What worked for the Dodge Challenger in 2010, can work for the Mopar Charger in 2011.
Chrysler Group’s Mopar Division today confirmed it will launch a limited-edition Dodge Charger with high-performance parts and appearance items from the Mopar parts catalog. As AutoInformed reported earlier, the Mopar Charger builds on the success of last year’s Mopar Challenger. (Mopar Charger Sketch Released. New York Auto Show Debut?) A limited edition of 1,000 Chargers are planned – 900 for the U.S. and 100 for Canada. The Mopar Charger will be built in Brampton, Ontario, and completed in Windsor, Ontario.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the limited-edition Mopar 2011 Charger is $39,750, which includes the destination fee. One can only wonder what Fiat executives think of such a muscle car.
Available only in a “Pitch Black” finish, the Mopar Charger include a pair of blue racing stripes running from the front air dam across the hood and over the roof ending at the bottom of the rear fascia. Ornamentation is limited to a front grille and rear-deck Mopar badge. A rear spoiler is standard on the Charger special-edition model.
Inside, unique Katzkin leather seats are stitched in Mopar Blue thread. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is identically trimmed. Engine-turned instrument bezels and a special identification plaque identifying the vehicle as part of a limited edition of 1,000 are affixed to the instrument panel. Owners also receive a custom Mopar key fob badge. Bright pedal covers, premium floor mats with the Mopar logo and front-door sill entry guards featuring the Mopar logo also are included.
Powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 rated at 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque, the specially equipped Charger includes the “Super Trac Pac” option for controlled acceleration, handling and braking. Mopar said the 5.7-liter has been tuned to extract the maximum amount of torque from the engine with the inclusion of a specially calibrated engine controller. The controller matches maximum engine power and transmission shifting to the differential for the rear drive Charger.
The V8 is connected to five-speed (yes only 5 speeds) W5A580 automatic transmission. With the so-called “Auto Stick” calibration drivers may select a higher or lower gear while the transmission controller helps prevent the possibility of an over-rev condition. At the rear, the differential has a new 3.91:1 final-drive ratio for enhanced acceleration – unique to the Mopar Charger. Initial testing of the Mopar ’11 Charger has shown 0-to-60 mph runs in the low five-second range.
Enhancements to the chassis include adding larger front 30mm solid stabilizer bar and rear 20mm solid stabilizer bar, increases from 27mm and 16mm (respectively). Adding to the overall stability and handling of the Mopar Charger are cross-car braces located at both the front and rear shock towers. For increased luggage space, the rear tower-to-tower brace may be easily removed.
Specific-design, 20-inch x 8-inch Envy wheels are fitted with Goodyear F1 Supercar 245/45ZR20 tires. Wheels are a five-spoke design with a 45mm offset, include specific Mopar center caps and are finished in a high-gloss black complementing the overall ”Pitch Black” exterior finish of the Mopar Charger.
Stopping is provided through vented rotors measuring 345mm x 28mm up front that are fitted with dual-piston, sliding calipers. At the rear, vented rotors measuring 320mm x 22mm, coupled with single-piston calipers are used.
“The Mopar ‘11 Charger takes the ‘head- turning’ factor up a few notches,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “By adding some of the most distinctive accessories to an already strong performer, we’ve created a special-edition car for enthusiasts.”
