The 292-hp Pentastar will never rival the SRT8 for tire-burning launches. However, the extra planetary sets provide instant gear changes for quick passing manoeuvres and give the V6 Charger a lively, nimble character. Those models featuring Rallye Appearance and Blacktop packages sport die-cast steering wheel-mounted shifters – fun to use with gear selection featured in a full colour instrument display.
Suspension tweaks include hydraulic bushings instead of hard urethane, which absorbed the rough-aggregate sections of the test road quite well. On the handling track, the AWD-equipped models (available as an option on all but the base SE) were sure-footed, but the extra weight resulted in more lethargic performance and steering than the RWD Chargers.
Still – those living in our harsh winter climate are bound to appreciate that they can now choose to equip their V6 Chargers with AWD; formerly, it was restricted to range-topping V8 models. And, in an ingenious effort to conserve more fuel, the front axles can disengage from the 8-speed transmission when not needed.
Given my 'druthers, the Charger Blacktop would be my choice – despite the SRT8's prodigious power output.
Stealthy in matte black, with 20-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels, the Blacktop just looks mean – yet fun – without the over-the-top compensating-for-something look of the SRT8. The brushed aluminum console features an old-school slap-stick shifter, and the seats have extra side bolstering.
The Blacktop can't quite match the huge output of the SRT8's 470-hp HEMI, but the lighter powertrain helps it come out ahead in terms of manoeuvrability and sheer, nimble fun.
As with Ford's Mustang, the Charger's new V6 has become a desirable choice rather than a cost-effective compromise. But Chrysler is the only manufacturer to offer an 8-speed transmission in a domestic car.
Suspension tweaks include hydraulic bushings instead of hard urethane, which absorbed the rough-aggregate sections of the test road quite well. On the handling track, the AWD-equipped models (available as an option on all but the base SE) were sure-footed, but the extra weight resulted in more lethargic performance and steering than the RWD Chargers.
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| Those models featuring Rallye Appearance and Blacktop packages sport die-cast steering wheel-mounted shifters – fun to use with gear selection featured in a full colour instrument display. (Photo: Dodge) |
Still – those living in our harsh winter climate are bound to appreciate that they can now choose to equip their V6 Chargers with AWD; formerly, it was restricted to range-topping V8 models. And, in an ingenious effort to conserve more fuel, the front axles can disengage from the 8-speed transmission when not needed.
Given my 'druthers, the Charger Blacktop would be my choice – despite the SRT8's prodigious power output.
Stealthy in matte black, with 20-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels, the Blacktop just looks mean – yet fun – without the over-the-top compensating-for-something look of the SRT8. The brushed aluminum console features an old-school slap-stick shifter, and the seats have extra side bolstering.
The Blacktop can't quite match the huge output of the SRT8's 470-hp HEMI, but the lighter powertrain helps it come out ahead in terms of manoeuvrability and sheer, nimble fun.
As with Ford's Mustang, the Charger's new V6 has become a desirable choice rather than a cost-effective compromise. But Chrysler is the only manufacturer to offer an 8-speed transmission in a domestic car.
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