2013 Charger R/T Daytona

"Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom" (will-alib) 09/22/2013 at 23:22 • Filed to: Charger, reviews, WillAlibrandi

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Dodge’s Charger is an anachronism; a throwback to the days when big sedans with big V8s were the norm. Now, amongst a sea of FWD economy cars it stands out like a mushroom cloud in the Nevada desert. (the Daytona Blue paint helps here)

Dodge hasn’t offered a Daytona package on the Charger since 2009, but now it’s available for an additional $2,500 over the cost of a Charger R/T. This limited edition trim level will only see 2,500 copies made for 2013 and all will come with satin black hood stripes, black roof wrap and R/T spoiler rolling on 20" painted & polished wheels. Four colors are offered: black, white, silver or blue.

The Daytona Charger has one engine option, the 5.7 liter hemi V8 rated at 370hp and 39lb-ft torque. To get more power means moving up to the Charger SRT with its 470hp 6.4 liter Hemi with its attending price bump of almost $8000. Power is routed to the rear wheels (AWD is available) through a 5-speed automatic and a limited slip 3.06 axle. Base price for the Charger R/T is $29,995; the test car had the Road & Track package and had a total MSRP of $41,645. Major options included the Daytona Edition Group for $2,500, the Driver Confidence Group for $995, Adaptive Cruise Control for $925, Navigation with rear back-up camera for $995 and sunroof for $840.

The combination of Hemi power and performance axle nets a 5.5 second 0-60 time and comes with an EPA rating of 16/25 with 19 combined. The highway rating is helped by Dodge’s Fuel Saver which cuts out four cylinders under low-load conditions to improve efficiency and save fuel. On the road, the Daytona impresses with its quiet ride - surprisingly smooth for a car with sporty intent. The suspension tweaks allow for surprising handling prowess, aided by 245/45-20 Eagle F1 all-season performance tires. At over 4,200lb it’s no lightweight, but responds well to being thrown into turns at higher than average speeds. The test car included paddle shifters, a performance exhaust sytem, performance rear axle ratio and 3-mode traction and stability control. Heavy-duty brakes, performance steering and suspension round out the Daytona options list.

The total package works well, with the suspension nearly eliminating body roll, dive and squat. Wind noise is evident above 60mph but not intrusive; most drivers might simply turn up the volume on the excellent Beats audio system to mask any unwanted road noise. The biggest squawk is the lazy action of the 5-speed transmission which sometimes hunts for the proper gear, and is somewhat slow to downshift without flooring the accelerator. The rumored addition of Chrysler’s new 8-speed ZF autobox to the 5.7 Hemi should fix any problems the current 5-speed transmission has now in addition to improving fuel economy. Right behind this complaint is the exhaust’s noise level; essentially it’s too quiet. The only time the exhaust can be heard is during full-throttle acceleration. A little more rumble at idle would add to the car’s character.

The roomy interior includes comfortable Nappa leather and suede covered seats (heated and ventilated) with blue stitching. The optional 10-speaker 552-watt Beats Audio system has impressive clarity and the subwoofer delivers bone-shaking bass. A large 8.4" touchscreen integrates the Garmin navigation system with AM/FM and Satellite radio and is simple and intuitive to use. Pairing a cell phone took a little more patience, but once that was accomplished making and receiving calls was easy.

The Charger is an excellent blend of musclecar and family sedan; easy to live with for daily driving but with enough power and a competent suspension to keep the ride fun and the driver smiling.

And yes, it does baby... very well, actually. Because twins.

Sn210 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/22/2013 at 23:31

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Nice write up! I think you just put a Charger on my radar...

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Sn210 09/22/2013 at 23:34

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Thanks. The Daytona Blue is the must-have color imho. All it really needs is a cat-back exhaust and it's darn near perfect.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/22/2013 at 23:37

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Great review. I wish Dodge would kick that 5 speed back to 1998 and put in a manual and the 8 speed auto.

Kailand09 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/22/2013 at 23:39

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I have really liked that car so far, but I gotta say... That cockpit picture really turned me off. It looks terrible, maybe something is lost in translation but man I wouldn't want to stare at that.

Milky > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/22/2013 at 23:40

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Love car .... people that buy a 30k Camry V6 are beyong stupid when a car like this exists.

Also I find it funny the same transmission thats barely acceptable in my '04 Crossfire is still being used today.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/23/2013 at 00:10

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It is not a Daytona without a high wing that clears the trunk opening, and higher than the roof.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 09/23/2013 at 08:41

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Agreed. I loved the wing cars, but Chryco's marketing whiz kids must feel they have to recycle the old names.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Kailand09 09/23/2013 at 08:43

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The chrome shifter gate looks kinda cheesy to me, (the 2014 has the slapstick shifter) and I wish they'd used another steering wheel without the ugly hub. Other than that I think it's passable.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos 09/23/2013 at 08:44

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From what I've read the 8-speed ZF is coming to a Hemi near you in 2014.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Milky 09/23/2013 at 08:48

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LOL. That's some comparison; I wonder if those two cars are ever cross-shopped.

mr2gud2u > Milky 09/23/2013 at 09:12

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Wow modern MOPARs getting love on oppo. I guess there is hope for the future after all. I totally agree. Maybe its the fat dumb American in me, I don't get it either. In the day of 60,000 mile warranties that are iron clad why is the first choice always Camry?

Milky > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/23/2013 at 10:42

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More than likely probably not, but they should. Either spend 30k on a Camry V6 SE with a view options and sporty looking body kit or get an actual sporty car.

Milky > mr2gud2u 09/23/2013 at 10:43

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Because people are boring and like the blending in apparently. Tisk tisk society .

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Milky 09/23/2013 at 10:58

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Maybe a better comparison might be the Charger SXT: $30k, and it's got a 300hp V6 with 8A trans good for 31mpg highway. Driving the correct wheels too.

Milky > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/23/2013 at 11:07

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Granted this is Opposite lock and I am completely biased but .........

... that V8 with a slightly under 30k price tag seems great to me. If I had a need for family sedan and I would actually be very interested in that for my next car.

Whenever I see one on the highway, I'm all like "well done sir, you choose right".

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/23/2013 at 11:11

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That was the main point...

But a smaller part of me wants to see that high wing on a 4-door new Charger. :D

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 09/23/2013 at 11:53

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Oy. Photos of such a monstrosity would be ripped mercilessly on this forum..

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Milky 09/23/2013 at 11:58

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The 2014 R/T starts at $30,495 and IIRC this will be the year the Hemi gets the ZF 8-spd autobox.

Still, it's a vote against Beige.

Milky > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/23/2013 at 12:00

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500 bucks for 3 more gears?! Sign me up.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/23/2013 at 12:03

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How can it be worse than making a challenger try to look like a wing car?

E-bodies are not B-bodies. An original Challenger or Barracuda is not an original Charger or GTX/Road Runner.

Who knows... a high wing on a new Challenger, with the black tail-wrap stripe could look better than you think. :D

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 09/23/2013 at 13:02

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It would just as bad imo. Few people would get the joke, too. I've seen those photos before of the winged Challengers; it just looks goofy because they're trying too hard to be retro.

I bet when original Superbird and Daytona Charger owners take their cars out in public, they probably hear the same thing over & over from the young'uns... "Dude, where'd you get that SICK spoiler?"

Kailand09 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/23/2013 at 17:52

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Yeah I'm just being picky. It just reminds me of every other dodge interior in the past decade which is a bit boring. Not necessarily bad, I just prefer a little more spirited.

Mustang 'DontHitTheCrowd' GT > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/23/2013 at 23:14

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You know, you'd think with this car being a throwback and all that they wouldn't have that awful plastic cover over the engine (I guess you could always just take it off), and you'd think there'd be more room under the hood for goodies, reminiscent of 70s muscle cars.

stevestamop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 04:33

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God that interior though... why so ugly?!

doodon2whls > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 08:58

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Nice write up...

Chrysler is unfortunately playing games with their LX family of cars when it comes to the available transmissions. The 8ATX is only available on the 300 (the 300C SRT8 gets the 5ATX). Only the 5ATX is available on the Charger including the SRT8. The 5ATX or 6MTX are available on the Challenger.

They are also playing games with the infotainment systems. The large 8.4" NAV/Radio display is available on the 300C and Charger, but not in the Challenger.

[Insert grumbling about product planners here.]

[sigh]

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > doodon2whls 09/24/2013 at 09:07

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Thanks. I read the ZF 8spd is rumored to be on the 2014 V8 Charger, but I haven't found any official press release saying so yet. It would make a huge difference, as that 5spd box is the weak link in that car's powertrain.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > stevestamop 09/24/2013 at 09:12

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Having lived with it for a week, it's not bad at all. The 2014 Charger has the slapstick shifter, which fixes one of the car's faults, and I'm reading the new ZF 8spd autobox will replaced the clunky 5spd trans in the V8 car now.

doodon2whls > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 09:16

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Not sure about the 8spd in the Charger/Challenger for 2014, but agree that it would improve the cars significantly. It's well calibrated in the 300C and the Jeep Grand Cherokee - both of which I have recently driven with the 8ATX.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Mustang 'DontHitTheCrowd' GT 09/24/2013 at 09:16

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I didn't think it looked too bad, but everybody covers their engines in plastic now. Sticking with a retro theme, it would be kinda cool to make the engine cover look like the old Six Pack air cleaner, even if it is a bit campy.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Kailand09 09/24/2013 at 11:33

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I thought I read that the Charger (and Challenger) interior is getting a re-do for 2015.

GreenN_Gold > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 12:01

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Why does this car look so...familiar?

http://jalopnik.com/2013-dodge-cha…

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > GreenN_Gold 09/24/2013 at 12:22

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LOL. If you read the first post after Patrick's review, I said the same thing essentially. I got my test car the day before he posted. The Daytona only comes in four colors; blue being the most eye-grabbing.

GreenN_Gold > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 13:10

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Do you think you guys got the same test car?

stevestamop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 13:11

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the 7 speed in my girlfriends polo and my sister's golf is bad enough, I can only imagine 8.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > stevestamop 09/24/2013 at 13:13

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Why? What's bad about it?

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > GreenN_Gold 09/24/2013 at 13:15

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No, he dropped his off in Austin TX. Mine came from NJ, but both cars had nearly sequential Illinois plates.

stevestamop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 13:42

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it's fantastic if you're driving through a winding road or on a track (i haven't tracked my gf's polo, but I have had enormous fun with its 110hp engine). The problem is in day to day driving, especially highway cruising. If you just want to increase speed a little, it takes a while for it to work out whether to shift down 3 or 4 gears, and then you get a massive lurch. The same goes for just flat out pedal to the medal. It doesn't come when you need it to. The slushbox 4-speed in my 90 honda prelude is much easier to drive day to day.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > stevestamop 09/24/2013 at 15:09

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The hemi V8's powerband & torque characteristics are a wee bit different from a 3 or 4-cyl Polo's mill and probably wouldn't have the same issues as what you've experienced. That being said, my '12 Passat TDI is programmed to upshift early to help economy, which is more the culprit than the # of fwd gears I'd guess. There's always the aftermarket to provide a ECU reflash to change this shift program. Or just use the Sport button?

stevestamop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 16:14

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It's not that it upshifts early, it's just that it's slow and cumbersome when you put your foot to the floor. It's essentially turbo lag without any actual power.

I'm sure the charger will be different, but 8 speeds is still ridiculous and when you factor in that it's american and therefore struggles to think...

jks jks jks don't shoot me.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > stevestamop 09/24/2013 at 16:21

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Hmmpff. You're lucky you have socialized medicine over there..

:)

stevestamop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/24/2013 at 16:24

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Mate, Australia is a bee's dick away from becoming a full socialist country, and our cars are so stupid, even Ford decided enough was enough. I can't really talk.

We can bond over guitars though, cos I have an ace 73 lp standard that sits in it's case gathering dust.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > stevestamop 09/25/2013 at 09:03

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A bee's dick ? LOL. Funny thing is, we here look at some of the cars GM sells in Australia as Commodores and wonder why the hell they won't sell them in the US.

Nice guitar. Is that the new Budokan, or an original '73 LP? I see Epiphone Budokans for $1200 while the Gibsons are over $8000. Crazy.

stevestamop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/25/2013 at 10:40

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They'd be too slow for america is my guess.

I know it's the internet and it could be an epiphone junior les paul for all you know, but it is a genuine gibbo 73 standard. I gave up on the rock star dreams for f1 dreams. Easy right?

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > stevestamop 09/25/2013 at 11:24

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20 years ago I bought an '81 LP Custom via private sale for $500. The guitar was in exc shape; I kept it for a year and then like a complete ass sold it. I'd guess it's worth prob triple that amount now. smh

Until I buy another one I have a mid-80s Yamaha Studio Lord LP that came from a shop in Japan via Fleabay. It's supposedly the best LP copy made, identical to my old '81 in every aspect.

stevestamop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 09/25/2013 at 13:04

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Never sell! That's why I have about 14 guitars haha.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > stevestamop 09/25/2013 at 13:09

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Trust me, learned my lesson there. I'm up to six now, myself. (basses count, right?)