With the Northeast getting hammered by the relentless ‘Snowpocalypse’, our friends at the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA), awarded the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T AWD with their coveted Winter Vehicle Award in the $25,000 to $35,000 sedan/wagon price class. This group of automotive journalist’s covers a large section of the country – mainly all six New England states that contain one of the largest populations in the United States. Therefore, when these guys test new vehicles, they look well beyond the usual 0-60 and quarter mile times to gauge the cars performance. These writers evaluate the vehicle in everyday “real world” conditions that includes the harsh, brutal and sometimes treacherous winter driving conditions that are prevalent in their region of the country.
“Dodge Charger is a great looking car with a high-quality interior,” said John Paul, Winter Vehicle Awards Team Leader — NEMPA. “Add in its dedicated all-wheel-drive system, and the Charger feels like it was designed just for New England winters. Oh and by the way, it has a Hemi!”
The ultra cool Charger AWD system features a unique active transfer case and front axle disconnect system which allows seamless engagement between rear-wheel drive to AWD. Therefore when a ‘Nor’easter’ comes out of nowhere, the system will automatically engage to the changing weather and road conditions. Therefore, you no longer need to worry about what mother nature throws at you. On dry pavement, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to increase fuel economy. Think of this as having your cake and eating it too.
“When designing the all-new Dodge Charger R/T AWD, the team pushed the fastback sedan’s capabilities further, delivering a highly capable and precise all-season performance street weapon that thrives in any ‘Snowpocolypse,” said our President and CEO Ralph Gilles. “With its state-of-the-art AWD system combined with a new world-class chassis, best-in-class horsepower, the all-new Dodge Charger R/T AWD is designed to deliver performance and grip even during one of the harshest of winters this country has seen in years.”
Now if that darn ground hog had only seen his shadow, we could have had six more weeks of fun winter driving in our Charger R/T AWD!
Article Courtesy of RedLetterDodge