2012 Dodge Charger R/T: A Well Balanced and Compelling Drive

The Dodge Charger was an America two-door rear-wheel drive muscle car that came on the automotive scene in the 60s. Big engines and gasoline prices were not a concern at all!

The 2012 Dodge Charger R/T is now a four-door, however, it retains its traditional rear-wheel drive sports car layout. Now the car combines performance with much more 'usability' for day-in and day-out driving! So what does the Dodge Charger R/T have to offer?

Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz has a go at it, however, the three pointed star could not make it work and the German automaker ended up pulling out to focus on saving its luxury car ranking from dropping off a cliff.

Although the breakup between the two automakers was unfortunate, Dodge has benefited from Mercedes influence and such shows up in the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T.

The Charger R/T's exterior has a solid stance combined with a real sense of balance. The front end is aggressive with a large full width air intake at the bottom. Powerful hood lines move your eyes to the prominent grille. On the side, character lines run from the trunk into the front doors. The rear has distinctive rear lights that move across the back of the car. Large rectangular dual exhaust tips and a spoiler above the truck suggest that this Charger is ready to run. The car's wheelbase measures 120.2 inches. The trunk carries 15.4 cubic feet of cargo.

The interior includes soft touch materials, dual-zone climate controls, keyless entry and audio inputs. The dash cluster has four large gauges containing black numbers on white faces. The information is very clear and can be quickly read at a glance. Mercedes' influence shows up again regarding the controls (cruise, turn signals, wipers, stereo etc.). All are ergonomically laid out and their use is highly intuitive. Two adults ride comfortably in the back and the front seat frames sit up high enough to allow the rear passengers' feet to fit under. The 60/40 split rear seats fold flat.

Standard interior features on the Charger R/T include auto delay headlights, headlight dusk sensor, Xenon headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, driver and passenger heated cushions, power door locks and windows, heated driver and passenger mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescope, audio controls on the steering wheel, three 12 volt power outlets, transmission temperature gauge, tire pressure monitor, and more,

Other standard features on the Charger R/T include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear back up camera, and rear parking assist.

The engine is a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi providing 370 hp and 395 ft. lb. of torque (with the fuel saver technology, the engine switches to four-cylinders when under light load). The Charger SRT8 is equipped with 6.1-liter V8 Hemi belting out 425 hp and 420 ft. lb. of torque. While the latter SRT8 is basically a street legal racer, the R/T is considered more practical for day-in-day-out use. The 5.7-liter engine moves the Charger R/T from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds (this is about as quick as the 1969 Charger R/T equipped with a 440 cubic-inch four-barrel Magnum V8).

The transmission is a Mercedes' inspired five-speed automatic with manumatic (hit the console shifter left for downshifts and right for upshifts). The transmission is reported to be telepathic about choosing the correct gear for spirited driving yet it is very smooth in town or on the highway.

Additionally, Mercedes had input for the rack and pinion steering on this Charger. It provides good on-center tracking on the highway and well weighted but quick response on twisty roads. All in all, the steering is reported to be a fine piece!

The brakes are discs at all four corners. The rotors measure 13.6 inches and are grabbed by two piston calipers at the front. At the rear, the rotors are 12.6 inches. The brake pedal feel is solid and fade free even with hard track use. The Charger R/T stops from 60-0 mph in only 119 feet.

The suspension at the front is independent with unequal A-arms, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. The rear consists of a multi-link setup with coil springs gas shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

The Charger provides balanced and neutral handling characteristics. The car has enough weight at over 4,000 lbs to provide solid long distance cruising but it is enjoyable to drive on back roads. Thus, in any type of driving environment, enthusiasts will look forward to being in the Charger R/T.

Overall, 2012 Dodge Charger R/T provides a more visceral and direct driving experience than the Dodge 300C or Magnum R/T. Thus, with the Charger R/T, the driver can really enjoy the many rewarding aspects of the car (powerful engine, fine transmission, tight rack and pinion steering, balanced and neutral handling, and a well thought interior).

Road & Track tested a 2010 Charger R/T with a BMW 550i. Both cars weighed about the same. The Dodge test numbers were equal to the BMW's, however, the Charger cost $30,000 less money. The German Mercedes influence shows trough in the Dodge Charger R/T but without the price!

Priced at $29,995, the Dodge Charger R/T offers a lot of performance and car for the money. It is an American offering that is defiantly worth test driving.

See the phots of the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.