Sedan returns after recharge
THE NEW Charger sedan has had a styling revamp, after disappointing fans of the original Dodge Charger of 45 years ago by sporting four doors instead of two and failing to front as the brand’s performance king.
And just to show off a bit, Chrysler’s parts and tuning arm, Mopar, has crowbarred the huge 8.4- litre V10 Viper sports car powerplant in behind its crosshaired grille.
Designed to test public and industry reaction at this year’s SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas, the sedan has a special performance engine lid with a functional air scoop, which, as with the roof, is painted in a matte version of the vehicle’s custom metallic ‘‘copperhead’’ colour.
It will need that scoop as the V10 Charger sports sedan’s engine makes 650- horsepower, or 10hp more than the hottest new 2013 SRT Viper sports coupe.
The extra urge comes from a special Mopar cold air intake and an opened-out exhaust system, and the car has also been modified to handle better with a lowering kit for a tauter ride and better cornering grip.
The US performance market – never subtle – demands that muscle cars make a visual noise even when the car is parked, so the Dodge has a matte black chin spoiler, matte black hood and decklid graphics, and 20- inch lightweight alloy rims finished in black with copperhead accents.
It’s pretty sharp inside too, with black Katzkin leather seats. The rest
of the cabin predictably uses ‘‘ copperhead’’ accents too, and a machined aluminium instrument panel ensures a visual connection with the old school coupes.
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