The Dodge Charger
By Fatimah Ali
It was a pleasant surprise to learn that I'd get to test drive a 2012 Dodge Charger for a couple of days. A muscle car that's large enough to seat five passengers and intimidates anyone who pulls up to the stop light next to me? What could be better than that? Not that I'd actually sit there and rev up my engine, gunning for a drag race. But, at least in my mind's eye, I could pretend that I'd dust any one who inched up next to me. After all, how many cars can hit up to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds?
The Dodge Charger rides fast and furious and loads a 3.6-Liter, V-6 engine that is coupled with an eight speed automatic transmission and pushes 292 horsepower. This V-6 engine feels much more like the almighty Hemi engine which is synonymous with high power and high performance.
Other engine configuration options on the 2012 Dodge Charger include a 470hp, 6.4-liter, V-8 which only takes premium gasoline, or a 370 HP, 5.7 Liter V-8 engines. And, gas mileage for the test drive 292 HP engine offers a big range 14-19 MPG in the city or 23– 31 mpg on the highway, depending on what type of driver you are. There is also the option of a lesser five-speed automatic transmission with OD and auto-manual shift.
Although there was no snow on the ground during the test drive, even with rear wheel drive, I got the feeling that the Charger will hold the ground well during a storm. It certainly maintained through heavy rain because this car weighs so much between 3,800 and 4,200 pounds depending on whether or not it was the V6 model, the RT or the SRT. Perks include an optional collision warning system; optional rear parking sensors or rear back up camera. Standard perks include driver side knee airbags and anti lock brakes.
Tooling around the city in my Metallic Silver Dodge Charger made me feel young and stylish and able to compete with the likes of a Buick Lacrosse, Chevy Impala, the Cadillac CTS or even the Mercedes Benz C Class. The Charger also has a reasonable base price of $31,115 and ranges up to $38,085 fully loaded.
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