Fresh digs
Chrysler and cabins, cabins and Chrysler, we've all heard it; they more or less sucked. These days, they may not be leading the pack but they're far from trailing it. The layout is simple, functional and, in my tester, highlighted by Chrysler's impressive Uconnect Touch Media Centre's 8.4-inch screen. Fit and finish are very good and the plastics are quite nice. Far from being trendsetting like a Ford Taurus's interior, the Charger's is just right.
The perches are well conceived and comfortable. The driving position is spot-on and up to four other passengers will find ease of ingress and egress, and plenty of head and legroom. It's practically impossible to fault the Charger's quarters. The only offensive comment I can make relates to the shifter's style and gate. When compared to the dashboard, it looks a little crude.
Hoping for gears
The transmission and numerous items related to it are the real sore points. Beyond the dated interior presentation, the transmission suffers from gear-shortage. At five cogs, the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T's 'box is down on its luck and I suspect that this is why throttle response is so lackadaisical. A gentle prod of the go-pedal is met with only resistance and hesitation, and then the car moves. It's almost as though the car was always in an “eco-mode.”
The 5.7L HEMI had me salivating at the mere mention of the car. I'm not one to complain about standing on a throttle pedal for maximum fun but even I like to take it easy once in a while. When seriously poked and prodded, the 370-hp and 395-lb-ft V8 makes mince-meat of pavement. The box works well generally speaking but I, and many other fans of the car, cannot wait until the HEMI inherits the 8-speed transmission currently reserved for the V6.
On the freeway, the V8 mellows out once I ease up on the pedal and it settles into a dignified drone. The HEMI's other trick is its FuelSaver MDS system (Multi-Displacement System) which can shut off four cylinders when coasting or cruising.
When passing, much pressure is required to get the gearbox to kick down a few notches; it's not terrible but this situation affects the car's overall refinement. As far as the drive is concerned, the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T proves to be very civil in all situations.
Chrysler and cabins, cabins and Chrysler, we've all heard it; they more or less sucked. These days, they may not be leading the pack but they're far from trailing it. The layout is simple, functional and, in my tester, highlighted by Chrysler's impressive Uconnect Touch Media Centre's 8.4-inch screen. Fit and finish are very good and the plastics are quite nice. Far from being trendsetting like a Ford Taurus's interior, the Charger's is just right.
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| The layout is simple, functional and, in my tester, highlighted by Chrysler's impressive Uconnect Touch Media Centre's 8.4-inch screen. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
The perches are well conceived and comfortable. The driving position is spot-on and up to four other passengers will find ease of ingress and egress, and plenty of head and legroom. It's practically impossible to fault the Charger's quarters. The only offensive comment I can make relates to the shifter's style and gate. When compared to the dashboard, it looks a little crude.
Hoping for gears
The transmission and numerous items related to it are the real sore points. Beyond the dated interior presentation, the transmission suffers from gear-shortage. At five cogs, the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T's 'box is down on its luck and I suspect that this is why throttle response is so lackadaisical. A gentle prod of the go-pedal is met with only resistance and hesitation, and then the car moves. It's almost as though the car was always in an “eco-mode.”
The 5.7L HEMI had me salivating at the mere mention of the car. I'm not one to complain about standing on a throttle pedal for maximum fun but even I like to take it easy once in a while. When seriously poked and prodded, the 370-hp and 395-lb-ft V8 makes mince-meat of pavement. The box works well generally speaking but I, and many other fans of the car, cannot wait until the HEMI inherits the 8-speed transmission currently reserved for the V6.
On the freeway, the V8 mellows out once I ease up on the pedal and it settles into a dignified drone. The HEMI's other trick is its FuelSaver MDS system (Multi-Displacement System) which can shut off four cylinders when coasting or cruising.
When passing, much pressure is required to get the gearbox to kick down a few notches; it's not terrible but this situation affects the car's overall refinement. As far as the drive is concerned, the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T proves to be very civil in all situations.
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| When seriously poked and prodded, the 370-hp and 395-lb-ft V8 makes mince-meat of pavement. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |