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By Bob GolfenAZCentral.com
August 27, 2005
Dodge Charger, along with Chrysler 300 and the hot-rod-styled Dodge Magnum, seeks to revive the glory days of Detroit iron. Charger stokes the angst of classic-performance fans by returning as a four-door sedan instead of a fastback coupe. But shed no tears. From the glowering front end with its crosshair Dodge grille to its sloping roofline that mimics the old fastback look, the styling is aggressively swoopy and suitably powerful-looking. advertisement Charger was a major powerhouse in the heady performance days of the late '60s and early '70s, a big, sleek two-door that carried a variety of muscular V-8s up to 440 cubic inches under its broad hood. These days, those road burners are valuable collector's items, especially in such venues as Scottsdale's Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. The Hemi V-8 is a major part of the equation, although Charger can be had with a thriftier V-6. But bragging rights are crucial. If someone asks, "That thing got a Hemi?", it would seem a shame to reply, "Uh, no." With gas creeping toward the $3 mark, the allure of a big, booming V-8 starts to fade. Modern technology to the rescue, at least to some degree, with the V-8's Multi-Displacement System that deactivates four cylinders whenever full power is not required, such as highway cruising. The result, Chrysler says, is a 20 percent gain in fuel economy. Still, this is no hybrid and the Hemi's gas-sucking ways have to be considered. Especially if your heavy right foot craves the roar of modern muscle. - - - The lowdown PERFORMANCE: The Hemi V-8 is archaic technology but with a legendary reputation in racing and performance circles. Chrysler updates the Hemi, named for the shape of its combustion chambers, with the latest electronic systems. The switch between eight and four cylinders is completely seamless, other than an occasional shudder when changing speed on the freeway. The system makes Hemi more acceptable as gas prices soar. For $7,000 less, Charger comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 that churns a decent 250 horsepower and mileage of 19 city and 27 highway. advertisement DRIVABILITY: Weighing more than 2 tons, Charger is a heavy car and feels that way, though with optional firmed-up suspension and performance steering, the test car handled with assuredness. This contrasts with the old-school Charger, which was fast as a race car but cornered like a truck. STYLING: Chrysler designers score again with a sedan that incorporates the look of a sports coupe. A consistent head-turner, Charger carries the same substantial aura as Magnum and Chrysler 300. The low-profile windshield and side windows help Charger look sharp but can induce feelings of claustrophobia inside. INTERIOR: The interior is roomy and comfortable in most respects, though rear-seat passengers may feel cramped for headroom. The long expanse of rear window also can make them hot under the collar. The dashboard is straightforward and nicely arranged. The steering wheel looks racy at first blush, but the smooth plastic inserts on each spoke look and feel cheap. BOTTOM LINE: 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. - - - Related Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive. Engine: 5.7-liter V-8, 340 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, 390 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Transmission: Five-speed automatic. Wheelbase: 120 inches. Overall length: 200.1 inches. Curb weight: 4,100 pounds. EPA rating: 17 city, 25 highway. Highs: Hemi power, coupelike styling, roomy interior. Lows: Gas-mileage issues, rear headroom, chintzy steering-wheel trim. - - - Pricing Base price: $29,320. Price as tested: $32,225. OPTIONS * Road/Track performance group, including upgraded steering and suspension, load leveling and height control, performance tires on 18-inch alloy wheels and power seats and adjustable pedals, $1,600. * Electronics group, including display-screen instrument cluster, steering wheel controls and trip computer and information center, $630. * Shipping, $675. - - - For more on the Dodge Charger, go to autos.azcentral.com.
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