Dodge Charger Pursuit to Offer Segment's Most Advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Dodge Charger Pursuit to feature the most advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system in the segment, delivering maximum all-weather traction and fuel-efficiency
• Segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system automatically enables AWD for slick conditions, while maintaining the outstanding performance and handling inherent in a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) architecture
• Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD is based on the record-setting RWD model that set the fastest-ever lap time in Michigan State Police's Vehicle Evaluation Test history (1:33.70)

Dodge is turning up the heat in the police pursuit vehicle segment. In response to police fleet customer demand and with input from the Chrysler Group's Police Advisory Board, the already well-received Dodge Charger Pursuit will offer an available all-wheel drive (AWD) system with the 5.7-liter HEMI^® V-8 engine.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120913/DE73551 )

"Adding available all-wheel-drive capability to the already popular Dodge Charger Pursuit will broaden the Charger's appeal to police departments that are accustomed to dealing with rough winters and adverse weather conditions," said Peter Grady, Vice President - Network Development & Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC. "With the Charger Pursuit now offering dual capability of both rear- and all-wheel-drive, we'll be able to meet the needs of our police fleet customers across the country."

The Dodge Charger's AWD system features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system that better balances performance and fuel economy.

"The Dodge Charger offers the most sophisticated all-wheel-drive system in its class," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. "Only Charger offers a front-axle disconnect that seamlessly transitions from the outstanding performance and handling of rear-wheel drive to the all-weather traction of all-wheel drive, with class-leading fuel economy and iconic styling."

Chrysler Group engineers have already started testing the Dodge Charger Pursuit with the AWD system. The vehicle will meet the police pursuit durability cycle set for RWD models that ensures the car can reliably handle the extreme conditions seen in police use. Police fleet customers will be able to start ordering the Dodge Charger Pursuit with AWD for the 2014 model year.

Dodge Charger Pursuit
The 2013 Dodge Charger Pursuit features two uncompromised, high-performance engines that deliver world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency.

Delivering best-in-class power and achieving the fastest-ever lap time at Michigan State Police's (MSP) Vehicle Evaluation Test for the 2012 model year (1:33.70) at Grattan Raceway in Michigan – the Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 with its legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine unleashes 370 horsepower, 390 lb.-ft. of torque, 0-to-60 mph in less than 6 seconds and up to 25 highway mpg with innovative four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology.

With the 2012 model achieving the fastest naturally aspirated (tested with both regular unleaded and E-85 flex-fuel) lap times around MSP's Vehicle Evaluation Test, the Dodge Charger Pursuit V-6 with its aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, offers E-85 flex-fuel capability and up to 27 highway mpg.

With superior ride and handling, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features Chrysler Group's second-generation large car rear-wheel-drive architecture with performance-tuned suspension, load-leveling NIVOMAT shocks, heavy-duty anti-lock vented-disc brakes (ABS), front- and rear-stabilizer bars, 18-inch performance tires on steel wheels and two-mode police-specific Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Developed with the guidance of the brand's Police Advisory Board, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features a mobile-command interior with unique features, including a Vehicle Systems Interface Module for easy equipment integration, heavy-duty police-duty front seats and column-mounted shifter with Auto Stick.

In addition to its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," the Dodge Charger Pursuit surrounds the heroic men and women who protect with uncompromising safety and security equipment, including standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, seat-mounted side-thorax air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers and driver's knee bag.

The 2013 Dodge Charger Pursuit equipped with Mopar's police equipment packages is available through Chrysler Group LLC's fleet operations. The Dodge Charger Pursuit is manufactured at Chrysler Group LLC's Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC