Dodge's full-size Charger sedan adds some new technology for 2017, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an upgraded Uconnect infotainment system that boots up more quickly, boasts more processing power and better graphics, and a new available 8.4-inch touchscreen with pinch/tap/swipe capability.
The Rallye appearance group gets new black 19-inch wheels, and SXT models can add houndstooth cloth seats; there are a couple of new paint colours, too.
And speed freaks will like that the Hellcat gets new, lighter 20-inch wheels that save 1.8 kg of unsprung weight at each wheel, new badging and a steering wheel with lighted logo (for Hellcat and SRT 392).
The Charger is a four-door muscle car that has few direct competitors; most of America's big-bore sports cars are coupes, like Dodge's own Challenger (covered in its own buyer's guide entry). But Dodge wants to attract a wider audience than that interested in big V8s, so the Charger starts out in SE and SXT trims with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 that makes 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in normal guise, and 300 hp and 264 lb-ft with the optional Rallye group.
R/T trim uses a 5.7L Hemi V8 making 370 hp and 395 lb-ft, and R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 get a 6.4L Hemi that makes 485 hp and 475 lb-ft.
Finally, the Hellcat stands alone with a 6.2L supercharged Hemi that pounds out 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.
All engines come bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission; V6 models can be optioned with AWD.
Fuel consumption estimates are 12.4/7.7 L/100 km (city/highway) with the V6 and RWD, and 12.8/8.6 for V6/AWD models. 5.7L versions are rated 14.8/9.3, and the Scat Pack and SRT 392's 6.4L Hemi's figures are 15.7/9.5. Hellcat owners probably don't care, but that car's estimates are 17.6/10.7 L/100 km.
SE models come with the V6 and RWD, a seven-inch customizable gauge cluster display, air conditioning with dual-zone manual temperature control, black cloth seating, power six-way driver's seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, dual USB charging ports, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, Bluetooth with streaming audio function, media hub, six-speaker stereo with Uconnect 5.0 infotainment system, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, power windows with front one-touch up/down, lighted vanity mirrors, 17-inch satin silver aluminum wheels, projector headlights, body colour fascia, door handles and side mirrors, dual exhaust with bright tips, gloss black grille with satin chrome crosshairs, passive keyless entry, capless full filler and tire pressure monitoring display.
SXT trim adds a stereo with 276-watt amplifier, upgraded alternator, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, manual folding heated side mirrors, front and rear map pocket lights, gloss black grille crosshairs, mesh interior accents, LED fog lights, media hub with two USB ports ad auxiliary input, 12-way power driver's seat with four-way lumbar, remote engine start, satellite radio, sport cloth upholstery, heated front seats, 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, garage door opener and 18-inch satin carbon wheels.
In SE and SXT models, AWD comes with 19-inch wheels, normal-duty suspension and performance brakes.
R/T models, along with the 5.7L engine, add 20-inch wheels, upgraded rear axle, active exhaust, auto-dimming driver's side mirror, automatic adjust-in-reverse side mirrors, HID headlights, body colour rear spoiler, LED footwell lighting, driver's seat memory, front overhead LED lighting, gloss black front fascia applique, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, Hemi badging, Nappa leather seating, rear park assist and backup camera, performance brakes, power driver and front passenger seats with four-way lumbar, rear-seat armrest, security alarm, sport mode, paddle shifters, sport suspension and ventilated front seats. R/T also trades a spare tire for a tire service kit.
R/T Scat Pack bumps up to the 6.4L engine, unique 20-inch wheels, upgraded alternator, anti-spin rear axle, cloth performance seats, body colour fascias and lower cladding, Brembo brakes, dark brushed interior accents, functional hood scoop, high-performance suspension and steering wheel, LED fog lights, severe duty engine cooling, engine oil cooler and three-mode stability control. The Scat Pack package also deletes the R/T's HID headlights in favour of halogens, but these, along with many of the R/T's other comfort and convenience features, can be optioned into the Scat Pack.
The SRT 392 gets full leather seating embossed with the SRT logo, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel, six-speaker 276-watt stereo, paddle shifters, HID headlights, adaptive damping suspension and Brembo brakes with 15.4-inch front rotors.
Finally, the Hellcat gets a power-bulge hood and cold air intake and air extractors, red-faced gauge cluster, competition suspension and performance-tuned steering, Harman Kardon stereo with 19 speakers, and two key fobs: a red one that allows the engine to run to full power, and a black one that limits output.
