2011 Dodge Charger

2011 Dodge Charger

With the 2011 Charger, Dodge has gone even more overboard. Not all the change in the Charger is quite so graphic, but the Charger's new flares and filigrees "pop" on camera and strike a deep masculine nerve, like finding out Catholic girls'-school uniforms are suddenly back in style. The Charger shouts out for your attention; the front end tilts dizzyingly forward like a Leaning Tower of Crosshairs; the headlamps have such angry eyebrows you might need to apologize first, and ask why later. Dodge says it's "ready to attack the road"; maybe a restraining order is in order.

The Charger isn't quite as flamboyant on the inside; the new dash lays out a simple plan for you that involves big dials hashed in red, a plain piece of metallic-printed plastic to cover over some structural points that probably couldn't be changed inexpensively, and a big LCD screen for infotainment features. The dash face itself downplays in-your-face looks for clarity, much appreciated, and the materials used have taken a big ol' leap into the latest vein. The plastics give with just the right amount of squish, the chrome-y trim is applied with a pro makeup artist's restraint, and a minor qualm or two (window switches that pull up way too far, exposing switch edges) doesn't diminish the sophistication baked into the Charger's cockpit.

While the V-8 engines in the R/T and SRT8 remain the most desired models, much of the 2011 Dodge Charger model line is V-6-powered. This year, the Charger gets an all-new Pentastar 3.6-liter with 292 horsepower that replaces both the old 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V-6, outpacing them both in output by either 63 or 16 percent, respectively. Those V-6 models are respectable performers, but the V-8s are the stars of the lineup. Not many sensory perceptions can equal the throb of a massive V-8 in full mating call, and the HEMI V-8 is the equal of Ford's Mustang V-8 for its lascivious racket. Play around the 2000-rpm to 3000-rpm range and the HEMI connects with your inner lothario. The 5.7-liter belts out 370 horsepower with the thrilling force of great gospel music—and you won't be shocked if the 0-60 mph numbers flying around put this R/T in the 5.5-second range.