If you’re looking for a muscle car this winter, look no further than the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD. Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. When it comes to sports cars, everyone really wants to know horsepower, right?
The 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD is equipped with a 3.6L V6 292hp and 280 lb-ft. of torque Penstar engine and capable of 0-100km/hr in roughly 5.8seconds. Secondly, fuel efficiency numbers are thrown out the window when you redline the Charger on every green light. Yes, it was totally fun to drive, especially on the open roads of rural Manitoba. Published fuel economy rating by Dodge is 6.4L/100kms.
As a comparison, the top end Charger SRT8 HEMI V8 pumps out 470hp and runs 0-100km/hr in the 4’s. That’s pure muscle sprinkled with testosterone. It also comes with paddle shifters too! More fun, for sure.
Some of the neat features in the SXT Plus include thermoelectric heated and cooled front cup holders. I will admit that on first glance at the heating/cooling switch, I quickly assumed that they were the switches for heated and cooled leather seats. I was totally wrong and the cup holders were one of my favorite features in the car. It was able to keep my latte hot and my can of coconut water cool at the same time.
As for the Audi-inspired electronic gear shifter, I could do without. Several times during the week-long road test, I was stuck in N, thinking I was in D as I finished backing out of parking spots. Luckily, nobody was waiting for the parking spot as I was getting out.
The SXT Plus leather interior with a mix of red and black leather throughout the cabin was an eye catcher. The bucket seats were comfortable for the long drive, including one to the Morden Corn and Apple Festival.
The Dodge Charger is available in nine available models starting with the SE ($29,995) and tops out with the SRT8 HEMI V8 model ($48,095). The Charger lineup comes with several engine options, RWD/AWD configurations and a multitude of packages options.
Other vehicles in the same market space include the Chevy Camaro, Ford Taurus SHO, Chrysler 300C, Hyundai Genesis, and the Audi A4.
