Dodge Flexes Muscles with New Charger

2015 Dodge Charger RT at NY Auto Show (Credit: © Dodge)

Dodge has unveiled the third generation of its modern, four-door muscle car, and the newest iteration of the Charger looks more modern, but still keeps its menacing edge. The automaker says that its designers reshaped every single body panel, meaning the car is significantly changed, unlike the more subtle differences between the first and second generations. Among the exterior styling changes are new LED headlights, foglights and taillights.

As for mechanicals, Dodge announced the Torqueflight eight-speed transmission comes standard with both engine choices. Base models are powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that Chrysler is pushing across its lineup. Shoppers who want more performance can go for the R/T with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, even though it does guzzle gas quite a bit more. So far, the brand has said nothing about an SRT8 model for 2015.

Some of the biggest changes come in the technology department, an area that has been a sore spot for Dodge in the past. Dodge says the 2015 Charger has over 80 available safety and security features, like Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control Plus with Full Stop, and full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus. There is even a system that assists with calling 911 in an emergency. Other technological features for the 2015 model include a new mobile app feature that allows for remote locking of the doors, just in case owners worry they forgot to secure their baby before leaving it in a parking lot.

Of course, the new Uconnect Access system comes with the car, which includes roadside assistance, voice texting (so you can dictate text messages instead of typing them while driving), and a theft-alarm notification that pushes to the owners smart phone. And speaking of smart phone connectivity, owners can use their phone to steam Internet radio through the audio system. There is also a new Beats Audio System that is designed to give the Charger an edge with car shoppers who put a premium audio system at the top of their wish list.