World-class Power, Performance and Efficiency: All-new 2015 Dodge Charger Now Combines 370 Horsepower HEMI^® V-8 With Standard Segment-exclusive TorqueFlite Eight-speed Transmission
 

April 17, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Building on more than 45 years of heritage, the new 2015 Dodge Charger delivers new levels of performance and efficiency thanks to the addition of the state-of-the-art TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission mated to 370 best-in-class horsepower and advanced technological solutions engineered into its enthusiast-inspired rear-wheel drive (RWD) architecture.
 
“The eighth-generation Charger is designed to maximize the performance and efficiency of its segment-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission and HEMI V-8 engine pairing – giving Dodge enthusiasts America’s only four-door muscle car capable of taking on sport sedans costing twice as much,” said Steve Williams, Dodge Charger Vehicle Line Executive – Chrysler Group LLC. “And for customers who want best-in-class fuel economy, the 3.6-liter Pentastar engine can churn up to 300 horsepower, all while delivering a best-in-class 31 mpg, or a best-in-class AWD fuel economy label of 27 mpg.”
 
Segment-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic now standard on all Dodge Charger models
Once limited to sedans costing twice as much, the all-new Dodge Charger democratizes this exclusive world-class technology – offering the eight-speed automatic transmission standard on every model – including the addition of Charger SE and HEMI^®-powered Charger R/T models for 2015.
 
The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track models integrate the ZF 8HP70 electronic eight-speed automatic transmission. By design, this state-of-the-art gearbox provides world-class shift quality, refinement and fuel efficiency. Paired with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and its 370 best-in-class horsepower, the Dodge Charger R/T models can deliver 0-60 mph performance in less than 6 seconds.
 
The design of the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission further contributes to efficiency. At 194 lbs. (88 kg), it weighs just four lbs. (1.8 kg) more than the previous Charger R/T’s five-speed gearbox. Furthermore, the transmission features particularly close fifth through eighth-speed gear ratios for smoother shifting, along with a lower cruising rpm in top gear for added refinement.
 
Comprehensive Sport mode and Dodge Performance Pages transforms Charger’s personality
Thanks to the speed of its PowerNet electrical architecture, the 2015 Dodge Charger models equipped with Sport mode can instantly transform the four-door muscle car’s personality to improve performance.  By engaging Sport mode, Charger drivers can reduce shift times from approximately 400 milliseconds to 250 milliseconds, increase engine and throttle responsiveness, adjust electronic stability control (ESC) settings and firm up the steering feel.
 
Additionally on the Charger R/T Road & Track model, the driver can use the all-new Dodge Performance Pages, which are available on the segment’s largest 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. It includes active launch control, launch control RPM settings, performance timers and performance gauges, such as G-force indicators and engine performance.
 
Segment’s first new performance electronic shifter
Connecting the driver to the segment-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission is a new performance-inspired electronic shifter. With the Dodge enthusiast in mind, this new transmission shifter functions like a traditional “linkage” shifter, all while providing the benefits of an electronic shifter, such as short throws and low shift efforts. In addition, a secondary gate for manual-style eight-speed Auto Stick shifting is standard.
 
For even more driver control, paddle shifters (standard on R/T models, optional on SXT models) offer the convenience of transmission gear selection with controls placed within fingertip range behind the Dodge Charger’s thick-rim three-spoke steering wheel.
 
Best-in-class 31 mpg with Pentastar V-6
Dodge Charger SE and SXT models feature the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with double-overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable cam timing (VCT), integrated exhaust manifolds, polymer-coated piston skirts, forged connecting rods and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. The engine delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.
 
For Dodge Charger customers who want 31 mpg highway V-6 fuel economy with even more power, the Dodge Charger SXT model offers the Rallye Appearance Group – providing up to 300 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, thanks to a unique cold-air induction system, sport-tuned exhaust and engine calibration. 
 
Refinement was a key objective for every component during the design phase of the engine and was achieved by using advanced computer-aided engineering techniques. Structural, intake and exhaust areas of the engine are designed to deliver low levels of overall sound. Combined with the use of premium hydraulic powertrain mounts, the 2015 Dodge Charger delivers refinement in all powertrain applications and at all RPMs.
 
HEMI-powered: 370 best-in-class horsepower
For the muscle-car enthusiast, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track models feature the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 370 best in-class horsepower, 395 lb.-ft. of torque and innovative four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology.
 
For even more performance, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Road & Track model sends the output of all eight cylinders through a unique 3.07 rear axle ratio (vs. the standard 2.62 rear axle ratio). Given the loads of power and torque, this performance model also includes a high-speed engine controller with unique engine and transmission calibrations, enabling a top speed of 145 mph and 0-60 mph bursts in less than 6 seconds.
 
The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track models also include innovative Fuel Saver Technology, seamlessly alternating between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and the power of all eight cylinders when demanded.
 
The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine also features variable-valve timing (VVT) to improve fuel economy in two ways. First, it reduces the engine’s pumping work by closing the intake valve later. Second, it increases the expansion process of the combustion event. This allows more work to be transferred to the wheels instead of being lost out of the exhaust port as heat. VVT improves engine breathing, which improves engine efficiency and power.
 
Best-in-class AWD fuel economy thanks to the segment’s most advanced AWD system
From winding through twisty stretches of coastal road, to escaping away to a snow-covered ski resort, the 2015 Dodge Charger SE and SXT models with all-wheel drive (AWD) deliver best-in-class city and highway fuel economy (19/27 mpg), all while having a commanding design presence, and the power and all-weather capability to carve through some of the worst precipitation Mother Nature can dish out.
 
Dodge Charger’s intelligent AWD system features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies.
 
Dodge Charger’s AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy, while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in RWD vehicles.
 
Enthusiast-inspired RWD architecture with advanced technological solutions
As the Dodge brand’s performance flagship, the chassis of the all-new 2015 Dodge Charger is designed, engineered and fine-tuned to deliver world-class performance and efficiencies – thanks to its advanced technological solutions.
 
Super Track Pak – exclusive equipment on 2015 Charger R/T Road & Track
Dodge knows its enthusiasts all want more performance, and the 2015 Charger R/T Road & Track model delivers with the Super Track Pak equipment standard.
 
The Super Track Pak elevates the standard Dodge Charger R/T model’s sport-tuned suspension and braking by adding performance suspension tuning, a high-performance brake package, high-performance steering, 3.07 rear-axle ratio and 20-by-8-inch dual five-spoke polished cast-aluminum wheels with black painted pockets and P245/45ZR20 BSW all-season performance tires (optional Goodyear F1 three-season tires). The package also includes Dodge Performance Pages.
 
All-new advanced electric power steering system
The 2015 Dodge Charger features an advanced steering-column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) system that improves both handling and performance. The vehicle uses the latest EPS system technology available, which delivers sporty handling by managing significant loads at all steering wheel operating speeds, power assist curves modulated according to driving conditions and up to a 3 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, when compared with a conventional hydraulic system.
 
All of the power boost, or assist, is provided via an electric motor, and because the system is fully electronic, the driver experiences optimal steering effort at all vehicle speeds with improved fuel efficiency, since there is no parasitic loss from a power steering pump.
 
All-new, lighter weight axles for RWD and AWD
Because efficiency and agility are positively correlated, the 2015 Dodge Charger RWD and AWD models feature all-new cast aluminum axles and housing. Replacing the previous steel structure, the new aluminum axles and housing help to reduce weight. The new driveline is also designed to reduce parasitic friction and increase durability with a new four-bolt design (previously a three-bolt design).
 
Lightweight front suspension cradle
At the heart of the 2015 Dodge Charger’s front suspension is a rigid and lightweight suspension cradle made from tubular steel that features hydro-engine mounts to make the interior cabin smooth, comfortable and quiet. Premium hydro-bushings, monotube shock absorbers and a lower-front-shock-to-suspension-link bushing provide control, ride and comfort.
 
Rail-like cornering with roll-steer multilink rear suspension
Dodge Charger’s five-link rear suspension design features roll-steer geometry to allow independent control of camber and toe suspension movement for world-class handling. The rear suspension cradle is the main attachment point for the Dodge Charger’s five-link independent rear suspension system. Using rubber mounts, this hydroformed steel cradle provides an additional structure to isolate the passenger compartment from road and axle noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Monotube shock absorbers, premium urethane jounce bumpers and suspension links with rubber shock absorber bushings all work together to deliver ride and comfort, while upper and lower spring-seat isolators provide additional dampening to deliver smooth suspension engagement over bumps.
 
Aggressive front- and rear-camber geometry
Performance handling requires maximum road-holding grip, and the Dodge Charger delivers with aggressive front- and rear-camber geometry. Set at -1.0 degrees in the front and -1.75 degrees in the rear, Dodge Charger is set up for high-speed cornering with its tires leaning inboard at the top relative to the body.