| For the brave who crave cloth of a different cut than | | | | de-activation cylinder technology increasing the V8's |
| the status quo, it is possible to transcend the norm, to | | | | fuel efficiency to 16 mpg city; 22 mpg highway. On our |
| attain invincibility when behind the wheel of the stylish, | | | | road test, we found the base V6 to have enough pep |
| mythic machine. Back in the '60s and '70s the Dodge | | | | without compromising on fuel. Both the V8 Hemi's |
| Charger appealed to a certain segment of the | | | | seemed a bit too supercharged for today's roads, and |
| population who craved the visceral feel of a two-door | | | | geo political situation. At times, driving the Charger |
| muscle car. Today, this heroic vehicle has been | | | | SRT8 with 425 horsepower felt like you were trying |
| reinvented to charge past the competition from the | | | | to control an overpowered carriage rather than |
| Infiniti M35, Lexus GS300, Mustang GT, and the | | | | enjoying the sporty ride.? |
| Chrysler 300 with three variations of engines. Although | | | | ? |
| the 2007 Charger is a much different than the original | | | | The overall ride of the Charger is quite good, as its |
| Coke bottle design that was introduced in 1964, it still | | | | chassis and transmission are the same as Mercedes |
| retains the spirit of the original. With broad shoulders in | | | | Benz E-Class. However, there's still a lot of body roll. |
| the front and rear quarter-panels cutting into the doors, | | | | The car is not as deft as it could be, this is partly due |
| the car looks like a linebacker in uniform. With a MSRP | | | | to its large size ? the 2007 Charger is 17 feet long and |
| range between $22,570 ? $35,320, and a fuel | | | | over 4,400 lbs in curb weight, so you do feel it while |
| efficiency of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway, you almost | | | | taking corners. The independent multi-link suspension |
| need to be an extrovert to drive this modern | | | | with stout structural members makes for a stiffer |
| interpretation of fastback design. | | | | body, but the torque-rich engine and the overall larger |
| ? | | | | size do take some getting used to. |
| The 2007 Charger has been fortified with technologies | | | | ? |
| to provide efficiency and unparalleled control from a | | | | Choices abound when it comes to finding the right |
| thoroughly reinvented rear-wheel-drive technology, and | | | | Charger that suits your needs. The new Charger is |
| its completely re-engineered engines. Step inside the | | | | available in five trims: the SE, SXT, R/T, Daytona R/T |
| car and you'll not be disappointed. First, you'll notice the | | | | and the SRT8. The models vary in engine size, but |
| large 60s inspired steering-wheel, large (vintage) air | | | | share the highest, five-star government front crash |
| vents, clean and classy black on white rpm/speed | | | | test ratings due to well-engineered crush zones, |
| dials, and supportive seats. The model we tested also | | | | advanced multi-stage air bags (though side air-curtains |
| had a DVD navigation system, and BOSE sound | | | | are optional), and self-sealing tires. The ABS brakes |
| system ? which was an added plus. But with the | | | | are standard as well, but are not too communicative in |
| engine turned on, the menacing howl will quickly make | | | | reducing speed when the Dodge is really ?charging?. |
| you forget all the refined creature comforts of the | | | | The heavier car accelerates well, but doesn't |
| cabin. | | | | decelerate with confidence. If going for the Hemi |
| ? | | | | versions, it is recommended to opt for Viper calipers, |
| Driver input is the name of the game for the 2007 | | | | given the Charger's torque and horsepower. |
| Charger. Put the car in ?gear,? lift your foot off the | | | | ? |
| brake, and let the rapturous engine do the rest. The | | | | In 1973, Richard Petty commandeered the Dodge |
| base Charger comes with a 3.5-liter SOHC, 24-valve | | | | Charger to its last win at the Daytona 500. Individuality, |
| V6, with 250 horsepower (250 pound-feet of torque | | | | muscle, and a timeless sense of freedom have |
| driving through a five-speed automatic) that effectively | | | | always been associated with the Charger's heritage. |
| feels like a V8. But if that isn't enough, there is the | | | | The 2007 Dodge Charger succeeds in resurrecting a |
| 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which puts 340 horsepower (with | | | | time when life was simple. Former owners of the |
| 390 pound-feet of torque) on the tarmac. At the top | | | | Charger are now mature family folks who need the |
| of the line, is the 6.1-liter Hemi SRT8 with 425 | | | | two extra doors. The 2007 Charger is a valiant |
| horsepower at 460 pound-feet of torque. These are | | | | attempt at bringing back the brave, the unbreakable, |
| incredible numbers. Both Hemi engines feature | | | | the insurmountable ? the all-American muscle car.??? |