SAN FRANCISCO – Site of the most famous car chase scene in cinematic history, San Francisco's rolling streets were a fitting reminder of the potent legacy established by the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T squatting on the pier before us.
Surrounding it, the latest descendants of the muscle car bear little resemblance to their iconic forbearer, but subtle design cues pay tribute to the connection.
At first glance, the 2011 Dodge Charger doesn't appear to be radically different from the previous model. The outline is pretty much the same, and the 120 inch wheelbase remains unchanged. But the reworked sheet metal featuring "scalloped" aluminum hood and side panels, coke bottle silhouette, and "flying buttress" rear pillars all harken back to the 1968-70 muscle car.
The Charger's angry face is still blunt and pugnacious, but there's a new "split cross-hair" grille with satin insets. The wide rear stance is emphasized by a new 60's influenced, side-to-side signature "racetrack" taillamp incorporating 164 LEDS.
A closer look reveals a taller greenhouse and lower beltline and the c-pillar has been opened up – not only greatly improving visibility but giving the Charger a more svelte appearance.
The reworked, more slippery body results in a much more aerodynamic shape, hence better fuel economy.
Following the lead of that other retro muscle car, the Mustang – Dodge has put extra attention into the entry level V6 model. The previous 3.5 litre and 2.7 litre are gone, and replaced with the new "Pentastar" 3.6 litre V6 with an output of 292 horsepower. Used extensively throughout the new Dodge and Chrysler lineups, the Pentastar V6 boasts decent acceleration (0-100 km in approx. 6.5 seconds for the Charger) and fuel economy on par with the previous yet less powerful 2.7 litre V6.
Estimated numbers are 10.9L/100 km city/7.6/L 100 km hwy for the 3.6L model, 13.1/7.9 for the R/T and 13.1/8.7 for the AWD R/T.
All models now come with dual exhaust tips and V6 owners can choose to kit out their V6 Charger with the same 20-inch wheels and rear spoiler as the HEMI-endowed R/T.
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| The reworked sheet metal featuring "scalloped" aluminum hood and side panels, coke bottle silhouette, and "flying buttress" rear pillars all harken back to the 1968-70 muscle car. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Surrounding it, the latest descendants of the muscle car bear little resemblance to their iconic forbearer, but subtle design cues pay tribute to the connection.
At first glance, the 2011 Dodge Charger doesn't appear to be radically different from the previous model. The outline is pretty much the same, and the 120 inch wheelbase remains unchanged. But the reworked sheet metal featuring "scalloped" aluminum hood and side panels, coke bottle silhouette, and "flying buttress" rear pillars all harken back to the 1968-70 muscle car.
The Charger's angry face is still blunt and pugnacious, but there's a new "split cross-hair" grille with satin insets. The wide rear stance is emphasized by a new 60's influenced, side-to-side signature "racetrack" taillamp incorporating 164 LEDS.
A closer look reveals a taller greenhouse and lower beltline and the c-pillar has been opened up – not only greatly improving visibility but giving the Charger a more svelte appearance.
The reworked, more slippery body results in a much more aerodynamic shape, hence better fuel economy.
Following the lead of that other retro muscle car, the Mustang – Dodge has put extra attention into the entry level V6 model. The previous 3.5 litre and 2.7 litre are gone, and replaced with the new "Pentastar" 3.6 litre V6 with an output of 292 horsepower. Used extensively throughout the new Dodge and Chrysler lineups, the Pentastar V6 boasts decent acceleration (0-100 km in approx. 6.5 seconds for the Charger) and fuel economy on par with the previous yet less powerful 2.7 litre V6.
Estimated numbers are 10.9L/100 km city/7.6/L 100 km hwy for the 3.6L model, 13.1/7.9 for the R/T and 13.1/8.7 for the AWD R/T.
All models now come with dual exhaust tips and V6 owners can choose to kit out their V6 Charger with the same 20-inch wheels and rear spoiler as the HEMI-endowed R/T.
 |
| Estimated numbers are 10.9L/100 km city/7.6/L 100 km hwy for the 3.6L model, 13.1/7.9 for the R/T and 13.1/8.7 for the AWD R/T. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |