While living with a fairly basic 5-speed automatic transmission at present, information sources claim that an 8-speed autobox is headed the Charger’s way. This unit should further improve fuel economy while notching performance figures slightly upward.
The existing transmission functions quite effectively. It features an electronic manual mode that unfortunately does not blip the throttle during downshifts to rev-match the lower gear, plus shift paddles are not available at present. Still, I wouldn’t be too discouraged—today’s autobox works well.
Charger re-charge
In wrapping up this week’s test drive, I have to admit to liking this car–and liking it a lot. I’ve always had a “thing” for big cars, especially big cars that can perform, and that’s what the 2011 Charger R/T AWD does very well.
There’s just enough retro-theme in the latest Charger iteration to allow former Charger fans to connect with it emotionally. And once they drive it, they’ll appreciate what thirty-odd years can do in terms of refinement and performance, especially if a “HEMI” badge adorns the fenders.
Of course, there’s the fuel issue to contend with. Despite its ability to deactivate four cylinders to improve economy, the commanding HEMI is rated at 14.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.5 L/100 km on the highway. Drive it hard about town, and the consumption spikes notably.
Yet, if a person is judicious in his/her use of the HEMI’s brute force, the Charger’s consumption is reasonably bearable when judged against the delight it brings to those yearning a classic Charger experience but with today’s sophisticated technology.
The existing transmission functions quite effectively. It features an electronic manual mode that unfortunately does not blip the throttle during downshifts to rev-match the lower gear, plus shift paddles are not available at present. Still, I wouldn’t be too discouraged—today’s autobox works well.
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| There’s just enough retro-theme in the latest Charger iteration to allow former Charger fans to connect with it emotionally. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Charger re-charge
In wrapping up this week’s test drive, I have to admit to liking this car–and liking it a lot. I’ve always had a “thing” for big cars, especially big cars that can perform, and that’s what the 2011 Charger R/T AWD does very well.
There’s just enough retro-theme in the latest Charger iteration to allow former Charger fans to connect with it emotionally. And once they drive it, they’ll appreciate what thirty-odd years can do in terms of refinement and performance, especially if a “HEMI” badge adorns the fenders.
Of course, there’s the fuel issue to contend with. Despite its ability to deactivate four cylinders to improve economy, the commanding HEMI is rated at 14.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.5 L/100 km on the highway. Drive it hard about town, and the consumption spikes notably.
Yet, if a person is judicious in his/her use of the HEMI’s brute force, the Charger’s consumption is reasonably bearable when judged against the delight it brings to those yearning a classic Charger experience but with today’s sophisticated technology.
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