Dodge has used the Charger name on many vehicles over the past few decades and most recently resurrected it in 2006 for this large rear-wheel-drive sedan, which replaced the Intrepid. Many muscle-car fans were disappointed as this is the first time the Charger name has been used on a four-door car.

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The Charger shares its platform, and thus many parts, with the Chrysler 300 and rolls out of the same Brampton, Ontario assembly facility in Canada. The resemblance between the two vehicles can easily be seen in the boxy proportions and high belt line. The Charger is positioned and priced lower in the market.

The high-performance SRT8 excluded, the Charger is motivated by two V6s and a Hemi V8.

2009 Update

Dodge quietly unveiled an updated Charger for the 2009 model year. While the SXT model remains relatively unchanged for the new model year, the R/T trim level received a rather significant performance bump, while the SE has been downrated.

The R/T’s 5.7L HEMI V8 remains for ’09, but more power will be on tap for the new model year, thanks to a new variable valve timing system. Horsepower is boosted from 340 to 368, while torque sees a 5 lb-ft increase to 395 lb-ft -- both figures trumping the Pontiac G8 GT’s 361 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque.

This engine is equipped with Dodge's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which can shut off four cylinders during highway cruising and light acceleration for better fuel economy.

Despite the increase in power, the R/T will also see a boost in fuel economy. Whereas the 2008 Charger R/T returned 15/23 mpg city/highway, the new, more powerful ’09 model receives EPA ratings of 16 city 25 highway.

However, the entry-level Charger SE will be taking a bit of a backslide. Its 2.7L V6 will carry over, but output in now rated at 178 horsepower, down from 190. Despite having 12 fewer horses under your right foot, the Charger SE won’t be any easier on fuel, matching last year’s ratings of 18/26 city/highway.

Exterior changes include newly designed taillights, with the car’s antenna moving to just above the rear window. Interior changes are minimal as well, with the SE now receiving the same interior as the R/T, and the R/T gaining satin silver trim.+

The SXT continues with its 3.5-liter V6, delivering 250 horsepower.

The R/T and SXT come with a five-speed automatic gearbox, while the SE has a more basic four-speed automatic.

Options

The SXT and R/T models can be had with an all-wheel-drive system for better traction in low-grip situations.

The Charger has large fenders to fill, so Dodge makes available only large wheels and tires in sizes 17, 18 and 20 inches.

Impressive features available on the Charger include a back-seat SIRIUS satellite video system, 20-gigabyte MyGIG infotainment system, 276-watt eight-speaker Boston Acoustics stereo, plus illuminated cupholders and map pockets.

Dodge offers a police package on the Charger, which has been ordered by forces in the United States, Canada, Mexico and even the Middle East. The package features the Hemi V8, heavy-duty brake and cooling systems, performance steering and other modifications.