Refined Power Meets Revolutionary Design
Dodge Charger, for the 2010 Model year, is shaping up
to be an amazing combination of style, power, and refinement, unrivaled in
today's market.
In Consumer Guide testing, rear-drive 3.5 V6 models
averaged 17.9-21.6 mpg; extended-use-test Charger SXT averaged 19.4 mpg over
6147 miles. SRT8 averaged 14.3 mpg in mostly city driving and 16.9 in mostly
highway driving. Dodge recommends regular-grade gas for the 2.7 V6, 89-octane
for the 3.5-liter V6. Premium-grade gas is recommended for both V8 engines.
The 3.5 V6 is fine in town and has good passing
punch. Dodge says it does 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds with rear-drive. R/T has ready
power from any speed. Multi-Displacement System switches between four and eight
cylinder operation without interrupting power flow. SRT8 models are bona fide
muscle cars, reaching 60 mph from a stop in just 5.0 seconds.
SRT-8s were expected to eventually use a production
version of the 392 (6.4) Hemi with about 450-475 hp and MDS for better gas
mileage. The SRT8 in reality will likely have a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and a
5-speed automatic without cylinder deactivation. The SRT8 should continue to
have unique suspension tuning, as well as specific interior and exterior trim.
The V6 roars noticeably under hard acceleration.
V8s make a throaty full-throttle growl--SRT8s sound like race cars--but are
quiet enough in gentle cruising. R/Ts and SRT8s have more tire roar than other
Chargers. [2010 Dodge Charger Rear] Wind rush evident at highway speeds.
Dodge is currently putting a lot of research
and development money into looking into the fuel efficiency of upcoming 2010
models. This is spearheaded specifically because of the recent partnership with
Nissan. In our current economy, Chrysler can't afford NOT to look into a more
economy specific range of models for the 2010 year. With multiple models
available, there is sure to be one that fits into any consumer's lifestyle.
Elegant Exterior Design
2010 Charger is expected to combine the current
style with a more classic look from the 1968 Chargers. Some argue that this vehicle
is one of the most stylish ever built. We expect that most of the look will be
based on the current Charger rather than the 1968s. The Charger will likely be
less boxy, to improve noise and gas mileage; Styling now reports to
Engineering's Frank Klegon, and aerodynamics has taken a more advanced position
to increase fuel economy.
Expect to see modified axle ratios, kind of like
what you would see on Police cars, but made more practical by increased
performance from the V6 and V8 engines. Due to the revised V6 and 2009 Hemi all
around performance should go up. The 3.6 liter is supposed to provide 280 hp
with better mileage than the current 250 hp 3.5 liter.
Trim to Meet all
Interests
Charger should continue to come in four trim
levels: base SE, mid-level SXT, sporty R/T, and high-performance SRT8. All
should remain rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive will likely remain available
on the SXT and R/T. SE should continue to have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine and
a 4-speed automatic transmission. Likely remaining optional on SE and standard
on SXT is a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6; a 4-speed automatic transmission should
continue to be standard with rear-wheel drive while AWD versions should continue
to have a 5-speed. R/T models will likely continue to get a version of
Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp. R/T should continue to have a 5-speed
automatic and Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation.
Unparalleled Safety Features
Available safety features should include ABS,
traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.
Likely remaining optional on the R/T is the Road/Track Performance Package,
which includes 20-inch wheels, performance suspension, and heated front seats.
Also likely to be available is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can
include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital
music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic
information.
The Charger features linear steering with good road feel and good stability at highway speeds. These big cars aren't nimble in
quick direction changes, but they have fine balance and grip in turns; this is
true particularly with the SRT8s. R/T models feel firm and planted. All have confident stopping
control, but some testers complain of long pedal travel. Test rear-drive V8
models negotiated rainy roads without undue slip. AWD is the recommended
solution for all-weather traction.
Refined Interior
Instruments are large and easy to read, but the
steering-wheel rim cuts into view of turn-signal arrows and gauges for fuel and
temperature. Most controls are within easy reach, though some are too low to
easily adjust while driving. The navigation system is fairly easy to operate,
though some functions could require fewer button presses. Interior materials are
a slight grade below those of Chrysler 300, but are appropriate for these
prices, with solid feel and a nice array of padded surfaces.
2010 Charger is spacious with ample headroom and
legroom. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide
during aggressive cornering. SRT8 and Charger R/T with Road/Track Performance
Group address this problem with sport buckets. SRT8 seats have good lateral
support and outstanding comfort. Thick front roof pillars obscure view to front
corners.
Charger has easy entry and exit with great room for
two. Legroom and foot space are plentiful, even with front seats lowered and
pushed well back. Head clearance is tight for six-footers. There is enough thigh support
for long-trip comfort, but the middle rider must straddle the bulky driveline
hump.
Charger's trunk is usefully sized and shaped, but a relatively small opening
complicates loading bulky objects. The standard split-folding 60/40 rear
seatbacks enhance versatility, though they don't lay completely flat. For more
opinions on the new Charger, read here.
Vast passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and
solid construction make Charger a good pick. The 3.5-liter V6 provides
more-than-adequate power, as does the R/T versions' Hemi V8. SRT8 models are
true modern muscle cars.