2010 Dodge Charger Preview

Confirmed for 2010 are redesigned full-size sedans in the form of a new Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Chrysler is currently putting some research and development money into looking into the fuel efficiency of these models. This is spearheaded specifically because of the recent partnership with Nissan.

The next generation Charger is expected to merge the styling of the current version with a more classic look from the famous 1968 Chargers, one of the most stylish vehicles ever built. We expect that most of the “look” will be based on the current Charger rather than the 1968s. The Charger will be less boxy, to improve noise and gas mileage; Styling now reports to Engineering’s Frank Klegon, and aerodynamics has taken a more advanced position.
As with the police cars, expect modified axle ratios, made more practical by the greater power from the V6 and V8 alike. Yet, all-around performance is to go up; the revised V6 and the 2009 Hemi changes will make this possible. The 3.6 liter is supposed to provide 280 hp with better mileage than the current 250 hp 3.5 liter.

Available Trim Levels

Charger should continue to come in four trim levels: base SE, mid-level SXT, sporty R/T, and high-performance SRT8. All should remain rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive will likely remain available on the SXT and R/T. SE should continue to have a 178-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Likely remaining optional on SE and standard on SXT is a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6; a 4-speed automatic transmission should continue to be standard with rear-wheel drive while AWD versions should continue to have a 5-speed. R/T models will likely continue to get a version of Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 370 hp. R/T should continue to have a 5-speed automatic and Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation.

Consumer Test Drive

The 3.5 V6 is fine in town and has good passing punch. Dodge says it does 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds with rear-drive. R/T has ready power from any speed. Multi-Displacement System switches between four and eight cylinder operation without interrupting power flow. SRT8 models are bona fide muscle cars, reaching 60 mph from a stop in just 5.0 seconds.

In Consumer Guide testing, rear-drive 3.5 V6 models averaged 17.9-21.6 mpg; extended-use-test Charger SXT averaged 19.4 mpg over 6147 miles.
SRT8 averaged 14.3 mpg in mostly city driving, 16.9 in mostly highway driving. Dodge recommends regular-grade gas for the 2.7 V6, 89-octane for the 3.5-liter V6. Premium-grade gas is recommended for both V8 engines.

SRT-8s were expected to eventually use a production version of the 392 (6.4) Hemi with about 450-475 hp and MDS for better gas mileage. The SRT8 in reality will likely have a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and a 5-speed automatic without cylinder deactivation. The SRT8 should continue to have unique suspension tuning, as well as specific interior and exterior trim.

The V6 roars noticeably under hard acceleration. V8s make a throaty full-throttle growl--SRT8s sound like race cars--but are quiet enough in gentle cruising. R/Ts and SRT8s have more tire roar than other Chargers. Wind rush evident at highway speeds.

Safety Features

Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Likely remaining optional on the R/T is the Road/Track Performance Package, which includes 20-inch wheels, performance suspension, and heated front seats. Also likely to be available is Chrysler's uconnect multimedia suite, which can include a wireless cell phone link, 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music and picture files, and a navigation system with real-time traffic information.

The Charger features linear steering with good road feel with good stability at highway speeds. These big cars aren't nimble in quick direction changes, but they have fine balance and grip in turns, SRT8s in particular. R/T models feel firm and planted. All have confident stopping control, but some testers complain of long pedal travel. Test rear-drive V8 models negotiated rainy roads without undue slip. AWD is the recommended solution for all-weather traction.

Interior Design

Instruments are large and easy to read, but the steering-wheel rim cuts into view of turn-signal arrows and gauges for fuel and temperature. Most controls are within easy reach, though some are too low to easily adjust while driving. The navigation system is fairly easy to operate, though some functions could require fewer button presses. Interior materials are a slight grade below those of Chrysler 300, but are appropriate for these prices, with solid feel and a nice array of padded surfaces.

2010 Charger is spacious with ample headroom and legroom. Generously sized seats, but flat cushions allow occupants to slide during aggressive cornering. SRT8 and Charger R/T with Road/Track Performance Group address this problem with sport buckets. SRT8 seats have good lateral support and outstanding comfort. Thick front roof pillars obscure view to front corners.

Charger has easy entry and exit with great room for two. Legroom and foot space are plentiful, even with front seats lowered and pushed well back. Head clearance is tight for six-footers. Enough thigh support for long-trip comfort, but the middle rider must straddle the bulky driveline hump.

Charger's trunk is usefully sized and shaped, but a relatively small opening complicates loading bulky objects. The standard split-folding 60/40 rear seatbacks enhance versatility, though they don't lay completely flat.

Vast passenger room, available all-wheel drive, and solid construction make Charger a good pick. The 3.5-liter V6 provides more-than-adequate power, as does the R/T versions' Hemi V8. SRT8 models are true modern muscle cars.