2012 Detroit: Checking out the 2012 Dodge Charger Redline with Ndamukong Suh

Dodge’s in-house tuning firm Mopar has just unveiled three new kits for its hottest Charger sedan yet earlier at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Called the Dodge Charger Redline, the Mopar upgrades consist of three different packages that offer a series of visual and performance upgrades.

“Since the 1960s, the Mopar Brand has built a long history of adding power and performance to the Dodge Charger – and with the Redline, we Moparized the new Charger with modern-day performance and style while giving a nod to our storied past,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “With three kits, Mopar offers a tailored choice for every customer.”

Based on the 2012 Dodge Charger R/T, beginning with Stage I, the kit includes exterior visual upgrades such as a more aggerssive full-width Mopar chin spoiler made of carbon fiber, a special Redline Tri-coat paint finish, a unique two-piece grille, 20-inch Mopar Black Envy alloys and much more. The insides get some aesthetic tweaks as well such as a Mopar aluminum shift and instrument panel bezel and stainless steel Mopar pedals.

Stage II is where some performance upgrades are included. To help the 5.7L HEMI V8 breathe better, Mopar’s cat-back performance exhaust system is fitted, allowing for a boost in horsepower and a more menacing exhaust note (who doesn’t like that for a V8). A front strut tower cross-brace is added under the hood to help increase torsional rigidity for when the Charger carves corners (and yes it can). And co complete Stage II, the brakes are also upgraded with Mopar’s own to compensate for the little boost in power that the exhaust system offers.

And last but not least, Stage III includes everything from Stage I and II. But from the factory, Mopar removes the usual 5.7L HEMI and replaces it with their own 7.0L 426 HEMI V8 all-aluminum crate engine that was specified for racing and off-road use only. So basically, Stage III renders your Charger useless on public roads…though I doubt many would be able to tell that you’re engine was not specified for public roads should you opt for the 590-hp Stage III.

Full details on pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but the packages will be available for the 2012 Charger model year, with pricing most likely available through dealers.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

– By: Chris Chin