Dodge freshened the Charger for its 2011 model year, inside and out, but did not go particularly far with the drivetrain. However, the new infotainment center is an impressive piece of technology, a big touch screen that minimizes the need for plastic buttons.
Although inspired by the mid-'60s car of the same name, the new Charger bears only a passing resemblance to that earlier model. This car has modern, and macho, lines, with big contours in the sides, a curving roofline, and a spoiler on the trunk lid.
Dodge fits the Charger with its new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6, an engine making 290 horsepower. It is adequate for the Charger, but not particularly powerful.
The suspension is fairly standard, fixed technology. It has a somewhat rubbery feel but does a good job of damping out bumps and keeping the car from wallowing in the turns.
The cabin of the Charger is surprisingly nice, and has such amenities as a push-button ignition, heated and cooled seats, and even heated and cooled cup holders. The infotainment system uses a large, 8.4-inch touch screen in the dashboard.
There are two buttons for voice command, one for the phone system and one for other infotainment functions. A more integrated system would be easier to use.
The five-speed automatic transmission is primitive for this day and age. Dodge optimizes fuel economy by stretching out the gear ratios, making second gear handle low to moderate speeds.
The system lists the folders from a USB drive, and can even parse MP3 tracks so as to show music by artist and album. The system will also display album cover art.