

Slotted behind the aluminum wheels is a set of Brembo brakes, with four piston calipers squeezing 14.2-inch slotted and vented front rotors in front and joining forces with 13.8-inch, four-piston rears to haul in the any unwanted speed.

The combination of the chassis, suspension, engine, tires and braking systems are a perfect fit for the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8. That mid-$40,000 price point plants the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 in a rather unique section of the market. Powerful super sedans typically command serious coin. In truth, it seems the closest competitor to the Dodge Charger lies right in the same SRT family. The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 starts at $47,995, has the same power output and infotainment setup, yet wears a slightly softer suit. The 300 SRT8 is the slightly introverted yin to the Charger SRT8 and its extroverted yang. In this particular instance, you can't make a wrong choice, and the Charger SRT8 is proof that Chrysler can create a modern muscle sedan properly.

Starting with the base models, the cars themselves have been improved, which makes the SRT transformation an easier feat. The brand is stable with Gilles at the helm, and the president and CEO "vows to protect SRT."

When Dodge redesigned the Dodge Charger for 2011, we knew that an SRT8 version would follow shortly. Thank a high-gloss black grille and grille surround for that, along with Hemi/SRT fender badges, the Dodge crosshair grille, and a scooped hood with a heat extractor. Interior changes consist of aluminum fiber accents, a flat-bottomed heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, SRT's Performance Pages (basically, an on-board readout that allows drivers to measure 0-60 times, g-force loads, and other data), heated and cooled bolstered seats with Nappa leather and suede, heated rear seats, and unique bolster material that matches the seats to the door trim. An adaptive-damping suspension system keeps the Charger planted at speed, especially in "Sport" mode. The Charger SRT8 rolls on 20-inch wheels, and Dodge has it pegged for a .88G skidpad result.

Braking comes from 14.2-inch vented rotors in front and 13.8-inch vented rotors in back. A Ready Alert Braking System prepares the brakes for a panic stop when the driver quickly releases the gas pedal.

The previous Dodge Charger SRT8 was fast, stable, and with the exception of a boy-racer hood scoop and spoiler, a bit of a sleeper. Muscle cars that can stop and turn?
Ralph Gilles, SRT brand president and CEO, calls the Dodge Charger SRT8 the extrovert of the 2012 SRT8 class--and with good reason. The aggressive SRT exterior treatment includes a gloss black grille, sculpted hood with black air exhauster, rear spoiler and dual four-inch exhaust tips make the car look menacing.

A new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 powers the menacing sedan, replacing the previous 6.1-liter Hemi V8. On the suspension front, 2012 marks the additional of a new adaptive damping suspension offering two modes: auto and sport. Auto monitors speed, steering angle, brake torque, throttle and acceleration and adjusts damping accordingly, while sport locks in a stiffer, track-ready setup.

Touches in the cabin included the leather-wrapped, flat-bottom SRT steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum interior trim and heavily bolstered SRT front bucket seats. While the Charger SRT8's suspension tuning isn't as aggressive as the Challenger's, it still helped the Dodge Charger blaze around California's Willow Springs Raceway with little trouble. On the road, the Charger SRT8 is quiet and rolls down the ride comfortably.

2 Dodge Challenger

Geneva Preshow: Fiat Publishes New Photos of Freemont Crossover

The star of Fiat's exhibition area at the Geneva Motor Show and the first Fiat-branded vehicle to come out of the partnership with the Chrysler Group is the new Freemont 7-seater crossover. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the Freemont is a re-badged 2011 Dodge Journey, but if for whatever reason you weren't satisfied with the first batch of official photos, the Italians have just released a more comprehensive set that includes pictures of the interior as well.

We'll remind you that the Freemont is due to go on sale in Fiat dealerships across Europe from the second half of 2011. The Italian firm's newcomer will initially come with front-wheel drive and a Fiat-sourced 2.0-liter turbo with 140HP and 170HP, linked to a manual gearbox. By the end of the year, Fiat will also offer two four-wheel drive versions fitted with the 170HP 2.0 MultiJet diesel, and Chrysler's 276HP 3.6-liter V6 petrol unit. For more details on the Freemont, check out our previous story here.

Dodge Unveils Sporty R/T Versions of Charger, Challenger, Journey, Durango and Grand Caravan

The Chicago Auto Show is the stage for the world premiere of an entire lineup of new R/T performance models from Dodge. The brand's performance moniker, which stands for Road & Track and has been in use since the 1960s, has now been applied on the latest iterations of the Charger saloon, Challenger Coupe, Journey crossover, Durango SUV and the Dodge Caravan minivan. Every R/T model receives exclusive exterior and interior design cues plus performance enhancements including special exhaust tuning and a sport suspension.

“Our Dodge R/T models give buyers the chance to stoke their love of driving while still taking care of their families and responsibilities. Driving these R/T models will absolutely leave a smile on their face,” said Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles.

Beginning with the 2011 Charger R/T, the sports sedan comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology returning 370 horsepower and a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) performance in less than 6 seconds. It is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The MSRP for the 2011 Charger R/T is $30,170 (excluding an $825 destination charge).

The new Durango SUV in R/T trim is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 360 horses and 390 lb.-ft. of torque allowing for a 7,400 lb. towing capability. Exterior appointments include a color-matched body kit, wheel lips, light bar and rear fascia with integrated dual chrome exhaust outlets. The 7-passenger interior is spruced up with sport seats featuring red stitching accents. It will go on sale this Spring with a starting U.S. MSRP of $35,465 (excluding $850 destination).

Next up on our list is the Grand Caravan R/T with a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 283-ponnies and 260 lb.-ft of peak torque, matched to six-speed auto. Unique features include a “dipped” body-color grille, body-color side moldings and exclusive 17-inch wheels plus a performance-tuned suspension. Inside, the all-black interior features exclusive perforated black leather seats with red stitching, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a premium sound system with nine-speakers, a subwoofer and 506-watt amplifier. Prices start from $30,595 (excluding $835 destination).

The recently facelifted Journey, which will be available in Europe as the Fiat Freemont, is also getting the Dodge R/T badge for 2011. Like the Grand Caravan R/T, the Journey R/T is powered by the new 283-horse 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

It is available with front- or all-wheel drive and can seat five or seven passengers. The FWD model starts at $28,995 (including $750 destination) while the AWD iteration of the Journey R/T at $30,695 (including $750 destination).

The fifth and final R/T model is the 2011 Challenger. It gets a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 which delivers 372HP and 410 lb-ft of torque when paired to the refined Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission for a 0-60 mph sprint in less than 6 seconds, and 372 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque when mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Chassis upgrades include a more aggressive front- and rear-camber geometry plus new larger diameter front- and rear-stabilizer bars. A restyled and larger front air dam, a “duck bill” front spoiler and an all-new leather-wrapped thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel are also part of the package. On sale now, the MSRP for the 2011 Challenger R/T is $29,670 (excluding an $825 destination charge).

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Breaks Cover at the Chicago Auto Show

Dodge’s rejuvenation under Fiat's umbrella continues at the Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the range-topping Charger SRT8. As with every SRT model, the highlight of the performance orientated version of the Charger is the new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 powerplant producing 465HP and 465 lb-ft (631 Nm) of torque. According to Dodge, the new engine is not only more powerful than the 6.1-liter HEMI unit it replaces, but also more frugal thanks the standard Fuel Saver technology, which cuts off four-cylinders in certain situations in order to improve fuel economy.

The HEMI is coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission that can also be operated via paddle-shifters – a first for any SRT model.

“We’re continuing the fast-paced rebuilding of Dodge as our performance brand, and the expansion of our SRT product lineup in 2012 is an important part of our rejuvenation”, said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLCs. “The new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 builds on the iconic four-door fastback coupe design of the all-new Charger and adds a much larger power band across the rpm range, along with intelligent performance attributes and safety and creature comforts for customers who are passionate about performance driving.”

The Charger SRT8 also comes with adaptive damping suspension, which can adapt to specific conditions by monitoring the vehicle speed, steering angle and speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration. The refined, fully hydraulic steering system and oversized 4-pot caliper Brembo brakes round up the technical tour de force.

On the outside, the 2012 Charger SRT8 can be recognized due to its exclusive front and rear fascias, complemented by a new rear spoiler, “racetrack” LED tail lamp and split five-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels.

Inside, the SRT-exclusive steering wheel with a flattened bottom, carbon and aluminum trim pieces, plus sport seats set this car apart from the standard Charger.

The new Dodge Charger SRT8 will go on sale in the U.S. this fall as a 2012 model.

2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8

Introduction Date: Fall 2011 as 2012 model

Engine: 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) HEMI V-8

Estimated Power: 465 bhp

Estimated Torque: 465 lb.-ft.

Estimated Handling: .88g on skidpad

Estimated Top Speed: 175 mph

Estimated 0-60 mph: High 4-second range

Estimated ¼ mile: High 12-second range

New Dodge Durango Heat gets the R/T’s Goods Sans the V8 Engine

Dodge doubled its new Durango offerings at the Chicago Auto Show with the launch of the Heat performance package that joins the R/T model. The two trim levels share most of their exterior and interior appointments as well as suspension tweaks, but whereas the R/T gets a 360-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8, the Heat is fitted with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivering 295 ponies and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque for an improved fuel efficiency of 16/23 mpg for the rear-wheel-drive model and 16/22 mpg for the all-wheel-drive version.

From there on, the Durango Heat features the same color-matched bodykit and dual chrome exhaust tips on the outside and decorative trim inside as the R/T. The Heat will come equipped with a Uconnect Voice Command and 506-watt Alpine audio system with 10 speakers, including subwoofer, as standard

The five-passenger Heat also shares R/T’s more aggressive suspension tuning, performance steering, unique 20-inch wheels with all-season performance tires, a 20-mm lower ride height, and tuned exhaust system.

The Durango Heat has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $30,295 (excluding destination charges), which represents a $5,170 saving over the V8-powered R/T.

2011 Dodge Ram Runner

2011 Dodge Ram Runner

2011 Dodge Ram Runner

2011 Dodge Ram Runner