The Performance Group comes with fatter, stickier tires (P235/55R18 Michelin MXM4s) and suspension tweaks that combine to reduce body lean in corners and quicken turn-in response. A price is paid, however, as the sportier suspension and tire combination resonates more over broken pavement, not harshly, but noticeably. The tires that come standard on the R/T and optional on the SXT are neither as wide nor as grippy, but offer a quieter ride.

The AutoStick transmission works equally well in either Automatic or Manual mode. In Automatic mode, full throttle upshifts wait until redline and downshifts for passing are executed with minimal delay. In Manual mode, the transmission holds a gear to red line before shifting up a gear (unless you shift sooner, of course), which then becomes the selected gear. Only by tromping the gas in manual mode can you force a downshift, and then only for as long as the pedal is held to the floor; ease up ever so slightly, and the higher gear takes back over, and somewhat abruptly.

The Charger's brake hardware is shared with Mercedes-Benz, but the software code for the stability program, brake assist and traction control systems is written by and for Dodge. Mercedes engineers could learn something from Dodge. Pedal feel is firm, braking is reassuringly linear and there's no perceived interference from the electronic watchdogs, yielding smooth, controlled stops. We haven't always been able to say the same the same thing about the braking characteristics on some of the Mercedes models.

Summary

The Dodge Charger delivers pony car excitement and style and recalls a bygone era, all while providing the roomy accommodations of a full-size car. A range of engines and suspension setups allows the buyer to choose between fast and comfortable models.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from North Carolina and southern Virginia; with Mitch McCullough reporting from Michigan.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Dodge Charger SE ($22,800); Charger SXT ($25,905); Charger SXT AWD ($28,155); Charger R/T ($30,215); Charger R/T AWD ($32,215); Charger Daytona R/T ($32,715); Charger SRT8 ($35,920)

Engines:3.5-liter sohc 24-valve V6; 5.7-liter 16v V8; 6.1-liter 16v V8; 2.7-liter dohc 24-valve V6 (fleet)

Transmissions:5-speed automatic with AutoStick; 4-speed automatic (fleet)

Safety equipment (standard):multi-stage front airbags; antilock brakes with brake assist; electronic stability program; traction control; child safety seat anchors (LATCH)

Safety equipment (optional):front- and rear-passenger side-curtain airbags (for head protection); self-sealing tires

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled in:Brampton, Ontario, Canada