New 2012 Dodge Charger

With retro muscle-car styling and old-school power, the 2012 Dodge Charger full-size sedan is a win-win in any situation.

There are several reasons to get a 2012 Dodge Charger, especially after it added a new engine and redesigned the interior and exterior to last year’s model. That’s ancient history though because the 2012 Charger has a new eight-speed automatic transmission that provides better performance and fuel-efficiency for the V-6. It’s amazing what a new transmission can do because the V-6 now receives 19 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, compared to 18/27-mpg city/highway for the five-speed automatic. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters include Sport mode for quicker shifting is also new.

For 2012, the SRT8 performance-oriented Charger debuts with a 470-horsepower, 6.4-liter V-8 under the hood. The SRT8 goes from zero-to-60 mph in less than five seconds and tops out at 175 mph, ridiculous performance numbers for a sedan. The base engine is a 292-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 that comes with a five-speed automatic, while the eight-speed auto is available. Sandwiched in between the V-6 and the SRT8 is the optional 370-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 on R/T trims that saves fuel with cylinder deactivation and is mated to a five-speed automatic.

All Chargers are naturally powered through the rear wheels but if you need enhanced traction and handling, all-wheel drive is optional. Three suspension settings are also optional and include Touring, Performance, and Super Track Pak, while the R/T Road & Track Package features a 3.06 rear axle ratio and performance calibration for the engine and transmission.

Inside the cavernous 2012 Dodge Charger, you’ll find an updated Uconnect Touch multimedia system that now reads incoming text messages, controls your iPod, and processes voice commands (optional). An 8.4-inch touch screen, Garmin-based navigation system, Alpine premium audio system, heated and cooled cup holders, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats and Bluetooth® connectivity are optional equipment. The SRT8 has a full-color information center that displays different modes for acceleration like zero-to-60-mph, 60-to-zero-mph braking distance, one-eight-mile and quarter-mile acceleration and g-force readings.

From the outside, the Charger remains one of the most menacing sedans on the road today with its bold crosshair grille and unique taillight treatment which is made up of 164 individual LEDs and spans almost the entire width of the car. Standard equipment includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, halogen headlights, and dual chrome exhaust tips, while 18-, 19- or 20-inch rims, high-intensity-discharge headlights, heated side mirrors, and a power sunroof are optional.

Going fast means that you’ll need top-notch safety features and the 2012 Dodge Charger is ready to oblige with standard antilock brakes, a stability control system, a host of airbags, collision warning system, rear parking sensors, backup camera and a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-path detection.

With room for the family and power for your wildest dreams, the classically modern 2012 Dodge Charger is as good as it gets.