Dodge Charger Priced to Take On Midsize Imports

Toyota and Honda Might Not be Worried, but GM and Ford Should Be

Six-cylinder versions of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the midsize sedan market leaders, start much higher than their four-cylinder siblings. The Camry LE V6 starts at $22,530 and the Accord LX V6 at $23,950, which is reason enough for Dodge to choose $22,995, including $675 destination for the base price of its V6-powered Charger.

"Dodge Charger offers bold styling and performance at a tremendous value," said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. "For a base price of less than $23,000, Dodge Chargers muscle car styling comes with standard safety features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), All-speed Traction Control and four-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (ABS). The Dodge Charger R/T, featuring the legendary 340-horsepower HEMI V-8 engine with the fuel- saving Multi-displacement System (MDS), delivers 0 to 60 times of less than six seconds ... for less than $30,000."

Yes, unlike its import rivals the Charger features some top-tier equipment as standard fare. Electronic stability control, which has the ability to redirect a skidding car in the direction that the steering wheel is pointing regardless of any driver induced countermeasures, is considered to be the most important new safety technology to appear since antilock brakes and the airbag; it comes standard with the Charger and not on the V6-powered Camry or Accord.

Likewise, ABS is standard across the Charger line too, as is all-speed traction control. A full assortment of airbags is

also available. Other premium-like features include standard 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, driver and passenger lumbar support seating, electric rear window defroster, manual tilt and telescoping steering column, power mirrors, power windows (driver one-touch) and locks with auto reverse sensing system, power trunklid release, remote keyless/illuminated entry and speed (cruise) control.

The base SE model gets Chrysler Groups 2.7-liter V6 engine, which produces 190-horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque while delivering fuel economy estimates of 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. While

underpowered compared to its Toyota and Honda rivals, which make 210- and 240-horsepower, plus 220 and 212 lb-ft of torque respectively, the Charger beats the Camrys 20 mpg highway fuel consumption, and ties its 31 mpg city rating. It also surprisingly ties the Accords 21 mpg city rating while narrowly missing its 32 mpg highway number.

While the SE might be down a bit on power, those wanting more can upgrade to the Charger SXT, featuring the same 3.5-liter V6 as found in the mid-range Chrysler 300, capable of 250-horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque; more than both Camry and Accord. With the extra power comes a slight increase in fuel consumption, with the expected rating being 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.

But its not all about power. Rather, the Charger offers Mercedes-Benz E-Class derived suspension components even in base trim. Rear-wheel drive is considered best for enthusiast driving, giving the Charger the edge over any of its imported contenders, and its standard stability control allows for even greater grip than a front-drive car without stability control, which should relieve those who normally would opt for front-wheel drive in order to counter slippery conditions brought about by cold Northern winters.

The Charger also sports a Mercedes-Benz derived steering rack, plus an available five-speed automatic transmission boasting AutoStick manual shift mode, also pulled from the M-B parts bin and now made here in the U.S.

The rest of the Charger will be built north of the 49th, by the way, at DaimlerChrysler Canadas Brampton Ontario facility, which also produces the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum sport wagon.

The five-speed gearbox is available in SXT trim while a four-speed unit comes with the SE. In addition to the upgraded drivetrain, the SXT adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, 60/40 split folding rear seat with a center armrest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an eight-way power adjustable drivers seat, fog lamps, illuminated vanity mirrors, a chrome grille and a six-speaker Boston Acoustic audio system with a 276-watt digital

amplifier. The SXT upgrade will cost you $25,995, including $675 destination. Most likely, this will be the most popular Charger.

Still, Chryslers 300 has sold extremely well in HEMI V8-powered 300C trim, which may mean the R/T will be as popular as the six-cylinder cars. The same 340-horsepower 5.7-liter mill that powers the 300C and Magnum R/T gets the nod for Charger R/T duties, mated to the same 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode that comes in the two sibling models as well as the Charger SXT.

The R/Ts HEMI also comes with Chrysler Groups sophisticated Multi-Displacement System (MDS), the first cylinder deactivation system to be sold in North America on large-volume vehicles. MDS is expected to increase fuel economy by up to 20 percent while still delivering all the power and even more torque than the new-age HEMI V8 is becoming legendary for.

New developments such as high-speed electronic controls, sophisticated algorithms controlling the systems and the integration of electronic throttle control have made the technology possible. As a result Chrysler Group reports a seamless deactivation and activation process, needing only 40 milliseconds (0.040 seconds) to transition from eight-cylinders to four or vice versa.

So how does it work? Essentially MDS deactivates the valve lifters in four of theV8s cylinders (1, 7, 4 and 6), resulting in four closed valves and zero combustion in half the cylinders. Fortunately the "dead" cylinders dont drag energy from the working four, due to air being pumped through those cylinders temporarily out of action. It should be said that Hondas V6-powered Accord also offers a cylinder deactivation system now. Chrysler Group, Honda and GM are the only automakers to do so.

HEMI V8 aside, the Charger R/T delivers uprated performance brakes with two-piston calipers, plus suspension upgrades

capped off with a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels and performance touring tires. Dual-bright exhaust tips are also included, as are power heated/folding mirrors, leather-faced seats with heated cushions up front, power adjustable pedals, satin silver interior accents and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Charger R/T starts at $29,995, including $675 destination, which is $3,810 less than the $33,805 2005 Chrysler 300C, and $750 less than the $30,745 Magnum R/T.

While GM is starting to offer its mid- and full-size front-drive sedans with conservatively-tuned V8-power, at least when compared to the Chrysler Groups HEMI, whats most important to Mopar fans is that the Chargers imported rivals dont even offer eight-cylinder variants, giving all Chrysler Group LX cars a competitive advantage. While rising fuel prices might eventually slow down the domestic automakers roll, the popularity of HEMI-equipped Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles doesnt look to be fading for the time being. Possibly the time and expense the automaker put into developing its state-of-the-art cylinder-deactivation system has paid off.

Why compare a domestic sedan to the imports? Because Chrysler Group, parent company of Dodge, is the only member of the original Big-3 to be gaining market share; exactly what the imports are doing. That the DaimlerChrysler divisions recent inroads arent necessarily at the expense of Asian imports hardly matters, as its Michigan-based rivals are feeling the pressure to measure up from a product and profitability standpoint - Chrysler Group was the only domestic automaker to sustain a profit on the back of its vehicle division last year.

Will the new Charger help it to carry this trend forward? All indications are looking positive that the roll will continue. Despite a small group of contrarians upset at Dodge for labeling a four-door sedan with the Charger badge, a name best known for the late 60s to early 70s series of two-door muscle cars that won over fans on road and track, the car has received enthusiasm from auto show-goers, in Detroit where it was initially unveiled and then subsequently in shows across the country.

The fact is, what the Charger has over its imported rivals is pure, unadulterated sex appeal. Those who want it, want it a lot. Camry and Accord owners might feel strongly about their purchases, but for very different reasons than Charger buyers will.

The Charger will be available in seven colors no matter the trim level, including Bright Silver Metallic, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl, Brilliant Black, Magnesium Pearl, Midnight Blue Pearl, Cool Vanilla and Silver Steel Metallic.

Unlike the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, the Charger isnt specified with an all-wheel drive upgrade. Being that such a system exists for the other LX cars, it will most likely be made available for the Dodge sedan at a later date.

Likewise, a specially tuned Charger SRT8 will surface soon after the Charger SE, SXT and R/T start arriving in dealerships across the nation this spring, sporting a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 producing 425-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, plus a sport-tuned suspension, uprated brakes and Viper-inspired bodywork.

A special Daytona R/T package will also be available (see automotive news for Feb 8, 2005: Cool New Charger Daytona R/T Looks Ready to Race), as will a police specification package (see automotive news for Mar 28, 2005: Dodge in Hot Pursuit of Police Car Market).