By David Finkelstein

With the 2016 Dodge Charger it's difficult to comprehend what seems line an endless number of different build combinations offered to consumers. Manufactured on a rear-wheel-drive architecture (with all-wheel-drive as an option on certain trim levels), the extensive product mix includes performance-oriented powertrains that feature the latest technology breakthroughs.

All of this translates to a sought after automobile with world-class power and acceleration, overall efficiency, and head-turning styling.

This vehicles exterior is unmistakably inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960's. It further shadows precise design cues from the historic and popular 1969 model. Today's Dodge Chargers have scalloped body lines and a streamlined modern design.



The hood stampings, fenders, front and rear fascia assembly, wrap around headlamps, tail lamps, front doors and rear deck spoiler all work together to provide the Charger with a chiseled yet nimble confident stance. Regardless of the viewing angle the sedan offers a confident silhouette, suggesting a custom look about. The car's distinct C-pillar uprights give this Canadian-manufactured sedan a pronounced fastback sports car appearance.

Charger’s signature and unique “racetrack style" LED rear tail lamp assembly features a continuous glowing brightly lit attention grabbing ribbon of lighting.

Here is a rundown of the models offered. It starts with the base SE and from there the  SXT, R/T, R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 and then their SRT Hellcat.

The engine choices are extensive starting with the award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar V-6 that delivers up to 31 miles per gallon. It's offered on the SE and SXT models. Then comes the legendary 370-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 offered on the R/T trim lines. From there, a performance “head-snapping” 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 is on deck. It produces 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque in the SRT 392 and R/T Scat Pack models.

Then there's the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 engine included with the Charger Hellcat delivering the ultimate performance of 707 horsepower, 650 lb.-ft. of torque and a top speed of 204 miles per hour. The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has certified its quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds on street tires and 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds — making it the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world.

The 6.2-liter engine is always ready, willing and able to provide a driving experience as no other. If you choose the Hellcat, you better have some serious accomplished driving skills as this car not only looks great, it will pass just about every other make and model on the road.

Standard on every Charger model is the eight-speed computer governed automatic transmission for the 20166 model year. A total of 15 different wheel options are available with 20-inch wheels standard on R/T models. Additionally, 11 different 20-inch wheels are offered, including an R/T Scat Pack-exclusive 20-by-9-inch polished-aluminum wheel set with black pocket inserts.

The Charger’s driver-focused interior cabin features premium/up-scale soft-touch materials. A full-color, highly detailed 7-inch customizable brilliantly lit driver information dash display gauge cluster is offered plus the factory's latest Uconnect system with the segment’s largest available 8.4-inch touchscreen display. Uconnect has a lengthily list of features including automatic 9-1-1 emergency assistance in the event of a troubling set of circumstances. 

Many of these features are controllable by easy access buttons mounted on the steering wheel spokes. The effortless fully electronic controlled "performance-inspired" center console shifter is standard on all models. A total of 19 interior color and trim combinations are also available.

The midsize sedan seats five adults in comfort and basically doesn't have any blind spots for lane changing, which also helps with ease of parking.

New for 2016 is the engaging Blacktop Appearance packages. It includes a lengthy list of equipment that helps set this model apart from the other Chargers.

More than 80 standard and available safety and security features also help frame the appeal of this four door automobile. The 2016 Dodge Charger warranty coverage shows 5-years/60,000 miles for powertrain componentry and 3-years/36,000 miles for the basic limited bumper-to-bumper coverage. At roadtest, the SXT Plus, all-wheel-drive version I drove with the V-6 engine had an MSRP of $37,770.

That pricing included a few equipment groups as well as shipping and destination charges. The EPA numbers with this 3.6-liter engine are18-mpg city/27-mpg highway. the Charger has had a ground swell of followers from coast-to-coast with all of the models and options made available. Police departments also tend to gravitate to this sedan.