The 2013 Dodge Charger is offered in SE, SXT, R/T and SRT8 trims, with SXT Plus, R/T Plus, R/T Road & Track, and R/T Max packages adding.
Charger SE models come with a 292-horsepower, 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission, while an 8-speed automatic is available. All SXT models include the V6 and 8-speed automatic, while the R/T models channel Dodge's muscle-car past, stepping up to a 370 hp, 5.7L Hemi V8 plus lots of additional performance improvements like a performance-tuned suspension, sport exhaust system, performance brakes, sport seats, and HID headlamps. At the top of the lineup, Charger SRT8 models are true high-performance cars, with massive 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engines making 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
The adaptive damping system that's offered in SRT8 model can quickly adjust damper firmness and allows Auto, Sport and Track modes, with the Auto mode taking into consideration a wide range of variables related to the conditions and how the vehicle is driven.
A special "Super Bee" model of the SRT8 looks back to Dodge's muscle-car past and includes a helmeted bee mascot on a Gloss Black split-crosshair grille, along with special hood graphics, side-sill cladding, black decklid stripes and one of three different retro paint schemes: Bright White Clear Coat, Pitch Black Clear Coat or TorRed Clear Coat. All SRT8 models also include Performance Pages readouts to run your own acceleration times and braking-distance checks and monitor G-forces.
Base Charger SE models are focused around a low base price and include Keyless Enter-N-Go, push-button start, a power driver's seat, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, other power accessories, and a Uconnect 4.3-inch touch screen. SXT models add dual-zone automatic climate control, a voice-command Uconnect interface with 8.4-inch touch screen and Bluetooth connectivity, leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob, a front overhead console, a HomeLink garage-door opener, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, and an Alpine premium audio system with six speakers and 276 watts.
Stepping up the the R/T level puts the Hemi V8 under the hood, of course, but it also adds HID headlamps and sport seats. Plus packages for both the SXT and R/T add rear heated seats, chrome-clad aluminum wheels, Nappa leather seating, heated-and-cooled cupholders, a security alarm, and additional LED lighting.
R/T Road and Track models get a more aggressive look, with a black honeycomb grille with matte-black surround, plus 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, a rear spoiler, a performance axle ratio, die-cast zinc paddle-shifters, heated and ventilated performance seats, power adjustable pedals and steering column, driver's seat memory settings and a performance engine controller. The R/T Max package adds to the Plus models a host of active-safety features (adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path, ParkSense rear park assist and a ParkView rear backup camera) as well as smart headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel and the "Beats by Dre" audio system.
Available only on the SRT is a Harman Kardon 900-watt, 19-speaker premium audio system that includes a subwoofer.
Retro-stylish Design With Modern Details
Muscle-car Performance
Modern Safety Features
Wide Range Of Models
Available All-wheel Drive
Good Gas Mileage For V6 Models
For 2013, Charger V6 models with the Rallye Appearance Package and Blacktop Package get a new cold-air induction system that raises engine output to 300 horsepower. Separately, a new Sport Appearance Group for the SE model adds a rear spoiler plus 18-inch chromed alloy wheels and performance tires. On the high-performance SRT8 model, launch control has been made standard, and the available adaptive damping system now has three driver-selectable modes.
For the first time a Pitch Black painted-roof option as well as Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Copperhead Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Pearl Coat, Jazz Blue Pearl Coat and Phantom Black Tri-Coat are all exterior colors added this year.
Audio offerings improve with the introduction of a new 'Beats by Dr. Dre' audio system that offers high-quality audio.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan, offering strong V6 and V8 engines, along with rear-wheel drive--or all-wheel drive for some models. Chrysler also claims that the all-wheel drive system that's available in the Charger is the most advanced system offered in its class, as it completely disconnects the front wheels. Styling itself is also a big part of the Charger's appeal, as it pairs retro-muscle-car cues with modern touches.
Also, the R/T and SRT8 models offer phenomenally good straight-line performance, with a drag-strip-worthy quarter-mile time in the high 12-second range, or zero to 60 in less than five seconds--yet with top speed at 175 mph and braking distance at just 120 feet from 60 mph, the SRT8 also chases supercars.
Base Charger SE models are value-priced at about the same money as front-wheel-drive V6 mid-size sedans, while Dodge boasts that the Charger R/T is the most affordable V8 sedan in America and the Charger SXT is most affordable full-size car with 20-inch wheels. Gas mileage isn't bad either, provided you go for the V6, which achieves up to 31 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive or 27 mpg with all-wheel drive.
