Dodge Charger
The last hurrah, this more than a decade-old generation will see big changes in its future. With the anticipated electrification of the upcoming model, the phrase "they don't make them like they used to" couldn't be truer. After years of refinement, we welcome the new 2023 Dodge Charger. Dodge plans to release seven special editions throughout the year, each of which call back to its muscle cars of the '60s and '70s. The 2023 Charger will also have an underhood plaque that reads "Last Call," a way to commemorate the end of an era.
The Dodge Charger is offered in several different trims, including SXT and SXT Plus, GT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack, and SRT Hellcat trims.
The rear-wheel drive Charger SXT model comes with a 292-horsepower, 3.6L V6, while the RWD GT, AWD GT and AWD SXT produce 300 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive system is automatic with an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect.
The R/T models channel Dodge's muscle-car past, stepping up to a 5.7L Hemi V8 with 370 horsepower and 395 foot-pounds of torque. The engine utilizes variable cam timing as well as a four-cylinder mode for fuel saving when the extra power isn't needed. R/T cars also feature several performance upgrades to the suspension, exhaust, brakes and seats. The R/T Scat Pack, meanwhile, benefits from a 485-hp 6.4L V8, which also makes 475 foot-pounds of torque.
Finally, Hellcat models stand atop the Charger heap, with a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 that produces 707 horsepower and 650 foot-pounds of torque. All Chargers make use of a standard TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Charger SXT comes well equipped with 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, a power driver's seat, dual-zone air conditioning, other power accessories and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. The SXT Plus adds 20-inch carbon painted wheels, heated front seats, four-way lumbar adjustability for the driver, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, one year of SiriusXM radio, a voice-command Uconnect interface with 8.4-inch touch screen and Bluetooth connectivity and a 276-watt Alpine six-speaker premium audio system.
In addition to the Hemi V8 and performance upgrades such as active damping in the suspension, the R/T provides 20-inch wheels, a rev-matching TorqueFlite transmission, plus paddle shifters and Sport Mode. It also benefits from Dodge Performance Pages, which provides real-time updates to a host of performance metrics in the car. Alcantara suede and Nappa leather sport seats are also available.
Finally, the Hellcat brings performance-tuned steering, torque reserve to build boost while stopped, which aids in faster launches, and the After-Run Chiller system borrowed from the Demon, which helps cool the supercharger after high-speed runs.
Notable options across the model range include the Driver Confidence Group, power heated mirrors, blind-spot and cross path detection. Navigation is available, as is a 19-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system.