After a long period of absence Dodge has brought back the original bad boy of all cars
By Tushal Bhadang
When we get cars for test drives, there are many that we are eager to test and then there are the ones that we would leave our wives/girlfriends for. The Dodge Charger in its 2007 avatar had our tendencies inclined towards the latter. It’s bad to the bone, the big daddy, even cops use it now (in R/T form), the Charger is the epitome of the automobile phenomenon defined as American Muscle. Styled with an aggressive nose which extends beyond the headlights and rear muscular wheel arches, the straight but chiseled lines of the bootlid endow the Charger with looks to kill. The Charger rides low making it pure mobster heaven.
A quick twist of the key and we knew from that moment on, this was one thrill ride ahead of us. Though we had the ‘regular’ 3.5 litre high output V6 in the SXT trim for the test, it was more than enough to send our pulses racing. Developing a massive 340 Nm of torque at 3800 RPM and 250 bhp from 6400 RPM. The Charger is rear-wheel drive and Dodge has made sure that they receive all those ponies in the quickest way possible. Via a 5-speed AutoStick transmission, the car takes a little getting used to as the length is formidable and requires skill to control, a vague steering response didn't help much. A five-link independent rear suspension puts the leash on the horses that give the car not only a smooth ride but also the strength required to handle the G-forces it can create in the corners. This set-up not only reduces tyre roar and road noise but also lowers the unsprung weight which aids dynamic handling and lots of drift with the ESP (Electronic stability program) switched off. The Charger can shred tarmac and it does this via a smart rear differential which employs a synthetic lubricant that lasts the lifetime of the vehicle and also increases the fuel efficiency.
Don’t blame the driver if you see a the rear tyres smoking, it is that powerful, riding on 18-inch chromed aluminium wheels and wide 215/65R18 with touring tyres with P speed rating, it’s a win-win combo of amazing grip and long distance cruising comfort. On the inside the SXT trim comes with many of the goodies found in today’s cars. The trim is hard and plasticky and storage space is minimalist despite the size of the car. The seating position is low with a high windowsill and large but chunky steering wheel that is adjustable for rake and reach. Driver’s seat is adjustable for height but is on the softer side. A powerful air conditioner keeps even the rear passengers cool with separate rear vents. Generous legroom at the rear makes it a comfortable joyride. A 6-speaker, single CD with radio audio system spells entertainment in the Charger, though a number of optional packages with steering mounted controls and Boston Acoustic system are on offer in higher models.
Passenger safety is addressed via front airbags for driver and passenger; higher end models have side and curtain airbags as well. Disc brakes all around provide noteworthy braking efficiency but lack feedback. ABS and EBD are standard on all models.
Last word
Though we didn’t have the opportunity to test the 5.7 litre HEMI V8 or the 6.1 litre RT8 engined Charger, the baby Charger does exactly what it was designed to do – shred rubber. We do have a concern over its panel gaps also the interiors are hard plastic in a dull grey and black combo, which are a put off. It lacks essential parking sensors too. It has most of the features that complete it as a 4-door sedan, every kid on your block will love you and the Charger has the ability to change your personality, its cool in every way. It’s a wish of ours to see the Charger in coupe form, maybe Dodge should consider.
Rating 3/5
Car supplied by Behbehani Bros., Kingdom of Bahrain
By Tushal Bhadang
When we get cars for test drives, there are many that we are eager to test and then there are the ones that we would leave our wives/girlfriends for. The Dodge Charger in its 2007 avatar had our tendencies inclined towards the latter. It’s bad to the bone, the big daddy, even cops use it now (in R/T form), the Charger is the epitome of the automobile phenomenon defined as American Muscle. Styled with an aggressive nose which extends beyond the headlights and rear muscular wheel arches, the straight but chiseled lines of the bootlid endow the Charger with looks to kill. The Charger rides low making it pure mobster heaven.
A quick twist of the key and we knew from that moment on, this was one thrill ride ahead of us. Though we had the ‘regular’ 3.5 litre high output V6 in the SXT trim for the test, it was more than enough to send our pulses racing. Developing a massive 340 Nm of torque at 3800 RPM and 250 bhp from 6400 RPM. The Charger is rear-wheel drive and Dodge has made sure that they receive all those ponies in the quickest way possible. Via a 5-speed AutoStick transmission, the car takes a little getting used to as the length is formidable and requires skill to control, a vague steering response didn't help much. A five-link independent rear suspension puts the leash on the horses that give the car not only a smooth ride but also the strength required to handle the G-forces it can create in the corners. This set-up not only reduces tyre roar and road noise but also lowers the unsprung weight which aids dynamic handling and lots of drift with the ESP (Electronic stability program) switched off. The Charger can shred tarmac and it does this via a smart rear differential which employs a synthetic lubricant that lasts the lifetime of the vehicle and also increases the fuel efficiency.
Don’t blame the driver if you see a the rear tyres smoking, it is that powerful, riding on 18-inch chromed aluminium wheels and wide 215/65R18 with touring tyres with P speed rating, it’s a win-win combo of amazing grip and long distance cruising comfort. On the inside the SXT trim comes with many of the goodies found in today’s cars. The trim is hard and plasticky and storage space is minimalist despite the size of the car. The seating position is low with a high windowsill and large but chunky steering wheel that is adjustable for rake and reach. Driver’s seat is adjustable for height but is on the softer side. A powerful air conditioner keeps even the rear passengers cool with separate rear vents. Generous legroom at the rear makes it a comfortable joyride. A 6-speaker, single CD with radio audio system spells entertainment in the Charger, though a number of optional packages with steering mounted controls and Boston Acoustic system are on offer in higher models.
Passenger safety is addressed via front airbags for driver and passenger; higher end models have side and curtain airbags as well. Disc brakes all around provide noteworthy braking efficiency but lack feedback. ABS and EBD are standard on all models.
Last word
Though we didn’t have the opportunity to test the 5.7 litre HEMI V8 or the 6.1 litre RT8 engined Charger, the baby Charger does exactly what it was designed to do – shred rubber. We do have a concern over its panel gaps also the interiors are hard plastic in a dull grey and black combo, which are a put off. It lacks essential parking sensors too. It has most of the features that complete it as a 4-door sedan, every kid on your block will love you and the Charger has the ability to change your personality, its cool in every way. It’s a wish of ours to see the Charger in coupe form, maybe Dodge should consider.
Rating 3/5
Car supplied by Behbehani Bros., Kingdom of Bahrain
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