Under the Hood: Why can’t Charger tow like a truck?
can see why you’d question this, as your Charger has essentially the same engine and eight-speed automatic transmission used in many Dodge trucks and SUVs. There are big differences, however, between your car and those vehicles. They’re found, among other places, in the cooling systems, braking setups, suspensions, tires, body structures, and the ways in which the engines and transmissions are calibrated.
In addition, the accessory trailer hitch on your Charger is rated at only 1,000 pounds with a 100-pound tongueweight maximum. There are, however, aftermarket hitches for your car that are rated at up to 3,500 pounds and 350pound tongue-weight maximums.
While it’s certainly likely the car can tow more than 1,000 pounds, you could probably get into some legal trouble if you wound up crashing while attempting to pull it off. I’d play by the rules if it were my car. It is a cool one!
BRAD BERGHOLDT
et’s first look at conventional cruise control. Conventional systems rely on throttle alone to try to balance desired vehicle speed with actual vehicle speed. Because of this, on downgrades, a vehicle can overrun the desired set speed.
Adaptive cruise control, also called ACC, however, is more complex, using radar and cameras to detect nearby vehicles and track their behavior.
With ACC engaged, if you come up on a slower-moving vehicle or descend a steep hill, engine throttle will be reduced and, if need be, brakes will applied, allowing you to maintain your desired following distance and speed.
ACC employs a network of vehicle modules to manage things smoothly.
A typical system has a radar transmitter behind the grille and a control module that classifies objects. A yaw sensor tells the system if you are traveling straight or turning, and you can always brake and accelerate additionally if desired. Participating modules typically include the enginepowertrain control module, the transmission control module, the electronic brake control module, the instrument panel module, and even the radio amplifier for alerts.
Some systems are smart enough to predict brake temperature and can downshift the transmission as needed for engine holdback. In some cases, cameras provide additional object classification, coupled with GPS to determine road and intersection characteristics.
I’d go for it! ACC provides an added element of driving safety and convenience.