2015 Dodge Charger First Look: Live Photos

feedback@highgearmedia.com (Jeffrey N. Ross)

April 17, 2014 at 10:10 AM

The Dodge Charger has had a secret hiding under its four-door skin. It looks like a family sedan--but equipped with the right powertrain, it has the heartbeat of a massively powerful muscle car. This year, it’s a little more forward about its performance roots, with a brash new look unveiled at the New York Auto Show. **ALSO SEE: 2015 Toyota Camry Video: New York Auto Show** This is the Charger’s second major model change since it was new in 2005, and it’s a significant one. The front end is completely new, and makes the Charger look lower and sleeker. Every body panel except the roof and rear doors is new, and Dodge stylists have tried to make it look smaller and more nimble. The result is a grille that’s closer to the one on the Dodge Dart, and at the rear bumper is smoother, with a smaller spoiler. The Charger now looks like a car that can slip through the air, instead of beating it down. The cockpit adds a new digital screen between the gauges, and the touchscreen on the center of the dash supports Chrysler’s UConnect navigation and entertainment systems. Under the hood, an eight-speed automatic is now available on all models, not just the base V-6 versions. Power output for the HEMI V-8 now ranges from 370 horsepower to…well, Chrysler’s not saying just yet. Something around 500 horsepower? It could be within reach. **DON'T MISS: 2015 Subaru Outback Video: New York Auto Show** All-wheel drive remains an option on the big sedan, and electric power steering has three feedback modes: Normal, Comfort, and Speed. The Charger’s been a strong performer in safety tests, and a rearview camera is available. So are adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors. Other new features include restyled 20-inch wheels, the latest version of UConnect smartphone connectivity, and a choice of some retro-tinged colors like B5 Blue and Tor Red. We’ll know more later this year when we go for a first drive in the updated sedan. Until then, get more information at our 2015 Dodge Charger preview. *________________________________* *See more videos on our YouTube sites: The Car Connection, Motor Authority, and Green Car Reports.*

It doesn’t seem like the current Dodge Charger is as old as it is, but the big sedan has been on the market in its current form since 2011. As seen at the New York Auto Show, the full-size Dodge will be getting an even bigger overhaul for 2015 with a new look inside and out and even a few changes made under the skin.

MUST SEE: 2015 Dodge Challenger First Look

While there were many changes made to the 2015 Dodge Charger, the most significant is the new exterior styling. A further evolution of the current design language found on the Dart and Durango, the 2015 Charger features rectangular headlights with LED running lights and the now-signature LED racetrack taillights, which now wrap around the rear quarter panels. The overall effect might not be as dramatic as the 2011-2014 Charger, but it brings a more modern and muscular look to the car.

Another key update Dodge made to the Charger is that all models will now get the eight-speed automatic transmission. Previously, this transmission was only offered with the 3.6-liter V-6, but now those desiring the Charger R/T and its 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 can now get the more advanced transmission as well. Even better, the shift lever inside the car looks less stumpy and easier to use than the current offering.