2012 Dodge Charger Concept

The all-new Charger is immediately recognizable but boasts many enhancements inside, outside and underneath its more aggressive skin.

From the front, the crosshair grille returns, although the headlamps are more canted than before and the fascia tilts at a slightly more aggressive angle. The Charger's side profile is sleeker and more coupe-esque than the outgoing model and revised wheel designs look more upscale than before.

Perhaps the biggest changes have been applied to the Charger's tail, where a full-width tail lamp arrangement visually links the Charger with both past Dodge models and the company's Dodge Challenger sibling.

Dodge calls the tail lamps a "racetrack" graphic when their 164 LEDs are illuminated. Below the tail lamps, new squared-off tailpipes exit a more finished-looking faux diffuser.

The interior - a point of contention for many Chrysler products in recent years - now features upgraded materials and more cosmetically appealing designs, as well as Garmin navigation with Sirius Travel Link and the meaty corporate-wide three-spoke steering wheel that has arrived on nearly every new Chrysler product for the latest model year.

Several upscale options have been added to the Charger for the latest model, including adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path protection and a rear backup camera with grid lines.

Although the Charger still rides on a Mercedes-Benz -derived platform, Dodge says that the architecture has been re-engineered so much that it now considers it its "second-generation" E-segment platform.

The Charger now features one V6 engine instead of the previous two. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivers 292 horsepower (up 63 percent) and 260 lb-ft of torque (up 36 percent) compared with the previous entry-level 2.7-liter V6 engine. The new Pentastar V6 also produces 42 more horsepower (up 16 percent) and 10 lb-ft more torque than the outgoing 3.5-liter V6.

Entry-level Pentastar-equipped Chargers make do with a carryover five-speed automatic, while mid- and upper-level trims get a new eight-speed auto. Mileage with the five-speed is rated at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while opting for the eight-cog unit increases efficiency to an impressive 19/31 mpg.

Stepping up to the Charger R/T brings a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with an output of 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. The HEMI motor pairs up with a five-speed automatic gearbox, and the combo is good for 16/25 mpg.

Rear-wheel-drive comes standard on the charger, while an optional all-wheel-drive system brings a segment-exclusive active transfer case with front axle disconnect. Dodge says the front axle disconnect helps save five percent on fuel economy by utilizing only rear-wheel-drive unless additional traction is needed. AWD brings fuel economy down to 18/27 mpg for V6 Chargers and 15/23 mpg for HEMI-equipped models.

Performance handling requires maximum grip, and the all-new Dodge Charger now holds .90 g. Aiding in the fastback four-door car's improved road-holding capabilities is more aggressive front- and rear-camber geometry.

Set at -1.0 degrees in the front and -1.75 degrees in the rear, Dodge Charger is set up for high-speed cornering with its tires leaning inboard at the top relative to the body.

All-new premium hydrobushings combined with new monotube shock absorbers, spring rates and redesigned front and rear multi-link suspension geometries improve performance handling dynamics, smooth braking characteristics and deliver a more comfortable ride.

Among other suspension .5-inch (13 mm) tighter tire-to-fender fitment, a .15-inch (4 mm) lowered overall ride height and larger 19-inch wheels with P235/55R19 all-season performance tires.

Beyond its lower center of gravity, the Dodge Charger R/T AWD also gains improved handling due to new upper- and lower-control arms and shock-absorber bushings. In addition new half shafts feature high-precision bearing units that are sealed for added quality and durability.

Transmitting the Dodge Charger's maximum grip to the driver is an all-new electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system that features 25 percent quicker steering, more precise road feel and improved on-center tracking while reducing steering noise and fuel consumption.

Every Charger comes standard with dual front, front side and front and rear curtain airbags in addition to a driver knee airbag. Traction and stability control systems are also fitted.

The only similarly-sized rear-wheel-drive rival to Charger in the same pricing ballpark is the Hyundai Genesis , which is slightly more expensive and puts an emphasis on luxury over performance. If front-wheel-drive isn't a deal breaker, full-size sedans like the Hyundai Azera , Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon also merit consideration.