The big 4-door performance sedan from Dodge has taken a trip uptown and returned with a classic new look, greater refinement and better performance, which combine to deliver more driving pleasure than expected.
Thin slicing
Before delving deeply, I want to offer some initial thoughts that came to mind within the first few kilometres behind the Charger’s wheel; these rapid findings are described by Malcolm Gladwell as “thin slicing,” in his book, Blink.
The 2011 Dodge Charger R/T exhibits classic Charger styling cues while delivering outstanding HEMI-inspired performance. The vehicle looked better in the skin than I had anticipated, but more importantly, it performed with far more poise and refinement than I would have ever thought.
Along with its forceful response to a sinking right foot, the Charger R/T emanates the correct auditory track as it bursts forward; not loud and proud but rich and sonorous. Yet under normal operation, the powerful V8 is whisper-quiet and as docile as a sleepy house cat.
The final thin slice goes to ride and handling dynamics, both of which surprised me. I held visions of the old Charger’s clunkier underpinnings, which I’m happy to report, no longer exist. So with the thin slicing done, it’s time to dig further into the 2011 Charger R/T, beginning with its new sheetmetal and interior architecture.
Spirit captured
I was disappointed when Dodge launched the rebirth of the Charger in 2006; it looked bloated and failed to capture the essence of the classic Charger lines from the late 60s. That’s no longer the case.
The 2011 Charger exhibits a side profile with sculpting and a tail end that together draw strongly upon the lines of the 60s Charger, the sum of which is highlighted by an uninterrupted taillight that spans the width of the car, mimicking 1969.
 |
| The big 4-door performance sedan from Dodge has taken a trip uptown and returned with a classic new look, greater refinement and better performance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Thin slicing
Before delving deeply, I want to offer some initial thoughts that came to mind within the first few kilometres behind the Charger’s wheel; these rapid findings are described by Malcolm Gladwell as “thin slicing,” in his book, Blink.
The 2011 Dodge Charger R/T exhibits classic Charger styling cues while delivering outstanding HEMI-inspired performance. The vehicle looked better in the skin than I had anticipated, but more importantly, it performed with far more poise and refinement than I would have ever thought.
Along with its forceful response to a sinking right foot, the Charger R/T emanates the correct auditory track as it bursts forward; not loud and proud but rich and sonorous. Yet under normal operation, the powerful V8 is whisper-quiet and as docile as a sleepy house cat.
The final thin slice goes to ride and handling dynamics, both of which surprised me. I held visions of the old Charger’s clunkier underpinnings, which I’m happy to report, no longer exist. So with the thin slicing done, it’s time to dig further into the 2011 Charger R/T, beginning with its new sheetmetal and interior architecture.
Spirit captured
I was disappointed when Dodge launched the rebirth of the Charger in 2006; it looked bloated and failed to capture the essence of the classic Charger lines from the late 60s. That’s no longer the case.
The 2011 Charger exhibits a side profile with sculpting and a tail end that together draw strongly upon the lines of the 60s Charger, the sum of which is highlighted by an uninterrupted taillight that spans the width of the car, mimicking 1969.
 |
| One enters an upscale cabin when climbing into the latest Charger. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |