Auto Extreme

Regardless of its wistful name, “Hemi” power, and fastback roofline, the modern Dodge Charger is anything but a retro car. Introduced forty years after the nameplate’s first use in 1966, today’s Charger is the first four-door to bear the name.

The latest Charger does have the right engine design, with the engine - a V6 or V8 - in front driving the rear wheels - or, for 2007, all four wheels. It’s far more poised and refined than any of the classic Chargers. With modern rubber and a 0-60 time of six seconds, it will certainly run and hide on a winding road or path.

The 2007 Charger is a vast car, and it is categorized by the EPA as such. It has a three-inch longer wheelbase than its 1966 forebear - which was measured as a medium-sized car - and is almost an inch longer, four-inch higher but hidden by its style. Yes, today’s Charger is heavier than those of the former times, thanks to existing safety and comfort requirements.

2007 Charger comes with V6 power in its entry-level models. A 2.7-liter, 190-horsepower twin-cam V6 has been added to the lineup this year, in addition to the 3.5-liter, 250-hp SOHC unit. V8 power is offered, in the form of Chrysler Group’s new HEMI(r), with 340 horsepower out of its 5.7 liters. The 2.7 V6 drives through a four-speed automatic, but both the 3.5 V6 and HEMI put the muscle through a five-speed automatic with “Autostick” manual-shift mode.

The fresh Charger has plenty of character, with no lack of power, but it’s also comfortable and roomy - even for rear-seat passengers. With a light right foot, thanks to the HEMI’s Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which deactivate four cylinders when not needed. When needed, there’s copious torque and fine classic Mopar V8 music. 2007 Charger is more a power cruiser than a muscle car, but there is nothing off beam with that. Diehard muscle car aficionados can go a step further than the R/T, even with the obtainable performance option packs, or get the 425-HP SRT8. Dodge has a Charger for everybody.

2007 Charger has automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated power front seats, and one-touch up and down power windows. A tilt-and-slide power glass sunroof gives an overhead view or fresh air, and the “UConnect” system allows hands-free phone conversation. The DVD-based GPS navigation system adds a large, bright LCD screen to the center stack and integrates control of the audio system, in this case the high-grade AM/FM/MP3-capable 6-CD changer, With 322 watts and six Boston Acoustics speakers. The only downside of the nav system is that the audio system must be on in order for the nav system to work. A minor quibble, as the Charger is a spacious and comfortable sedan.

The 2007 Dodge Charger is based on Mercedes E-Class architecture, which is further improved by antilock brakes with traction control, Brake Assist, and the ESP electronic stability control system. It has received a five-star rating, the highest, for performance in NHTSA frontal crash tests.

Safety, fast and smooth ride, comfortable with cool gadgets and a hot classic looks…
That’s the new 2007 Dodge Charger is.
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