Learn About Dodge Charger Features and Specifications

Understanding Dodge Charger Engine Options and Performance Specs

The Dodge Charger has offered multiple engine choices across its production years, each with distinct performance characteristics. Modern Charger models typically feature either V8 or V6 engine configurations, with the V8 being the more powerful option for drivers seeking higher performance.

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The fifth-generation Charger (2015-2023) came equipped with several engine possibilities. The base model included a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided adequate power for daily driving while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. For drivers wanting more aggressive performance, Dodge offered a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine generating 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque across standard configurations.

The most powerful option was the 6.4-liter HEMI V8, found in high-performance variants like the R/T and Hellcat models. The standard R/T version produced 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The supercharged 6.4-liter in the Hellcat variant delivered 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the most powerful four-door sedans available in the American market.

Transmission options varied by engine choice. The V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while V8 models typically featured either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission depending on the model year and trim level. The manual transmission option appealed to enthusiasts who preferred direct control over gear selection.

Acceleration metrics reflected these engine differences significantly. The V6 Charger could accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds. The standard 5.7-liter HEMI achieved similar times around 7.0 seconds, while the R/T with the 6.4-liter HEMI completed the same acceleration in roughly 4.3 seconds. The Hellcat with its supercharged engine accomplished 0-60 acceleration in approximately 3.6 seconds, positioning it among the fastest four-door sedans in its class.

Practical Takeaway: Engine choice fundamentally determines your Charger's performance characteristics, fuel consumption, and driving experience. Understanding the horsepower, torque, and acceleration figures helps match the vehicle to your driving needs and preferences.

Transmission and Drivetrain Features Explained

The transmission system in a Dodge Charger handles power delivery from the engine to the wheels, and understanding these systems illuminates how the vehicle behaves during acceleration, highway cruising, and everyday driving.

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Most modern Chargers utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. This transmission type uses eight forward gears to optimize engine performance across various speeds. The benefit of eight speeds lies in providing closer gear ratios, which allows the engine to operate at more efficient RPM levels during highway driving. This design helps reduce fuel consumption compared to older six-speed automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission includes a torque converter, which uses fluid dynamics to transfer power smoothly from the engine without requiring a clutch pedal.

For manual transmission enthusiasts, Dodge offered a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission on certain V8-equipped models. This transmission gave drivers complete control over gear selection and clutch engagement, appealing to those who preferred a more connected driving experience. Manual transmissions are relatively rare in modern four-door sedans, making this option distinctive among competitors. The manual transmission required more driver engagement but provided the satisfaction of direct mechanical control.

All Charger models featured rear-wheel drive configuration, directing engine power to the rear wheels. This setup contrasts with front-wheel drive sedans and influences handling characteristics. Rear-wheel drive typically provides better weight distribution and allows for more balanced handling dynamics, though it requires different driving techniques during slippery conditions compared to front-wheel drive vehicles.

The drivetrain also incorporated an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on performance models. This component distributes power between the rear wheels, allowing both wheels to receive maximum traction when accelerating. During cornering, the limited-slip differential enables slight speed differences between wheels, improving handling response. Standard models used an open differential, which is simpler but allows one wheel to spin more freely if traction is lost.

Performance variants like the R/T and Hellcat included line-lock and launch control features. Line-lock allowed the front brakes to lock while allowing the rear wheels to spin, useful for warming tires before acceleration runs. Launch control optimized wheel spin during hard acceleration from a standstill, helping maximize traction and minimize wheel slip.

Practical Takeaway: Transmission and drivetrain choices affect daily usability, driving engagement, and performance delivery. The 8-speed automatic suits most drivers with its efficiency and ease of use, while manual options and performance features cater to specific driving preferences and applications.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

The Dodge Charger's exterior design represents a modern interpretation of classic muscle car styling. The fifth-generation Charger maintained distinctive visual elements that made it instantly recognizable while incorporating contemporary design details and aerodynamic considerations.

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Dimensions provide important context for understanding how the Charger fits in parking spaces, garages, and alongside other vehicles. The 2015-2023 Charger measured approximately 198.2 inches in overall length, 75.7 inches in width, and 58.5 inches in height. These measurements placed it squarely in the full-size sedan category, larger than many midsize sedans but comparable to other American muscle cars. The wheelbase—the distance between front and rear wheel centers—measured 120 inches, contributing to the vehicle's stable platform and spacious interior dimensions.

The curb weight varied by engine and trim selection. Models with the V6 engine weighed approximately 3,650 pounds, while the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 models weighed around 3,750 pounds. The heavier R/T variants with the 6.4-liter engine came in near 3,800 pounds. The Hellcat, with its supercharger and reinforced components, weighed approximately 4,300 pounds. These weight figures influenced acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics.

The front fascia featured a bold grille with the distinctive Dodge badge, flanked by dual headlights that conveyed an aggressive stance. The hood typically included power domes on performance models, providing visual indication of the powerful engine underneath while serving functional purposes for engine heat dissipation. The hood design contributed to the overall width impression despite the vehicle's actual width measurement.

Side profile details included sharp character lines running along the body, emphasizing the vehicle's muscular proportions. The pronounced wheel arches accommodated larger tire and wheel combinations, particularly on performance models. The body side used subtle sculpting to create visual depth and movement, avoiding a completely flat appearance.

The rear design featured a wraparound taillight design that extended width perception. The trunk lid incorporated subtle spoiler elements on certain trims, providing both aesthetic appeal and minor aerodynamic benefits. The overall rear appearance emphasized the wide stance and performance character through its broad visual presence.

Practical Takeaway: The Charger's dimensions and design appeal to buyers seeking a full-size sedan with distinctive muscle car styling. Understanding exact measurements helps evaluate whether the vehicle fits your parking situation and garage space, while design elements communicate the vehicle's performance orientation.

Interior Features and Comfort Specifications

The Dodge Charger's interior accommodated five passengers across two rows of seating, with the front row providing individual bucket seats and the rear offering a bench configuration. The spacious cabin reflected the vehicle's full-size classification, offering comfortable seating positions for extended driving.

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Seating configurations included cloth upholstery on base models, with leather or premium leather options available on higher trims. The front bucket seats typically featured eight-way power adjustment on most models, allowing drivers to find optimal positioning. High-performance models like the R/T and Hellcat included sport-oriented bucket seats with enhanced lateral support, designed to hold occupants firmly during aggressive cornering and acceleration. Heated seats came standard on many mid-level and higher trims, providing comfort during cold weather driving.

The dashboard layout featured a driver-oriented design with controls within easy reach. Most models