Dodge Adds Charger AWD Sport to the Family

When you think of the Dodge Charger. what comes to mind? A big, modern muscle car perfect for families? Visions of smokey burnouts once the kids are dropped off at school? How about a perfect all-weather car? No? Well, Dodge wants that perception to change. While the general perception of the Charger is all about aggressive styling and available HEMI V-8 power, the Charger has been available with all-wheel drive, but this feature seems to have flown under the radar. What better way to highlight the Charger's all-weather capabilities than to come out with a special model all about all-wheel drive?

Orders are being taken now, but expect January 2013 availability for the Dodge Charger AWD Sport. Consider the AWD Sport as a limited edition option package, as Dodge only intends to build Charger AWD Sports for about three months. The AWD Sport is based on the V-6 Charger SXT and HEMI V-8 Charger R/T trims. As for cost, Dodge is charging $1,395USD for the AWD Sport package, and $1,195 on R/T models.

So, what do you get for the money? The Charger AWD Sport distinguishes itself with a gloss black grille, gloss black painted 19' alloys, and a rear spoiler. Inside, buyers are also treated to sport seats and Chrysler's premium Beats Audio. The V-6 Charger AWD Sport gets a slight boost in power. The well-received 3.6L V-6 now boasts 300hp, thanks to a sport tuned dual exhaust and cold air induction system. The 370hp 5.7L V-8 is unchanged. The Garage sampled a 2012 Dodge Charger R/T which we thoroughly enjoyed. For 2013, both V-6 and V-8 Chargers feature an 8-speed automatic, as opposed to the 5-speed in our test car. Unique to the AWD Sport are paddle shifters and a Sport mode that will bang out quicker shifts and will hold revs higher in each gear. Kudos to Dodge for the shift paddles made from diecast metal instead of plastic. No word from Dodge, but I expect this to be available in other Chargers once the AWD Sport run is over.

But again, the emphasis here is on the Charger's all-wheel drive capability, and to break the perception this is strictly a rear wheel drive brute. Dodge is quick to point out their active transfer case and front axle disconnect technology, where the front wheels have no power unless needed to improve fuel economy. Will it work? Hard to say, but I can't blame Dodge for wanting to raise awareness that the Charger is available with all-wheel drive. Whether we see more Chargers rolling up to ski resorts in Stowe, Vermont, or Aspen, Colorado remains to be seen.

 

Review: 2013 Acura ILX

With the addition of Acura's latest entry level car, it's impossible to not think of when Acura got it's start back in 1986. Today, it may be hard to believe, but in the 1980's, the notion of a premium Japanese car was unheard of. But Honda decided to break new ground, but with fears American buyers would balk at a pricey Honda, they introduced Acura as their premium brand. Acura's entry level car was the Integra, a sporty car built on a Civic chassis. The Integra is a distant memory, but history is repeating itself at Acura with the ILX, which is based on the current Civic.

I appreciated the tasteful styling of the ILX, and was grateful to see some restraint in Acura's signature beak front end treatment. Yet, this is a car that makes no statement for itself. On the road, the ILX is featureless and forgettable. To be clear, there is not a single offensive line on the car, but for a premium car company I expect a little more personality, something the ILX's exterior lacks.

Inside, build and material quality are without fault. Acura was fairly conservative in their styling of the ILX interior, but it is roomy and comfortable for its size. I was disappointed that the seats offered nothing in the way of lateral support-they were flat as a pancake. Yes, the ILX was a pleasant place to spend some time behind the wheel, is perfectly comfortable and offers plenty of amenities, but this is  a car that is conflicted.

The ILX is available with a choice of three drivetrains. For starters, the base car has a 2.0L four cylinder rated at 150hp, paired to a five-speed automatic. There is also a hybrid version. Our test car was equipped with the top-spec engine, a 2.4L four rated at 201hp, mated to a six-speed manual. EPA fuel economy ratings are 22/31 MPG city/highway. This is the same drivetrain as the Honda Civic Si. The rev happy engine makes some fine music, and is typical Honda silky smooth, not to mention the brilliant six speed manual. Yet, there is a disconnect with the engine and car itself. The ILX looks and rides as a mild mannered entry level luxury car, but has the engine of a VW GTI rival. It makes no sense. Driving the ILX in anger is pointless, since the seats won't hold you in place and the suspension seems more tuned to comfort, not sport.

Our 2.4L test car was an ILX Premium. Standard features included a leather interior, heated front seats, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth, xenon headlights, power moonroof, push button start and a rearview camera. Including delivery, MSRP rang in at $30,095 USD. With the Civic Si's engine, Navigation is not even available to you. If you need it, you have to go with the base engine. Which makes no sense at all. I am just not seeing much value here.

When I saw the specs of the Acura ILX, I figured they had built an entry level luxury car for the guy who was a little too old to be seen cruising in a Civic Si. Sadly, that is not the case. What I found was a weak kneed sleeper of a car with a mismatched drivetrain, over priced and not even available with navigation. It's unforgivable, and Acura has sent us a half baked product. When you are a premium car company, that is unacceptable. And I know Acura is capable of doing better.

 

Triumph Tiger 800 XC and Tiger Explorer 1200 Video Review

The Tiger 800 XC and Tiger Explorer 1200 are a direct attack on BMW's F800GS Siegfried and R1200GS Roy, but the Triumphs are capable of standing on their own merits. That raises another question, which big cat to take home? Contributor Neil Johnston puts the two Tigers to the test to find out.