full-size American sedan. And up until the 2008 economic meltdown, the Dodge Charger was frequently among the 10 best-selling vehicles in North America.
Now, 18 months after emerging from bankruptcy and with its new Italian partner Fiat at its side, Dodge is introducing an all-new version of the Charger for the 2011 model year. The new model addresses almost every complaint leveled at its predecessor, especially those criticisms regarding the quality of its interior.
Is the Charger back on track? Quite possibly, so I took to the street and racetrack in search of answers.
Although the 2011 Charger shares the basic package and many of the dimensions with the previous version, it is an almost entirely different vehicle. The floor pan is one of the few shared parts.
When placed side by side with the previous version, the 2011 Charger looks all new. Its styling harkens to the classic 1968 to 1970 version, especially the side scallops and full-width taillight assembly that features 164 illuminated LEDs to form the car's signature racetrack.
Styling moves metal, and the new Charger won't be handicapped by its new set of clothes.
The 2011 Charger's increased outward visibility is one obvious improvement. The steeply raked windshield was redesigned to provide better forward visibility, especially for viewing signals from above (such as traffic lights).
The rear windows around the C-pillar were restyled, too. The result is a side profile that is more coupé-like than the previous version, with outward visibility improved about 15 percent.
At the recent introduction of the 2011 Dodge Charger in the San Francisco Bay Area, Joe Dehner, head of Dodge and Ram Design, said, "Had we known that the previous version was going to be called Charger, we would have styled it differently, more aggressively than we did.
"With the 2011 Charger we are addressing these criticisms, giving the 2011 version the traditional Charger-like styling cues from the iconic 1968 to 1970 version.
"Our all-new 2011 Dodge Charger incorporates the essence of the second-generation Chargers with world-class execution in a fastback, four-door coupé silhouette. The early Chargers have a cult-like following that exists today. These cars are instantly recognizable with the menacing look and unmistakable coke bottle designs and remain true to the Dodge brand today."
My take on the styling? Clearly evolutionary, the new 2011 Dodge Charger retains a strong link to the previous generation. Yet from almost every angle it looks more sinister and aggressive, especially forward of the A-pillar.
One benefit of this is improved aerodynamics: The coefficient of drag on the 2011 Charger is an impressive .29, an 8-percent improvement over the outgoing model.
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