1966 Dodge Charger Headlight Switch

2011 Dodge Charger R/T AWD Hemi | Zero Point

2011 Dodge Charger R/T AWD. Click image to enlarge

For 2011, that grille protrudes further forward than the headlights which are now recessed, giving the Charger a more aggressive look. Combined with a rear deck spoiler, standard 19-inch tires and alloy wheels, dual chrome tailpipes, and “Toxic Orange Pearl Coat” paint, this week’s test Charger R/T AWD is a very sporty looking full-size sedan.

If the producers of the Dukes of Hazzard ever decide to do a remake, the next generation “General Lee” is ready to fly!

There have been changes under the hood, too. For 2011, a new 3.6-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine replaces both the 2.7-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 that were offered in 2010. The 3.6 puts out more horsepower and torque than either of those engines: 292 horsepower at 6,350 r.p.m. and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 r.p.m., and is standard in the Charger SE ($29,995), SXT ($31,995), and SXT Plus ($33,995). The V6 is mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission.

The top-of-the-line Charger R/T includes the famous 5.7-litre Hemi overhead valve V8 engine that, in this case, pumps out 370 horsepower at 5,350 r.p.m. and 395 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 r.p.m. – and includes Chrysler’s MDS cylinder deactivation system that automatically deactivates four of the eight cylinders under light load to help save fuel. The R/T comes with a standard five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode, 19-inch tires, performance suspension, and HID head lights. The Charger R/T model starts at $37,995.

A meaner-looking R/T “Road and Track” model, $38,995, adds 20-inch tires and chrome alloys, a satin black grille and surrounding trim, performance exhaust, high-speed engine controller, and 3.06 rear axle ratio.

But the subject of this review is the R/T AWD, $39,995, which comes with everything in the regular R/T model plus a full-time all-wheel drive system that is rear-biased, meaning that it’s a rear-wheel drive car that transfers torque to the front wheels automatically via a centre differential when needed. Under ideal conditions, it can completely disconnect from the front wheels to help save fuel.

Our test car came with $3,375 worth of options, including a premium 506-watt, nine-speaker sound system, power tilt/telescoping heated steering wheel, power pedals, navigation system, UConnect Touch, rear parking sensors and rear-view camera, blind spot and cross-path detection, and adaptive cruise control with collision warning. With a $1,400 Freight charge and $100 a/c tax, the as-tested price came to $44,870.

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