2011 Dodge Charger Preview

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Summary

The 2011 Dodge Charger (it may be a 2011 model but that's increasingly unlikely) will be made in Brampton alongside the 300C and possibly the Challenger or 200C; the launch is currently scheduled for around February 2011, but it may appear by September 2011. The introduction is expected to take place in calendar-year 2009; pilots will be made in summer 2009 for crash-testing, ride and handling tuning, and HVAC tuning and testing.
CEO Sergio Marchionne reportedly sent designers back to the drawing board when he saw the 2011 Charger, demanding a more distinctive look. There is no evidence for this rumor.

Aerodynamics

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. Pentastar V6 engine (née Phoenix Engine). The 3.6 liter will pump out 280 hp with better mileage than the current 250 hp 3.5 liter - more quietly than the Toyota V6. The restructuring plan tells us it will reach at least 25 mpg highway.

More gears in the transmission: an eight-speed is being studied, but one source has the five-speeds continuing. We're betting on the five-speed with the Hemi and a six-speed with the V6.

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 LY was to be used as the basis for three Mercedes classes: E, CLS, and R (starting in 2011-2012), when Daimler still owned Chrysler. 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. The official image shows a faux-Coke-bottle side view, with integrated front tail-light but separate rear tail-light. The Challenger convertible is on indefinite hold; a Chrysler rep asserted that the 2011 and 2011 Challengers are both in the "definite" category, with the 2011 getting "certain" changes. The Chrysler 200C will provide a stablemate with the same wheelbase.

Pre Production Test Drive 2011

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.

The SRT8 in reality will likely have a 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and a 5-speed automatic without cylinder deactivation. R/Ts and SRT8s have more tire roar than other Chargers. Wind rush evident at highway speeds.

Safety Features 2011

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.

The Charger features linear steering with good road feel with good stability at highway speeds. Test rear-drive V8 models negotiated rainy roads without undue slip.

Interior Design 2011

2011 Charger has all new better interiors. The next generation will set a new standard with spacious and ample headroom and legroom. It Has 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. Charger's trunk is usefully sized and shaped, but a relatively small opening complicates loading bulky objects.

Early 2011 Conclusions

Car sites, Blogs, and auto shows have been hyping up the concept Dodge Challenger to the point where you would think that the car is almost ready to roll off of a DCX assembly line. If the Challenger was available for sale today the waiting list would be many months long. Such is the demand for a retro car that takes its styling cues right from the '71 Challenger.

A new engine platform and some tweaks should make 2011 Challenger a must see for any car enthusiast. Yes, the Challenger won't be in new car showrooms any time soon. "So who doesn't want to relive their youth with a muscle car that combines performance with space for the family? Looks like another winner for Chrysler." says the Arizona Republic about the current model Charger. "For those who yearn for the good ol' days of good ol' boys and good ol' horsepower, the Charger's big-time power and brash styling represents a welcome revival," adds Edmunds. For those of us waiting with 'baited breath' we'll have to console ourselves with the many blogs, sites, and car shows hyping the car. As it currently stands, the car will be built as Daimler Chrysler has given its blessing to the new Challenger.