2012 Dodge Charger

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3961
City (MPG) 18
Hwy (MPG) 27
Horsepower 292@6350
Torque (lb-ft) 260@4800
Wheelbase 120.2
Length (in.) 199.9
Width (in.) 75.0
Height (in.) 58.4

Inspired by the original Dodge Charger s of the 1960s, the redesigned Dodge Charger full-size sedan builds on the 2006-2010 model it replaces while gaining a new look and a host of upgraded powertrain features.

The all-new Charger is immediately recognizable but boasts many enhancements inside, outside and underneath its more aggressive skin.

From the front, the crosshair grille returns, although the headlamps are more canted than before and the fascia tilts at a slightly more aggressive angle. The Charger's side profile is sleeker and more coupe-esque than the outgoing model and revised wheel designs look more upscale than before.

Perhaps the biggest changes have been applied to the Charger's tail, where a full-width tail lamp arrangement visually links the Charger with both past Dodge models and the company's Dodge Challenger sibling.

Dodge calls the tail lamps a "racetrack" graphic when their 164 LEDs are illuminated. Below the tail lamps, new squared-off tailpipes exit a more finished-looking faux diffuser.

The interior - a point of contention for many Chrysler products in recent years - now features upgraded materials and more cosmetically appealing designs, as well as Garmin navigation with Sirius Travel Link and the meaty corporate-wide three-spoke steering wheel that has arrived on nearly every new Chrysler product for the latest model year.

Several upscale options have been added to the Charger for the latest model, including adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path protection and a rear backup camera with grid lines.

Although the Charger still rides on a Mercedes-Benz -derived platform, Dodge says that the architecture has been re-engineered so much that it now considers it its "second-generation" E-segment platform.

Potent Powertrains
The Charger now features one V6 engine instead of the previous two. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivers 292 horsepower (up 63 percent) and 260 lb-ft of torque (up 36 percent) compared with the previous entry-level 2.7-liter V6 engine. The new Pentastar V6 also produces 42 more horsepower (up 16 percent) and 10 lb-ft more torque than the outgoing 3.5-liter V6.

Entry-level Pentastar-equipped Chargers make do with a carryover five-speed automatic, while mid- and upper-level trims get a new eight-speed auto. Mileage with the five-speed is rated at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while opting for the eight-cog unit increases efficiency to an impressive 19/31 mpg.

Stepping up to the Charger R/T brings a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with an output of 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. The HEMI motor pairs up with a five-speed automatic gearbox, and the combo is good for 16/25 mpg.

Rear-wheel-drive comes standard on the charger, while an optional all-wheel-drive system brings a segment-exclusive active transfer case with front axle disconnect. Dodge says the front axle disconnect helps save five percent on fuel economy by utilizing only rear-wheel-drive unless additional traction is needed. AWD brings fuel economy down to 18/27 mpg for V6 Chargers and 15/23 mpg for HEMI-equipped models.

Suspension and Handling Improvements
Performance handling requires maximum grip, and the all-new Dodge Charger now holds .90 g. Aiding in the fastback four-door car's improved road-holding capabilities is more aggressive front- and rear-camber geometry.

Set at -1.0 degrees in the front and -1.75 degrees in the rear, Dodge Charger is set up for high-speed cornering with its tires leaning inboard at the top relative to the body.

All-new premium hydrobushings combined with new monotube shock absorbers, spring rates and redesigned front and rear multi-link suspension geometries improve performance handling dynamics, smooth braking characteristics and deliver a more comfortable ride.

Among other suspension .5-inch (13 mm) tighter tire-to-fender fitment, a .15-inch (4 mm) lowered overall ride height and larger 19-inch wheels with P235/55R19 all-season performance tires.

Beyond its lower center of gravity, the Dodge Charger R/T AWD also gains improved handling due to new upper- and lower-control arms and shock-absorber bushings. In addition new half shafts feature high-precision bearing units that are sealed for added quality and durability.

Transmitting the Dodge Charger's maximum grip to the driver is an all-new electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system that features 25 percent quicker steering, more precise road feel and improved on-center tracking while reducing steering noise and fuel consumption.

Occupant Safety
Every Charger comes standard with dual front, front side and front and rear curtain airbags in addition to a driver knee airbag. Traction and stability control systems are also fitted.

Key Competitors
The only similarly-sized rear-wheel-drive rival to Charger in the same pricing ballpark is the Hyundai Genesis , which is slightly more expensive and puts an emphasis on luxury over performance. If front-wheel-drive isn't a deal breaker, full-size sedans like the Hyundai Azera , Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon also merit consideration.

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    • General
    • Body Style:Sedan
    • Size:Midsize
    • Market Segment:Standard
    • Weight:3961 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length:199.9 in.
    • Width:75.0 in.
    • Height:58.4 in.
    • Wheelbase:120.2 in.
    • Ground Clearance:5.0 in.
    • Front Track:63.4 in.
    • Rear Track:63.8 in.
    • Weight Distribution:52/48
    • Drag Coefficient:0.297
    • Interior - General
    • Seats:5
    • Passenger Volume:104.7 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume:16.5 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded):TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume:55.6 cu. ft.
    • Leg Room:41.8 in.
    • Head Room:38.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room:59.5 in.
    • Hip Room:56.2 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume:49.2 cu. ft.
    • Leg Room:40.1 in.
    • Head Room:36.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room:57.9 in.
    • Hip Room:56.1 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type:Gas
    • Engine Type:3.6L V6
    • Power:292 hp @ 6350 rpm
    • Torque:260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
    • Transmission:5-Speed Automatic
    • Highway Fuel Economy:27 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy:18 mpg
    • Forced Induction:None
    • Direct Injection:No
    • Chassis
    • Layout:Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension:Double Wishbone
    • Rear Suspension:Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front:17" Aluminum
    • Front Tires:P215/65R17
    • Rear:17" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires:P215/65R17
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight:1000 lbs
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight:TBD

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    Step 1 - Trim

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      SE

      • 3.6L Pentastar V6 w/ 292 Horsepower+ up to 19 city / 31 hwy mpg+
      • 5-Speed AutoStick Transmission
      • 17-Inch Painted Aluminum Wheels
      • Keyless Enter 'n Go System+
      • Uconnect Touch™ 4.3 Radio+
      • Driver Seat w/ 6-Way Power Adjust
      • Driver Knee Airbag+
      • Reactive Head Rests +
      • Rain Brake Support & Ready Alert Braking
      • Hill Start Assist

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      SXT

      • Includes Everything on SE, Plus:
      • Available in RWD or AWD
      • 8-speed automatic transmission w/ E-shift
      • Heated Exterior Mirrors
      • Fog Lamps
      • SiriusXM Satellite Radio
      • Dual-Zone Temperature Control w/ Humidity Control
      • Remote Start+
      • Six Premium Speakers w/ Amplifier
      • Driver Seat w/ 8-Way Power Adjust and 4-Way Lumbar Adjust

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      SXT Plus

      • Includes Everything on SXT, Plus:
      • Available in RWD or AWD
      • 18-Inch Chrome-Clad Aluminum Wheels
      • Heated/Cooled Cup Holders
      • Leather-trimmed bucket seats
      • Heated Front and Rear Seats
      • Front Passenger Seat w/ 8-Way Power
      • Adjust and 4-Way Power Lumbar
      • Security Alarm
      • Front Overhead LED Lighting

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      R/T

      • Includes Everything on SXT, Plus:
      • Available in RWD or AWD
      • 5.7L HEMI V8 w/ 370 Horsepower,+ Fuel Saver Technology and 25 hwy mpg+
      • 5-Speed AutoStick Transmission
      • 18-Inch Painted/Polished Aluminum Wheels
      • Sport Cloth Bucket Seats
      • Performance Suspension
      • Performance Brakes
      • HID Headlamps
      • Fog Lamps

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      R/T Plus

      • Includes Everything on R/T, Plus:
      • Available in RWD or AWD
      • 18-Inch Chrome-Clad Aluminum Wheels
      • Sport Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
      • Heated/Cooled Cup Holders
      • Heated Front and Rear Seats
      • Driver and Front Passenger Seats w/ 8-Way Power Adjust and 4-Way Lumbar
      • Security Alarm
      • Front Overhead LED lighting
      • Ambient Footwell Lighting

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      R/T Road & Track Package

      • Includes Everything on R/T Plus, Plus:
      • 20-Inch Chrome-Clad Aluminum Wheels
      • Satin Black Grille and Surround
      • R/T Heritage Badge
      • Perforated Leather-Trimmed Seats w/ Suede Inserts and Ventilation
      • Steering Wheel Mounted Shifter Controls
      • Power Adjustable Pedals w/ Memory
      • Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
      • Auto Adjust in Reverse Exterior Mirrors w/ Driver Auto Dimming

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      R/T Max

      • Includes Everything on R/T Plus, Plus:
      • Available in RWD or AWD
      • Uconnect Touch 8.4N Radio+
      • Garmin Nav. and SiriusXM Travel Link
      • Nine speakers w/ 506-Watt Amplifier
      • Power Adjustable Pedals w/ Memory
      • Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
      • ParkView Rear Back Up Camera+
      • ParkSense Rear Park Assist System+
      • SmartBeam Intelligent Headlamps

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    Drivetrain

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    Total Price:

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    Step 2 - Options

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    Exterior

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    Packages

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      Connectivity Group

      • Bluetooth Streaming Audio
      • Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
      • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
      • Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Microphone
      • Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth
      • Communicate virtually hands-free with an in-vehicle, voice-activated system that allows you to talk using your Bluetooth-compatible phone.

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    Interior Colors

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      Black Interior Color

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      Black / Light Frost Beige Interior Colors

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      Black / Tan Interior Colors

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    Exterior Colors

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      Blackberry Pearl Coat Exterior Paint

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      Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat Exterior Paint

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      Bright White Clear Coat Exterior Paint

      • N/A

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      Pitch Black Exterior Paint

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      Redline 3-Coat Pearl Exterior Paint

      • N/A

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      Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat Exterior Paint

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    Interior

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      Uconnect Touch 4.3 CD/MP3

      • N/A

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      Uconnect Touch 4.3S CD/MP3/SAT

      • CD/MP3 with 4.3-inch touch screen, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Audio Jack, Uconnect® Voice Command with Remote USB Port, available on select models.
      • 4.3-Inch Touch Screen Display
      • Audio Jack Input for Mobile Devices
      • Every Uconnect™ Media Center radio is equipped with a 3.5 mm Audio Jack that lets you play music from any audio source (MP3 players, electronic book readers, etc.) through your car's speakers. Just connect a cable from your player's headphone jack to the Audio Jack.
      • Remote USB Port
      • SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/ 1-Yr Radio Subscription
      • Hear what a great car sounds like. With over 130 channels, SiriusXM Satellite Radio brings you more of what you love. You get 100% commercial-free music from nearly every genre, artist-dedicated channels and live performances you can't hear anywhere else. Hear the best sports coverage with live play-by-play and expert talk including every NFL® game, every NASCAR® race, college sports and more. The biggest and most compelling names in talk with Howard Stern and Martha Stewart, laugh-out-loud comedy with Jamie Foxx's The Foxxhole and Blue Collar Comedy, world-class news, family programming, local traffic & weather every 4 minutes and much more. And now you can add "The Best of XM" to your SiriusXM subscription and get even more amazing programming with Oprah Radio™, NBA and NHL® games, the 24/7 NHL Home Ice® and MLB® Home Plate™ channels, the PGA TOUR® Network, college sports, Opie & Anthony and much more. Now more than ever, Everything Worth Listening to Is on SiriusXM. Your first year of SiriusXM radio service is included. For more information call 1-888-539-SIRIUS (7474). SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. SiriusXM Radio requires a subscription, sold separately after trial subscription included with vehicle purchase. Prices and programming are provided by SiriusXM and are subject to change. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Terms & Conditions available at sirius.com. Other fees and taxes apply. "The Best of XM" not available on all radios. SiriusXM Radio U.S. service only available in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C., and Puerto Rico, to those at least 18 years of age. Service available in Canada; see www.siriuscanada.ca.

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    Powertrain

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      5-Speed Automatic Transmision

      • The high-performance W5A580 5-speed transmission provides an exceptionally smooth ride and shifting, while reducing fuel consumption.

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      8-Speed Auto Transmission w/ E-Shifter

      • N/A

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      Engine Block Heater

      • N/A

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