Dodge Charger Review

Popularized by NASCAR dominance and later a hokey TV show, the Dodge Charger is one of America's most revered performance nameplates. Originally an icon of the muscle car era, the Charger has recently been reborn as an affordable performance car -- and it's one of the better ones available in this expanding market niche.

2008 Dodge Charger Sedan

The Dodge Charger debuted in the mid 1960s as a response to America's growing interest in average cars with above-average performance. This two-door coupe boasted aggressive fastback styling and big V8 power (including Chrysler's famed 426 Hemi). As with similar vehicles of this time period, however, the Charger's glory quickly faded after 1970 due to rising insurance and gas prices, higher emissions standards and changing consumer tastes.

The current model may not be the two-door muscle car you remember from the '60s (to the chagrin of traditionalists, it's a sedan), but it does a fine job of being a modern interpretation. As a bonus, the latest Charger has a usable interior and plenty of standard equipment. Think of it as a muscle car the whole family can enjoy.

The current Dodge Charger debuted for the 2006 model year and is based on the same Mercedes-derived platform used for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. As such, the Charger has four doors and is a bit larger than the average midsize sedan. Its front-end styling is much more aggressive than that of its siblings, and the rear roof line slopes downward in a coupe-like fashion.

There are three trim levels: base SE, the performance-themed R/T and the powerhouse SRT-8. Even the SE is reasonably well equipped in terms of features and has a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. The R/T comes with a 5.7-liter "Hemi" V8 good for 340 hp, and there's an available Daytona R/T package that adds additional performance hardware and a few cosmetic extras. A five-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels is standard on the SE and R/T.

The Charger SRT-8 is a product of Chrysler's special SRT (Street and Racing Technology) performance division. It's the fastest of the Charger models and comes with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 capable of 425 hp. Backing up the powerful V8 are other SRT features like a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and a modified front fascia. This model comes with a specially calibrated five-speed automatic transmission.

Because of its bulk, the Charger isn't as nimble as some other similarly priced performance coupes or sports cars. But it has earned favorable commentary in reviews for its secure handling, powerful V8 engines, and roomy and comfortable interior. For a consumer interested in a reborn muscle car, the Dodge Charger is an excellent choice.

The Dodge Charger's heritage runs deep. First introduced as a 1966 model, this Coronet-based coupe had a unique look, with a sweeping fastback and concealed headlights. But it's the second generation of the Charger that was most popular. This was the one that served as the basis for the winged and race-wining Charger Daytona of 1969 and, later, the bright orange "General Lee" from the 1980s television show, The Dukes of Hazzard.

Less popular were three successive generations of Chargers. Third- and fourth-generation models from the 1970s were emasculated by new emissions regulations. A fifth generation, made available from 1982-'87, was a variation of the front-drive Dodge Omni 024 economy hatchback. Near the end of its production, there were sporty, turbocharged versions modified by Carroll Shelby that culminated in the Shelby Charger GLH-S.

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Dodge Viper Review

The Dodge Viper was conceived as a modern interpretation of the classic muscular American sports car. Debuting as a concept in 1989 to huge consumer enthusiasm, everything about the production Dodge Viper was perfectly over the top, including its cartoonish styling, giant 335/35-series rear tires and thumping 400-horsepower V10 engine.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible

With lots of tail-wagging power and no face-saving electronic driving aids, the original RT/10 Viper roadster was certainly a supercar that didn't suffer fools graciously. Eventually, however, minor concessions to "luxury" appeared in the second-generation Viper roadster, such as real windows that replaced the clear vinyl side curtains.

But Viper fans had nothing to fear, for the Dodge sports car remained obnoxiously loud and fast. And despite the release of a GTS coupe and simultaneous upgrades for the entire line, the first two Viper generations represented much the same car for an entire decade.

The Dodge Viper's next era kicked off in 2003 with a third-generation redesign of Chrysler's icon -- the SRT-10 roadster became a true convertible with a top that folded down all the way versus the soft targa panel of the previous RT/10, and the Viper SRT-10 coupe returned a few years later featuring the previous coupe's "double bubble" roof and dramatic rear styling. An astounding amount of power is delivered over a broad range; to handle it the Viper uses a beefed-up transmission and massive brakes. Compared to the original, newer Vipers have a longer wheelbase, a stiffer chassis and revised suspension tuning, which give the car greater dynamic precision.

A new SRT-10 Viper is on the way for 2008 with, of course, even more power -- 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque to be exact -- from a fully revised engine displacing 8.4 liters. The new engine and additional hardware updates are meant to counter the Viper's nemesis, the Corvette Z06, which undercuts the Viper on price and beats it in terms of versatility. But the charm of the Viper is its raw edge and lack of polish. For the Viper enthusiast, there's no other way it should be.

Current Dodge Viper model

Recently updated, the Dodge Viper sports car is offered as a two-seat coupe or roadster. Standard equipment includes racing-style seats, power-adjustable pedals, keyless entry and a 300-watt audio system with in-dash CD changer. An 8.4-liter V10 engine delivers 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and a standard limited-slip differential. Performance numbers are quite impressive, as the Viper can reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Containing all this power are massive Brembo brakes and 18-inch front- and 19-inch rear forged-alloy wheels.

Though modern cars are increasingly equipped with the latest safety features, the Viper remains true to its visceral roots. There are neither side-impact airbags nor traction or stability control. Inside, the cabin is a collection of hard plastic panels and parts pin switches. Seat comfort is surprisingly good, but entry and exit, particularly on the coupe, is tricky.

Fresh off the showroom floor, the Dodge Viper is one of the fastest production cars in the world. Its mammoth V10 pushes it to triple-digit speeds in the blink of an eye, and it keeps right on going. Pushing this Dodge to the limit still requires the skill of a seasoned driver, but even rookies will admire the car's unbelievable racecar-like capabilities. While not comfortable and well-rounded enough to be an everyday driver, the Dodge Viper remains a no-nonsense supercar for those who can afford to add one to their stable.


Past Dodge Viper models

The original Dodge Viper debuted for the 1992 model year. At its heart was a 400-hp, truck-based engine with lighter-weight aluminum substituting for cast iron. Inspiringly one-dimensional, the first Viper continued on with only minor power tweaks and an optional hardtop with sliding side curtains until the second-generation Viper debuted as a more powerful GTS coupe in 1996 -- now a bit more civilized, with dual airbags and air-conditioning.

As the Viper matured into its second generation, paint schemes were shuffled and the RT/10 roadster received much of the updates applied to the GTS coupe. Also crossing in 1997 were the coupe's adjustable pedals and revised exhaust system, which changed from side- to rear-exit. In 1999 the Viper received bigger wheels, optional Connolly leather inside, power mirrors and a remote release for the coupe's glass hatch. A track-biased Viper ACR trim level also became available that year. Used Viper shoppers might also want to note that a fairly significant feature -- antilock brakes -- did not become available until 2001.

The third-generation Dodge Viper, the SRT-10, has been available since 2003. At its debut, the V10 was 8.3 liters in size and generated 500 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque. At the start, only the roadster was available. Detail changes only to colors and trim for the next couple years -- including a special "Mamba" package in 2004 for only 200 vehicles -- were followed by a return of the SRT-10 coupe in 2006 and a 10-hp increase. There was no '07 model, as Dodge was preparing for the '08 model's changes.

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2009 Dodge Viper

Introduction

When it comes to super cars, European automakers typically represents refinement, couture style and technological development, to the point of sterility. Here in the States, super cars is relatively raw, visceral and robust to the point of brutality. We are the ankle to their scalpel, that bucking Bronco to show their horse and Bourne for their Bond. For better or worse, this is how we roll.

The current third-generation Viper maintains tension and soul in 1989, Carroll Shelby-inspired concept, with the required low-slung body, long hood houses a massive V10, comically wide tires and gruff side exhaust pipes. The Dodge Viper not ask for permission and makes no excuses. Despite the technological advances in the last two decades, the Viper has just enough safety to make it legal to delegate the remaining responsibilities to the hands and feet of the driver. If efficiency is in itself not enough to cause palpitations, believes that traction and stability control are not available, and circumstances can go from exhilarating to terrifying in short order.

It is this unfiltered, uncomplicated character, which makes the Viper so attractive to enthusiasts, hearkening back to epochs when the driver was heroic, rugged and based on the seats of their pants instead of electronic aids. For those seeking more comfort, refinement and everyday driving manners, there is always the Corvette Z06, various European offerings such as the Audi R8 and Porsche 911, and even Nissan's new GT-R. But the 2009 Dodge Viper best the Z06 in almost every relevant performance metric and is significantly cheaper than something similar from the old world. Ultimately it comes down to what you're willing to compromise - performance or finesse.


Body style, trim levels, and Options

2009 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is offered as either a two-seat coupe or a soft-top roadster. For the standard price of admission, you get huge forged-aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires measure 275/35R18 front and 345/30R19 in back. Inside, the Viper comes with race-inspired seats, power-adjustable pedals, full power accessories, a tilting steering wheel, keyless entry and an in-dash six-disc CD changer mated to a seven-speaker, 300-watt audio system. Since the Viper is more show than go, cosmetics and convenience options are scarce. Racing stripes, paint and wheel options, instrument-panel trim, a two-tone interior, navigation and satellite radio are all on offer.

The high performance-enhancing opportunity Viper is American Club Racer (ACR) package, which is only available for the Coupe variant. Although street legal, ACR is clearly intended for track use. The package adds carbon fiber aerodynamic devices, including a massive wing mounted high above the tail, a front splitter, Fender-mounted dive planes and further body treatments. All this Aero work resulting in a claimed 1000 pounds of down force at 150 km / h. Lighter wheels shodě with stickier tires (both slightly wider in front), lighter brake rotors, a stiffer suspension with 14-way adjustable shocks and deleted foglamps round of the ACR package. Ultimately, the ACR weighs in 46 pounds lighter than the standard Coupe.

In the spirit of "you can never go too far," ACR package can be further strengthened with the hard core of the package. In general, expect an extra performance to cost more, but the hard core option is free - primarily because the package eliminates opportunities that are not trail-essential. Delete Inger includes radio, speakers, amplifier, trunk upholstery, hood pad and tire inflation. Weight savings amount to an additional 42 pounds - not a lot, but every ounces counts on the track.

Power Trains and Performance

During the Viper's Louverne cap is an imposing 8.4-liter V10 engine that thunder out 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. It is enough to propel the sleek snake from zero to 60 km / h in 3.7 seconds. Quarter-mile is a memory in a simple 11.8 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 200 mph. All this merriment is funneled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, which is the only transmission available.

Fuel economy - though obviously a reflection of exotic sports - registers an EPA-rated city / country of 13/22 mpg and 16 mpg in combined driving.


Security

The best security for the 2009 Dodge Viper is not included in the car. It is a driver with great skill, preferably with a racing pedigree. What is included, however, are anti-lock brakes with huge 14-inch rotors that can stop the Viper from 60 km / h on an eye-bulging 104 feet. Thus, absent the side airbags, traction and stability control - and it makes skills in the aforementioned driver even more critical

Interior design and special features

Getting may also be a challenge. Because of the trademark side exhaust, since thresholds can get hot enough to burn your calves, and more drivers will find that the little door opening inhibit entry and exit.

The overall design of the Viper's interior is a little sad, but it can be livened up a bit with the optional two-tone color schemes and dash panel inserts. The black-on-white-faced gauges are easy to read and well equipped. The large tachometer is mounted centrally in the instrument pod, next to 220-mph speedometer, max. Amid console can accommodate additional gauges, audio system with six-CD changer, climate and a lush red engine start button to fire up the V10.


Driving Impressions

2009 Dodge Viper is raw, raw, loud and unrefined compared with other sports, and therein lies much of its appeal. As with previous generations, when you pin the gas pedal, you will be attached to the backs. Jam on the brakes, and you can feel your internal organs Slam against your rib cage. Novices can appreciate the Viper's straight-line power and anger, but only advanced drivers should examine its cornering limits.

The control is precise and offers enough feedback to throw the Viper deep into turns, while judicious amount of throttle from a deft right foot can pass his nose with smart-bomb accuracy. But the sniper-like accuracy can be achieved with a sharper, brighter artists like Z06 or range-topping Porsche. Get it right in a Viper and the payoff is immediate and plentiful. Get it wrong and you will be dependent on every car-control skills you've ever learned. Barring shocks or damage, either outcome is the game entertaining and rewarding.

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