The photos reveal an evolutionary, not revolutionary, approach, but we can definitely see where Dodge has made its flagship sedan more aggressive than before. The headlamps are crisply detailed and we like the look of the large diameter wheels and tires.
Curiously, the Charger still has its ram head logo, not the double stripe that the division says it will begin using in the future to differentiate itself from the newly-separated Ram trucks division.
Expected to hit the market later this year as a 2011 model, the redesigned Dodge Charger was previewed recently during Chrysler’s five-year product plan announcement. Based on the teaser image released by the automaker and information we’ve gleaned from insiders, our artist put together two exclusive illustrations of the car – which seem to be backed up by the spy photos shot in mid-December.
With a sweeping character line reminiscent of the 1999 Dodge Charger Concept, the car is expected to combine qualities of the present retro model with the more modern show car that preceded it.
Dodge brand chief Ralph Gilles said the car will feature a “class-leading” interior to match the dramatic new exterior. The car will come standard with Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6, while the more powerful R/T could have a turbocharged V6 rather than the current 5.7-liter V8. The SRT8, which hardly takes fuel efficiency concerns into account, is expected to be powered by an enlarged 6.4-liter V8 that should boast at least 450 horsepower.
All three engine configurations are expected to be available when the Charger launches in late 2010. Currently, the automaker’s Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant is set to begin production in October 2010 – but given Chrysler’s current situation, don’t be surprised to see that date be pushed back a few months.
Pricing has not been released, but we expect the base MSRP to remain just over $25,000.
By Andrew Ganz
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