2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit Sets New Performance Benchmarks In Police Vehicle Segment

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 records fastest lap time ever in Michigan State Police's Vehicle Evaluation Test history (1:33.70)
• Fastest-ever lap time at Grattan Raceway highlights Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 as the police sedan with the best combination of acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics
• Dodge Charger Pursuit V-6 delivers the fastest naturally aspirated or E-85 capable six-cylinder lap time
• Charger Pursuit V-8 delivers the best-in-class acceleration needed for police-fleet duty, including 0-to 60 mph in under 6 seconds:
  • 0-to-60 mph (5.83 sec)
  • 0-to-80 mph (9.18 sec)
  • 0-to-100 mph (13.65 sec)

*MSP's 2012 model year preliminary data

Designed and engineered to be America's high-performance police vehicle, the new 2012 Dodge Charger V-6 and V-8 models set new levels of performance — including the fastest lap time ever recorded (1:33.70) — at Michigan State Police's (MSP) annual Police Vehicle Evaluation tests earlier this week at Grattan Raceway in Belding, Mich.

"Achieving the fastest-ever lap time at the Michigan State Police's annual Police Vehicle Evaluation test reflects the mission of the Dodge Charger Pursuit Team to equip our law enforcement officials with the absolute best combination of vehicle performance and tactical equipment," said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC. "Even more impressive is that all four Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Team drivers averaged their fastest times in the Charger Pursuit – reinforcing the driver confidence provided when world-class acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics are combined."

In addition to the 370 horsepower and world-class performance and precision of the Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 model, the 292 horsepower Charger Pursuit V-6 models held their own around Grattan Raceway, averaging the fastest times for naturally aspirated (1:37.71) and E-85 capable (1:37.57) six-cylinder police cars.

Rapid acceleration is also critical to quickly catching up to target vehicles, and the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V-8 leads the police sedan segment with the fastest 0-to-60 to 0-to-100 mph times.

• 0-to-60 mph (5.83 sec)
• 0-to-70 mph (7.38 sec)
• 0-to-80 mph (9.18 sec)
• 0-to-90 mph (11.43 sec)
• 0-to-100 mph (13.65 sec)

Continuing to build on the Charger's high-performance heritage and the 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit debuting at last year's MSP tests, the 2012 model features new performance improvements, including:

• Optional 3.07 rear-axle ratio for increased acceleration with Pentastar® V-6 (2.65 standard)
• Optional 3.06 rear-axle ratio for increased acceleration with HEMI® V-8 (2.65 standard)
• Recalibrated engine controller (including a 151 mph max-speed rating) with HEMI V-8
• New heavy-duty and higher performance brake pads with new silicone brake caliper boot to reduce brake fade and deliver improved performance and durability (late availability)
• All-new police-specific designed front seats provide additional comfort, accommodate the equipment on the officer's duty belt, and provide the lateral support for performance driving
• Full-color Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with an engine-hour and engine-idle hour meter
• 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 100,000 mile spark plugs
• New wheel hub for minimized deflection and less vibration when braking

About the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit

America's high-performance police vehicle — the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit —provides law-enforcement with the best combination of tactical technology, safety, power, efficiency and an iconic design.

New for 2012, Dodge Charger Pursuit offers six all-new quality-tested and factory-installed police-equipment packages backed by the factory. In addition, 24 free-standing options allow for the customer to equip the Charger Pursuit to his or her specification.

The Dodge Charger features two uncompromised, high-performance engines that deliver world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency.

Engineered to perform, the aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, offers E-85 flex-fuel capability and up to 27 highway mpg. For best-in-class power, the Charger Pursuit's legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology delivers 370 horsepower, 390 lb.-ft. of torque, 0-to-60 mph in under 6 seconds and up to 25 highway mpg.

With superior ride and handling, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features Chrysler Group's second-generation large car rear-wheel-drive architecture with performance-tuned suspension, load-leveling Nivomat shocks, heavy-duty anti-lock vented-disc brakes (ABS), front- and rear-stabilizer bars, 18-inch performance tires on steel wheels and two-mode police-specific Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Developed with the guidance of the brand's Police Advisory Board, the Dodge Charger Pursuit features a mobile-command interior with unique features, including a Vehicle Systems Interface Module for easy equipment integration, heavy-duty police-duty front seats and column-mounted shifter with Auto Stick.

In addition to its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick," the Dodge Charger Pursuit surrounds the heroic men and women who protect with uncompromising safety and security equipment, including standard advanced multi-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, seat-mounted side-thorax air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers and driver's knee bag.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC