Last time we saw the interior of the upcoming 2011 Dodge Charger, we had a view of a navigation-equipped model shot from the passenger side. Today, however, we get a look at the driver's view of the 2011 Charger. Steering wheel buttons look to be fully moved from the blind back-of-wheel controls Dodge is using now to a more sensible, visible approach. The 140 mph speedometer is bring and clear, there's push-button start and remote trunk and though there's no nav, there's a large-enough screen to make iPod use tolerable.
But what's that in the center console? That's not the PRND/M we're used to from Dodge. The vehicle is still an automatic, but that shifter is a gigantic step up and is awfully similar to one you'd see in an automatic-equipped BMW with a floating metal shroud a-la automatic Porsches.
Unfortunately, this is most likely not the 8-speed automatic, which Chrysler says they will begin production of in 2013. *Eagle-eyed readers have pointed out two important facts here: 1) Chrysler will be importing the transmission before building it themselves. 2) The reader pictured top-right is a ZF unit meaning that this is a ZF built 8-speed automatic and not the five-speed auto with its gated shifter. Mea Culpa.*
This new shot sheds even more light on what's looking to be a serious step up from Dodge for its '11 Charger in terms of materials, design and engineerig.
iver_builder says:
10:11 AM, 08/ 2/10
"Unfortunately, this is most likely not the 8-speed automatic, which Chrysler says they will begin production of in 2013."
Do your homework Mike.
Chrysler has said they will start out importing the 8-speed from Germany BEFORE it goes into production in Indiana in 2013.
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100609/CARNEWS/100609858
half_ton says:
10:31 AM, 08/ 2/10
Is that a Ram head/logo in the center of the steering wheel?
throwback says:
11:25 AM, 08/ 2/10
Resembles the shifter in the current BMW automatics.
tp660 says:
11:44 AM, 08/ 2/10
@half_ton: Yes, that is a Ram head logo but it's also the Dodge emblem.
jeepsrt says:
11:50 AM, 08/ 2/10
@tp660
I think he meant that they are getting rid of that emblem and going with a new one, I think just Dodge and hash marks. Being that it's a pre-production model they probably have not replaced them yet.
rollk says:
11:57 AM, 08/ 2/10
Something about this reminds me of the new S60's interior... something I thought I'd never say
ed124c says:
12:21 PM, 08/ 2/10
I think they should just continue to import the 8 speed from ZF. I don't trust Chrysler to put out a decent 8 speed auto if they can't build a reliable 5 speed.
Plus, if they continue to get it from ZF, they can brag about it-- just as carmakers brag about having Brembo brakes.
lmbvette says:
12:29 PM, 08/ 2/10
For anyone out there with an 8 speed tranny, how do you like it? Do you feel that there is just too much shifting going on? Just curious if during day-to-day liveability you feel that it's necessary to have those two extra cogs.
I've got 6 speeds in my auto, and it feels like I have plenty of gear.
bimmerjay says:
12:41 PM, 08/ 2/10
I like the big red button.
@lmbvette,
Having driven a couple 8-speeds recently, I can say that it is imperceptible. The shifts are so incredibly smooth and the rev drops are slight such that most of the time you're not even aware the car is shifting. In fact, majority of the time I didn't even know which gear the car was in.
cardesigner82 says:
12:56 PM, 08/ 2/10
Pretty tasteful interior, nothing mind boggling. I would disagree on the shifter resembling BMW's. The BMW shifter is about half the size of this one, but people just love to compare interiors to that of the Germans I suppose.
@ed124c
To my knowledge, the 8-speed will still be ZF's just Chrysler will assemble them here. Assemblers will need to be trained, where as ZF will supply already assembled trannies, at a higher rate of course. :)
half_ton says:
01:02 PM, 08/ 2/10
@tp660 and jeepsrt
I didn't clarify my question. Don't forget that Ram is it's own brand now and the company recently announced that in addition to name changes the logos would be different. Seeing the Ram in there just threw me off but good catch!
audisport says:
01:24 PM, 08/ 2/10
@cardesigner82: They will be built at a ZF operated facility in the States.
@ed124c: Chrysler's 5 speed auto isn't unreliable.
wrinklebump says:
03:40 PM, 08/ 2/10
Chrysler's 5-speed auto is a pretty solid slushbox; the Daimler-sourced W5A580 5-speed auto most of you are familiar with the majority of Chrysler applications is not, however.
desmolicious says:
05:38 PM, 08/ 2/10
Ahh, another reader correcting the pros at Emunds...
nice work iver_builder!
desmolicious says:
05:39 PM, 08/ 2/10
p.s. to give Magrath credit (stuff gets missed) he graciously attributed the catch and fixed it.
jscion says:
05:46 PM, 08/ 2/10
The interior is just beautiful! A big improvement for the good old K-Car company! What I don't understand is the ram head on the steering wheel. I thought Dodge changed it's logo to those two slanted red stripes. I really liked that idea. It really gave Dodge a whole new look and feel. The ram head is best suited for a truck brand such as...RAM. Other than that WTF about the new Charger, as long as the exterior styling lives up to the interior, we have a winner.
herrstreet says:
09:04 PM, 08/ 2/10
completely adequate but very little style and nothing eye catching whatsoever. Chrysler needs to take a chance or two.
bodyblue says:
05:39 AM, 08/ 3/10
"Being that it's a pre-production model they probably have not replaced them yet.'
Dodge said their new emblem was for internal and web use....it will not be used on cars at least for now.
The gauges channel 60's MOPARS a bit.....notice how they are not deeply inset like most new cars? I think it is very nice.....even the new Caliber has new, nice looking dash. MOPAR is really trying hard with what they have to offer.
wizard8873 says:
05:46 AM, 08/ 3/10
Much nicer interior. Definately would actually consider this car now if I was looking for one.
phoenixj says:
06:38 AM, 08/ 3/10
Where are the controls for the radio? I see a screen, but no where near enough buttons for full radio control. Additionally, it looks like the A/C unit has dual zone control, but no digital read-outs, so I'm guessing they share real-estate with the screen? But again, where are the radio control buttons as the "black panel" below the screen appears to be a dash storage cubby.
xxchevyguyxx says:
02:01 PM, 08/ 3/10
YAAWWWNNN! looks the same to me. Nothing short of a miracle.