For the brave who crave cloth of a different cut than the status quo, it is possible to transcend the norm, to attain invincibility when behind the wheel of the stylish, mythic machine. Back in the '60s and '70s the Dodge Charger appealed to a certain segment of the population who craved the visceral feel of a two-door muscle car. Today, this heroic vehicle has been reinvented to charge past the competition from the Infiniti M35, Lexus GS300, Mustang GT, and the Chrysler 300 with three variations of engines. Although the 2007 Charger is a much different than the original Coke bottle design that was introduced in 1964, it still retains the spirit of the original. With broad shoulders in the front and rear quarter-panels cutting into the doors, the car looks like a linebacker in uniform. 35,320, and a fuel efficiency of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway, you almost need to be an extrovert to drive this modern interpretation of fastback design. The 2007 Charger has been fortified with technologies to provide efficiency and unparalleled control from a thoroughly reinvented rear-wheel-drive technology, and its completely re-engineered engines. Step inside the car and you'll not be disappointed.
First, you'll notice the large 60s inspired steering-wheel, large (vintage) air vents, clean and classy black on white rpm/speed dials, and supportive seats. The model we tested also had a DVD navigation system, and BOSE sound system - which was an added plus. But with the engine turned on, the menacing howl will quickly make you forget all the refined creature comforts of the cabin. Driver input is the name of the game for the 2007 Charger. Put the car in "gear," lift your foot off the brake, and let the rapturous engine do the rest. The base Charger comes with a 3.5-liter SOHC, 24-valve V6, with 250 horsepower (250 pound-feet of torque driving through a five-speed automatic) that effectively feels like a V8. But if that isn't enough, there is the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which puts 340 horsepower (with 390 pound-feet of torque) on the tarmac. At the top of the line, is the 6.1-liter Hemi SRT8 with 425 horsepower at 460 pound-feet of torque. These are incredible numbers. Both Hemi engines feature de-activation cylinder technology increasing the V8's fuel efficiency to 16 mpg city; 22 mpg highway.
On our road test, we found the base V6 to have enough pep without compromising on fuel. Both the V8 Hemi's seemed a bit too supercharged for today's roads, and geo political situation. At times, driving the Charger SRT8 with 425 horsepower felt like you were trying to control an overpowered carriage rather than enjoying the sporty ride. The overall ride of the Charger is quite good, as its chassis and transmission are the same as Mercedes Benz E-Class. However, there's still a lot of body roll. Choices abound when it comes to finding the right Charger that suits your needs. The new Charger is available in five trims: the SE, SXT, R/T, Daytona R/T and the SRT8. The models vary in engine size, but share the highest, five-star government front crash test ratings due to well-engineered crush zones, advanced multi-stage air bags (though side air-curtains are optional), and self-sealing tires. The ABS brakes are standard as well, but are not too communicative in reducing speed when the Dodge is really "charging". The heavier car accelerates well, but doesn't decelerate with confidence. If going for the Hemi versions, it is recommended to opt for Viper calipers, given the Charger's torque and horsepower. In 1973, Richard Petty commandeered the Dodge Charger to its last win at the Daytona 500. Individuality, muscle, and a timeless sense of freedom have always been associated with the Charger's heritage. The 2007 Dodge Charger succeeds in resurrecting a time when life was simple. Former owners of the Charger are now mature family folks who need the two extra doors. The 2007 Charger is a valiant attempt at bringing back the brave, the unbreakable, the insurmountable - the all-American muscle car.
The new bearings for the control arms have been designed with a special emphasis on comfort, with separated functions for longitudinal and lateral forces on the front axle. The anti-roll bar and its bearings are also new developments. These developments provide for extremely precise, predictable and safe handling accompanied by outstanding comfort, running characteristics and noise levels across all Mercedes-Benz Vito variants. The Vito range offers the very highest standards of ride comfort, driving enjoyment and driving safety. Such all-round quality can only be topped by the air suspension including automatic level control on the rear axle, which is available ex-factory. Whether you run a craftman's firm , a courier service or any other kind of business, you'll have little in the way of worries when it comes to loading the Mercedes-Benz Vito. The development engineers have raised the permissible gross vehicle weight, accompanied by a noticeable increase in the payload. The standard gross permissible vehicle weight is now 2.80 t (previously 2.77 t), while all models of the new generation are also optionally available as a 3.05 t variant.
According to model variant, the increase in payload may amount to as much as 100 kg. The Mercedes-Benz Vito with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.2 t remains top of the range in terms of payload. A variant with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 2.5 t is available for export. Comfort and safety come in an attractive guise for commercial operations, too: the Vito is now optionally available with new five-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels fitted with 225/55 R 17 tyres. The Mercedes-Benz Vito comes with an unparalleled range of safety and assistance systems as standard. All models feature a brake system with powerful and robust disc brakes on all wheels, electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and adaptive brake lights which display an emergency braking signal when the brakes are fully applied. Numerous invisible safety features are also on board. The ESP Electronic Stability Programme with anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR) and brake assist (BAS) is obligatory for all Vito models.
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