2011 Dodge Charger: First Look
- Competes with: Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon
- Looks like: Dodge isn’t done with retro
- Drivetrain: 3.6-liter V-6, 5.7-liter V-8, rear or all-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: End of 2010
The redesigned Dodge Charger doesn’t look remarkably different from the current model at first glance, at least if you’re looking at the grille. Once you start to move around the large sedan, the curve scooped out of the doorsills shocks you, and then the single bar back will blow you away.
Overall, the redesign is a smash hit for fans of the Challenger coupe and the original Charger concept car from over a decade ago that featured both the single bar tail and the scalloped sides. Standout features include an aluminum hood and the 164 LEDs that make up the taillights. Hope you can replace them one at a time.
Unfortunately, Dodge didn’t provide interior photos, but for some reason it went into great detail describing what it looks like. “Meant to evoke the golden age of performance cars, the driver-centric design theme of the 2011 Dodge Charger’s interior cockpit is instantly brought to life by the new driver’s instrument-panel bezel. It showcases a seamless, billeted and highly detailed appearance that carries through the instrument cluster, center stack and center console. The 2011 Charger also features a new thick-rimmed three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for enhanced performance feel and grip.” OK.
What we do know is that the base Charger, the SE, will get the company’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar engine, which should make the car more competent than the outgoing V-6 models. That engine will also be offered in a Rallye trim. The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 returns to the R/T with either rear or all-wheel drive.
Performance figures have not been released. We expect to learn more, including pricing, closer to the on-sale date later this year. For now check out the pictures Dodge released below.
