New 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport Delivers More Power, Precision and Prowess

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• More precision and style: Dodge brings unique Gloss Black split-crosshair grille, Gloss Black accented 19-inch aluminum wheels, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters with sport-mode, rear spoiler, sport seats and segment-exclusive Beats Audio to Charger AWD Sport
• Best-in-class V-6 all-wheel drive fuel efficiency: up to an EPA estimated 27 mpg highway, thanks to segment exclusive eight-speed transmission
• Most advanced AWD system: segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system for optimal fuel efficiency and all-weather traction
• More power: new cold-air induction system and sport-tuned exhaust on 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine raise output to 300 horsepower on Charger SXT and SXT Plus AWD models with AWD Sport Package
• More value: Dodge Charger AWD Sport package arrives at Dodge dealers this winter with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,195

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121217/DE30196)

With Old Man winter around the corner, Dodge is launching the all-new 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport just in time to deliver tactical performance and efficiency to combat the most inclement driving conditions. The Charger's new AWD Sport package delivers two powerful engines delivering up to 370 horsepower, the segment's most advanced all-wheel-drive system for best-in-class V-6 fuel economy, new "blacked out" exterior accents for a menacing look, and first-time available to Charger AWD paddle-shifters with "sport mode" for precision worthy of its legendary nameplate.

"With the instant success of the sinister-styled Charger Blacktop, the new Charger AWD Sport delivers a similar aggressive look with the added capability of all-wheel drive," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO- Dodge Brand. "The new Charger AWD Sport offers the unmistakable combination of up to 370 horsepower, the most sophisticated all-wheel-drive system in its class, best-in-class V-6 fuel efficiency, and a style that sets it apart from any other car on the road, all at an amazing value."

Orders for the 2013 Dodge Charger AWD are open now. Vehicles will be built at the Brampton (Ont.) Assembly plant from December through February.

New design and performance features never previously offered on Charger AWD models
Building on the success of the rear-wheel drive and blacked-out styled Dodge Charger Blacktop — an enthusiast-desired package that has accounted for up to 25 percent of Charger SXT sales — the new 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport provides a new frontier for the Dodge brand to expand the ominous style, world-class performance and enthusiast-desired technologies into the Charger AWD model range.

The new 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport is available on the Dodge Charger SXT and SXT Plus AWD models for a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) of just $1,395 and Charger R/T and R/T Plus AWD models for just $1,195. The Charger AWD Sport package offers added value with a 40 percent package savings discount and includes a unique Gloss Black painted split-crosshair grille and grille surround, 19-inch polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets, all-season performance tires, the first application of steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and sport mode transmission calibration in a Charger AWD, rear body-color spoiler and sport seats in black cloth (SXT and R/T), or premium black or red heated Nappa leather (SXT Plus and R/T Plus).

In addition, the new Dodge Charger AWD Sport features the Beats Audio technology with a powerful 12-channel amplifier that integrates the heart of the Beats proprietary equalizer algorithm, creating the high-definition sound required in professional recording studios. Delivering the mid- to high-range needed for studio-quality sound are three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel and two 3.5-inch speakers located in the rear doors. Two 6 x 9-inch front-door woofers deliver bass, while two 6 x 9-inch speakers and a center-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area provide full-range audio. Maximizing how music genres from hip hop to Motown should sound and feel, an 8-inch Beats Audio trunk-mounted dual-voice coil subwoofer with sealed enclosure delivers tight, powerful, punchy bass.

More power, precision and prowess
From winding through twisty stretches of mountain roads, to escaping away to a snow-covered ski resort, the 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport has a commanding design presence and the power and all-weather capability to carve through some of the worst precipitation Mother Nature can dish out.

The 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport (based on Charger SXT and SXT Plus models) features the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine – now with 300 horsepower thanks to the addition of a new sport-tuned dual exhaust system and cold-air induction system. Even with the added performance, the aluminum mill still delivers best-in-class city and highway fuel economy (18/27 mpg). For drivers who demand even more performance, the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI^® V-8 engine with 370 horsepower, 395 lb-ft of torque and four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology, the Dodge Charger AWD Sport also can be configured from the Charger R/T and R/T Plus models.

Both V-6 and V-8 models feature the 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. The AWD system in the Dodge Charger AWD Sport seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive 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 rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

In addition, the new Dodge Charger AWD Sport features paddle shifters and "sport mode." With Sport Mode active, gear changes are quicker and revs are held higher for even more performance-oriented acceleration and higher shift dynamics. For even more control, the driver can also use the die-cast steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and view gear election through the full-color EVIC centered in the Dodge Charger AWD Sport's instrument cluster.

Available this winter
Built at Chrysler Group LLC's Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant, the 2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport models arrive at Dodge dealerships nationwide in the first quarter of 2013 and have the following U.S. MSRP excluding $995 destination charge:

• Dodge Charger AWD Sport (based on SXT) $32,690
• Dodge Charger AWD Sport (based on SXT Plus) $34,690
• Dodge Charger AWD Sport (based on R/T) $33,690
• Dodge Charger AWD Sport (based on R/T Plus) $35,690

About the Dodge Brand:
For nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and in style. Building upon its rich heritage of muscle cars, racing technology and ingenious engineering, Dodge offers a full-line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs built for top performance – from power off the line and handling in the corners, to high-quality vehicles that deliver unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. Only Dodge offers such innovative functionality combined with class-leading performance, exceptional value and distinctive design. With the all-new 41 mpg 2013 Dodge Dart, the all-new Dodge Charger paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission that achieves a class-leading 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the new Durango and the significantly revamped Grand Caravan – inventor of the minivan – Journey, Avenger and iconic Challenger, Dodge now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the United States.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC