2011 Dodge Charger - First Test

[@TT-zm8np]

I love the 2011-14 so much cannot wait to get one I’m working my tail off right now too!!

[@FerRod2113]

Did you get one yet?

[@ToxicxSeeker]

I’m still wondering if he got one

[@CBRRR_PILOTChicago]

@@FerRod2113 I just got one I’m in love

[@petertrast]

I have the V-6 and it is a JOY to drive. With ONLY 292 horsepower, it is still alot of fun to drive. And of course it looks great. I never get tired of seeing it when I am walking out of work or out into any parking lot. It looks like nothing else. And it is HUGE inside. It gets great mileage. I average 23 mpg but I NEVER drive it easy. I usually manually shift it just because I love the feel of it once it breaks 4000RPM where it starts to get a little wild. Manual shifting the autostick prevent is from upshifting when you let off the gas and makes it engine brake, so it acts and feels exactly like a manual transmission without having to use your left foot on the clutch :) Test drive one and you will be shocked. I discovered them when I tried to rent a Crown Vic which they were out of. I, grudgingly, accepted the Charger substitute, and , after one week, vowed to buy one. Only one drawback (besides not getting the V-8) is the size of the seats. I am an average sized guy and the seats are slightly too large, made for big, fat, American asses XD but it sure is comfy! Miles of legroom front and back. It is longer than many SUV's... lol

[@ToxicxSeeker]

What do you have now

[@petertrast]

@@ToxicxSeeker I have 7 vehicles, not one is a sports car now...

[@moparfam300c]

The 2011-2014 model years just looked so much meaner looking than the 2015-Current model years IMO

[@prknts]

I get 18 mpg city and 25-26 due to MDS during summer. During winter, it comes down to 15-16 city and 22 hwy. Not bad at all for a big V8 and 2 ton car...

[@alexcheetah79]

Looks badass with the black grill.

[@RobertMayfair]

@AwesomeAlvin I think 4 doors on a Charger makes perfect sense. The original was HUGE. This one makes use of that size while maintaining its good looks.

[@CrJediKnight]

I just test drove the road and track edition yesterday and walked away extremely surprised. I'm currently driving an STI. Fun but i'm growing out of it. I want something with beef but i don't want a super stiff ride anymore. This car was surprisingly fun and comfortable. It had no problem throwing me in the seat from any speed. Obviously it wasn't quite as nimble as my STI, but it hugged the turns without any problem.

[@thelastgoodbrother]

I actually just bought my 2011 this past weekend. This is my 3rd recent Dodge. Previously I owned a 2.7 Magnum and then a 3.5 Challenger. I was finally able to upgrade to a Charger RT for my 40th birthday. I must say that the styling hasn't completely won me over yet. The interior IS leaps and bounds past previous generations though. The extra 120bhp of the Hemi engine makes me completely forget any current or past shift problems for now.

[@jhbombb]

I'd be interested to see MotorTrend re-review the V6 with the new 8-speed

[@prknts]

I run everything stock RT and get 17-18 in the city and 25 26 hwy when not driven hard. That being said, the fuel gauge moves to the left pretty fast when you floor it. It handles good for a RWD car in the winter, but you can always buy the AWD version. I live in MI and survived the last one with a/s tires. If you are looking for a Taurus or an Impala, this car should be #1 in your shopping list.. Its so much fun to pick up groceries and at the same time smoke some boy racers with your HEMI !

[@2010challengerRT]

There is a TSB for the 2011 Charger/300 with the 5-speed auto. The dealership will re-flash the trans control module to improve shift quickness and feel, and make autostick work better and give the driver more control. Also, I don't think the 5 speed automatic is nearly as bad as mentioned in this video.

[@carguy379]

@ivankuga first of all, the golf r's engine is turbocharged, and actually makes close to the same hp a the NA v6 in the charger. then, the golf r has a 6 speed manual, while the charger has a 5 speed automatic. last and the biggest, is the huge weight difference

[@oldgateway]

@dobadriver I see you really do know everything about them. Well done

[@PL3690]

@djuraster they are NOT comparing it with the M5!!! they say these cars come close.. But if u noticed it says E39 M5 which is one model back than the one out right now, the E60!!

[@ratmtbola]

@TheNewMrCool Yes I know, you can't really compare an AMG to a Dodge Charger. This Charger is basically a mid-size sedan with a big V8 in it. An E63 AMG for instance is a full size luxury sedan (emphasis on luxury) with >500hp and performance/race orientated brakes/gearbox/suspension.

[@lfsracer79]

The 5-speed automatic is already 15 years old, first available for the MB S-class in 1996.

[@aiPriori]

Had my Charger for couple weeks now; the R/T model. Getting an average of 15-16mpg with intake/exhaust setup. 10-12 if I'm driving hard, 21-23mpg during road trips on cruise control.

[@nealuss]

Anyone who hated the interior of the last charger, or just thought it could be done a little better, really needs to go check out the new one. It's like stepping out of a Pinto and into a Cadillac. I own a 2007 R/T and I love it, but I will be the first to say hands down the 2011 is far superior. As far as the manual trans, Ralph Gilles said on Leno's Garage that they are considering it. He was careful not to guarantee anything or get any hopes up, but at least we know they are listening!

[@Sjoc78]

Oh and the people complaining its a coronet because it has 4 doors need to learn some history of the charger. The Coronet came first and was originally 2 doors as well. The literally took a coronet welded a fast back roof on and changed the grill boom you call it a Charger. The 68-70 gave us the iconic look and deviated it more from the Coronet, which was still 2 doors until 71 then it was almost literally a 4 door Charger.

[@XxXMOOMOOCOWXxX]

@jmcle884 as i already said, the dodge cars are much wider and longer than MOST standard cars such as your altima (especially if its a newer one:2009-11) which means everything must be widened and lengthened. that is where all the extra mass is coming from

[@IamZyos]

Personally i own the v6 model because im always out of state and i average 30+ on the highway if i dont get on it and 23-25 in the city adding the k&n air filter added about 1-2 mpg and really helps i love the looks im happy with it.

[@dhillskier75]

@chrisZ281 that's what warranties are for, and if there is a serious problem there will be a recall, having the idea of waiting to buy a car new is stupid. if everyone did that then nothing will get changed since the sale numbers will be too low for the company to care about changing it. if you like a car, buy it, there are laws to protect buyers from crappy cars.

[@kmartnw]

@supermanspeed103 i think they both need to go back to the originals and make an option to have them 2 door, that would be so sick

[@38snipshow]

@NoNamesAvailableHuh the rear tail lights make it look like the old school charger, its awesome

[@boosted05stang]

@fastbynature81 Thats my point exactly. Your not the only one who wants Dodge to step up the challenger. Understandable when the Charger came out again it was brought out in a era when the muscle war was dying out. The camaro was fading away, the GTO was on its last leg, the trans am had faded away. But now that the Muscle War is in full affect I think Dodge needs to add a 2 door pure muscle option rivaling the Challenger..Maybe even boosting their rides to offer something against the GT500

[@76carmel]

@TheTeevo8 I'm with you there. For those who are comparison shopping, it is a full size car; the other except the Impala is a mid-size. Its competition to me for the V6 would be Buick LaCrosse, Nissan Maxima, Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, and Hyundai Genesis. V-8 versions would compare to Hyundai Genesis V-8, Taurus SHO, and perhaps a turbo I-6 or V-8 BMW 5 Series (for hp comparisons).

[@synthlemon]

I have the 2012 SXT V6, I love it. I wish I had a V8, but I still love my V6. Needless to say, I'm a Dodge man now. I love Chargers.

[@flynmid]

@EclipseGS04 The 5.0 responds fine to mods, there's nothing wrong with the rear axle, they last longer, need less maintenance, are stronger, and easier to work on. There isn't anything wrong with it other than it can get unsettled on a very rough road. If you're into straight line speed, a solid rear is the ideal thing to have. If you're into corners...well, it still rapes the Camaro, and puts out M3 performance. Now the Boss 302 is about to come out, which is lighter AND more powerful.

[@XxXMOOMOOCOWXxX]

@jmcle884 that extra weight on the dodges keeps them planted at higher speeds, compared to the camaro and mustang, the challenger and charger are said to be much more stable at 150+

[@76carmel]

@MrZdvy Also the 5 speed auto can handle the torque of the 5.7 L HEMI. The 2012 Charger with the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 has the 8-speed auto. The 8-speed auto may come for the HEMI in a year or two.

[@LudwigDrummer0013]

@Inklebonker1 there will most likely be an SRT8 version and if it has the new engine from the 2011 challenger SRT8 it will be a 6.4L with 475hp.

[@dan8852]

@dobadriver the bmw they are speaking of is actually a later 90's early 2000's M5, with a 5 liter 400hp V8. It accomplishes 0-60 in the mid-late 4's and an early 13 second quarter mile... 10 years older and still better than this boat haha.

[@cowmilky]

I never thought i would say this but i like the charger!

[@arturosrt]

@crammage Well men only like a correction, in his time the Dodge Coronet wasn't a full size sedan, it was called a medium car, if you want to know what is a full size sedan for this age, you must turn your head for a Chevrolet Impala, and for a Dodge you must watch the Polara or the Monaco, that is a full size sedan

[@Dieselcharger70]

Frankly, this is a good improvement. I love my '06 Charger R/T and this looks better yet, just needs the 6 speed that they have in the Challengers. And I would take the Charger over the Golf any day because the Charger is wayyy more comfortable on long trips. Plus I get the 5.7L V8 for the sedan insurance rate. It's a comfortable car with great performance. Note to MotorTrend: How does the SRT8 look for 2011? Or is that a video still to come?

[@01Dakotaquad]

Thank you, Dodge. Thank you for not pussing out and going to front wheel drive pieces of garbage and keeping the rear drive v8's in the game. The day that all cars are electric or hybrids is the day that I will fall into a deep depression and die from overhomosexualityworldsyndrome.

[@joshuaheaton9153]

The world will suck

[@TMWarMoth]

love the rear end!

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

An SE charger comes with a whole lot of features and only costs $25,500. Look at my profile for my review on the SE and RT Charger.

[@MrZdvy]

Why is this reporter complaining about the transmission? I just took a testdrive in a 2011 Charger R/T with the 5.7 Hemi. The automatic transmission was shifting smooth & very fast. Kickdown response was super. So it has 'only' 5 gears...Big deal. The only reason an engine as flexible & strong as the 5.7 Hemi needs a different trans is because other brands have more gears.

[@ewhusky99]

@TheTeevo8 How have you liked the car so far altogether? I have a cookie-cutter Impala and am a little tired of it. I have been looking at the new Charger, I know it is not like the old one, but it has a good look all the same.

[@Blueball0120]

I am so glad my cousin got the 2009 or 2010 Charger because I don't like what they did to the tail lights. To me it does not look good when they try to change the tail lights to make it look like the old one.

[@dpain0]

AHHH HAILLLLLLLL YESSSS! DODGE IS COMING RETURNING!

[@rawsketch]

The comparision to the E39 is a BIG stretch. This Charger weighs in at probally 4100lbs easy, only has an automatic and a good-'ol fashioned push rod V8. Actually, its chassis dates back to the late '90s like the E39, but its from Merc Benz. They where more about solidity and isolation back then.

[@sergh8605]

@Charles2337 this car does not pretent to be a mustang or a camaro is more like an American version of the mercedes amg. this is a great buy for people like me who want a performance car but with more doors for when it needed.

[@JETZcorp]

@jjchargerboy16 I agree that they should put a manual in the Charger. Although it wouldn't be the volume transmission, the Charger is now good enough to be somewhere on the radar of the more hard-core sport sedan market, although much more affordable. But, within the realm of automatics (which, once again, always sell vastly better here in America for some reason) the Mercedes unit they use now on Chargers and Challengers is far below what it could be. But yes, bring on the stick.

[@eurocobra]

Looks really good but my V6 mustang was also tested in the quarter mile by Motor Trend and ran 13.9 seconds. I expect more from the V8 Hemi Charger. Other than that GREAT CAR!!!

[@TheUnendingJourney]

@TheNewMrCool the challenger is not a charger, it has never been a charger. it has been a challenger since 1968. the charger we have now should be a coronet, not a charger. the coronet came in the 70's in a 4 door model, where the charger did not, until it was downsized to a 4cyl in the 80's.

[@_MarlboroMan]

Loving the new head lights!!!!!

[@n.ami1505]

@andrewGhini I fell in love with the black matte version after watching that movie.

[@ivankuga]

@GeneralCondom you are absolutely right. i was just expecting more from the v6 and way more from the v8

[@JETZcorp]

The video states that the car is being limited by Chrysler's old, slow five-speed. That is incorrect, the car is limited by MERCEDES' old, slow five-speed. Chrysler is still under contract with Daimler to use the W5A580 transmissions in their cars to a certain extent, and so they were essentially forced to put the transmission in the Charger.

[@bcarby]

@MrChickenpants For the money, the camaro v6 - - the interior materials are better, the shift gate feels tighter, and it is an all around more solid ride than the mustang :)

[@Artyfil]

beautiful 4 door. A+ in the styling department. Now I wanna see an SRT8 with the new 6.4 and a standard trans across the line. :)

[@twztd28]

@Nuclear18sGT Bro this is made by Chrysler not GM... and what they didn't test was the new SRT8, which I'm pretty sure is getting the new 6.4L V8 that makes 470hp.

[@srtsuperbee392]

That thing looks AMAZING!!!!!! I want a Challenger but this would do for me.

[@JETZcorp]

@jjchargerboy16 They won't use an AMG transmission because Mercedes and Chrysler have now broken up, it's just that a few of the old contracts are still in effect. The newer Chrysler-developed automatics like those used in their FWD cars are getting much much better reviews than the ones that use the Mercedes unit.

[@Snapper314]

You do know that there is a 8-Speed Transmission coming in 2012/2013 for several Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler lines. :)

[@Motorfordtoyota]

Id still rather have Pontiac g8 GXP. I know they arent in production, but the ones that are around are amazing!

[@camaroman101]

@45barber1 not really with the new 8 speed auto. the V6 w/8 speed gets 19/31 and the V8 5speed gets 16/25

[@victoriadish]

I think there talking about using the ZF 8HP transmission which is gonna first be used in the new BMW 7 Series 760Li and if they do shift times will be around 200 milliseconds

[@BlueDiamondSaver]

@Domman56 They won't because the challenger will be their only 2 door model.

[@JtCarMan1]

Dodge is a VERY well built car! This new design is beautiful!

[@ReGGaEToNFLoW88]

looks so much better than the old one!!

[@proviperson]

@MrZdvy I agree that's bull. I have a 2011 Durango with the Hemi and 5sp, and honestly it is an absolutely greats transmission. I guess he forgot that the 5sp is from Mercedes, and is always held in esteem by critics of Mercedes cars with the same trans.

[@100BeastMike]

@AlgonquinCelebrity96 Because its cheaper thats why people would buy it, minus the two doors in general or... When Mopar, Super Bee, and Hemi SRT8 trims are out they should specifically have coupe options. They have the Avenger, the 300c,and the 200c so a Charger coupe would be a great addition. Plus the fact that I'm pretty sure the Charger and Challenger are about equal in speed the only reason the charger would be faster is because it'll be lighter minus the two doors.

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

Definatly in the right direction. However, as far as speculation, keep the 8-speed automatic. I want a manual transmission.

[@CC25Y]

JUST WAIT UNTIL THE 2012 AND 2013 MODELS COME! OHH BABY!

[@tven99]

@ivankuga you can expect that from the charger because it is way more heaver than the Golf but yes a lexus 3.5l pumps out way more horses than that 3.7l v6 and its gets quicker 0-60time

[@DaveNanan]

I love the 2011 Chargers. I think Dodge finally got this car right and I hope they sell a lot of them. I'm going to buy one in 2012 to allow for depreciation. :)

[@TCLTXTheClassicLifestyleTexas]

the srt8 is gonna be fantastic with that 6.4!!

[@bismillahmashallah]

love it i think its a wonderful sedan and it can compete with plenty of its german more expensive competitors

[@StingRayINC]

@MazdamusPrime There are a lot of brands offering Vehicle that accomodates 4-5 passengers. But there is only one Viper.

[@camaroman101]

@Domman56 it would not sell. plus they already have the challenger which isn't selling so hot.

[@marktindal2186]

I'm picking one of these up from rental at LAX, is it fun to drive? I'm hoping it's a noisy muscle car, fun to drive across the desert to Las Vegas!

[@metathinkking]

When is new trans coming out? I will buy this, camaro (v6), mustang (v6), or impreza wrx. HARD TO DECIDE!

[@DavidStanleymusic]

@NeCroW It's built in Canada

[@tven99]

@ivankuga you can expect that from the charger because it is way more heaver than the Golf

[@ratmtbola]

@DocWolph Yes, but as I already said: It's not like Dodge couldn't have used a Turbocharger or two. Besides that, another NA Mercedes engine for comparison: The 5.4l V8 in the E500 gets 388hp. Still alot better than 370 from a 3.7l ...

[@peetiewonder]

motor trend successfully understeered through that whole video.

[@bmancodgta4]

As good as an E39 M5? Whoa... let's not get ahead of ourselves. I don't think a transmission is the only thing this car needs. Maybe a diet and some sophistication. Although it is a big step up, it still rolls around the track, and sorry if I don't think 375hp is a whole lot from 5.7 LITRES!

[@ss0rca]

@Stevenhiggles That's because it is RWD and heavy like a real car should be, not a FWD tin can like an altima.

[@sergh8605]

thats what makes it great a manual transmition

[@AviationDirection]

@monyanitinka Exactly...the M5 competitor is the new Mustang GT...not this new Charger!

[@lfsracer79]

@Ghostt5786 The Charger is a just four door Challenger so it's a valid comparison. The point is that they are overweight and have an ancient transmission so the Mustang beats them easily.

[@KevinSoRandom]

@logicCplusplus To musclecar fanatics -- dodge can't simply be beat. It's legendary to most, Hyundai is a completely different story. If I want a car to impress my friends I'd choose the 2011 charger, A car to impress my in laws -- an aston martin, if I want to travel somewhere without havign to spend too much -- I'll go for a hyundai tucson.

[@ameh78]

saw a basic model today... i was really bummed. looked like they took a sedan and a challenger rear end and mixed them together.. kind of a downer. liked when it had its own look.

[@ratmtbola]

@6alalio Yea, but 370hp from 5.7l is still pretty weak. The Merc E500 gets 388 from a 5.4 naturally aspirated V8. And the E63 AMG's 6.3l 518hp V8 is the worlds most powerful naturally aspirated V8 :)

[@joshshoot]

it definately looks a lot better then the previous srt8 model

[@TitanSubZero15]

@Rizhova007 The 6 speed manual is already confirmed

[@TheLightningSilver]

I love Dodge, and I'm not sure about how I feel about the Fiat take over, but I feel like they are making plenty of momentum since the take over. I have a 2007 Caliber and the only problem is the CVT transmission slips all the time. I wish they would get a winning transmission to pair with all the great engines they put out. Most people I know that have problems with a dodge is the transmission breaking. Hopefully the 8 speed is really coming next year.

[@g8joe]

@gtmsnba13 they do .its called the Challenger

[@fleshwoundNPG]

Uhhh....the 5-speed is basically a leftover from the Daimler-era (Merc design) guys. But you knew that already, didn't you Motortrend? The 8-speed will be all Chrysler (and MUCH better)

[@snowysnowcones]

Looks really nice. Chrysler is definitely moving in the right direction.

[@AntonSlizzardhands]

The black cross grill looks much better than the one with silver accents IMO.

[@Rizhova007]

@ TitanSubZero15 Not according to Dodge it isn't, the 2012 SRT8 is not a 6-Speed Manual yet!! It's still an Auto & a 5-Speed Auto!!

[@Paparoachfanalways]

I don't care what people say but zero to sixty in 5.3 seconds and braking @ 113 feet, that's impressive stats for such as massive "four-door" muscle car! I would love to have one but I'm sceptic on gas price which would ruin the fun of owning one for I would be scared of putting the petal to the metal and have to go to the gas station more frequently. Gas goes down and the economy goes up I will be putting this on my drivers wish list for sure!;)

[@MURD3RMIKE]

@GoUSofA The Mustang and the Charger aren't supposed to compete with each other, hence the four doors. I think the challenger would be more of a competitor to the mustang.

[@newhiresf]

@gtmsnba13 The 2 door version is what they should have started out in the first place. I saw concept pics of the 2 door version they were planning on manufacturing in 2006 and it has a much more aggresive look by far.

[@twztd28]

@desertfox1792 Its just the way there gearing ratios are set up... the 5.0 pulls at low gears but its top end is slower, the SS pulls higher gears but its low end is slower, if you ran them over a mile race they would actually probably tie...

[@soiceyboy33]

@QuentinPhillipsTV This is a one of a kind car...it doesn't even compete w/ the Mustang...that's the job of the Challenger (which the mustang is better than)...The closest Ford comp to it is the Fusion Se trim(lol) which we all know the Charger is better than