Spotted: a 2014 Dodge Charger

The spotted specimen

In the Rotterdam neighborhood of Charlois, we saw this 2014 Dodge Charger, which has been in the Netherlands since 2018. Don’t let the subtle customization fool you: this is ‘just’ a relatively modest SE or SXT version. With a 218 kW (297 hp) strong 3.6-liter V6, these ‘base models’ in the range are certainly not wrong already either. This entry-level model is already at 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and continues to 200 km/h. The headlights and striping on this one are not original. Although we are not usually a fan of tuning, however, it does not look out of place this time.

The Dodge Charger in the Netherlands

Currently, there are 536 copies of the Dodge Charger on Dutch license plates. Then we count all model generations. By far the most popular in terms of numbers are the second (1968-1970) and sixth model generations (2006-2010). Of the seventh model generation we spotted, 73 copies have been registered, or 45 if we do not count the radical facelift of model year 2015.

The seventh-generation Dodge Charger

The seventh-generation Dodge Charger entered the market for the 2011 model year. It was a further development of the previous model, and it still shared its platform with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger. Although the basic lines were retained, the new Charger received a somewhat tighter design with some subtle references to the iconic second generation.

Engines Dodge Charger

The standard V6 of the one we spotted, when combined with the optional Performance Package, produced 220 kW. Above it were a 5.7- and 6.4-liter V8, with 280 and 350 kW (381 and 476 hp), respectively. The latter belongs to the SRT8 version returned for 2012, which sprints to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Each engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard, but the V6 was also optionally paired with an eight-speed, which was designed primarily to reduce fuel consumption.

Drastic facelift

For model year 2015, the Dodge Charger underwent a major facelift. The car regained a more rounded design. Although the basic lines remained the same, you would almost think you were looking at a new model generation. In the interior, however, the changes were a lot more subtle. There it was mainly about a nicer use of materials and updated infotainment system. On the technical front, the 6.4-liter V8 now delivered 362 kW (493 hp). A new addition was a whopping 527 kW (717 hp) 6.2-liter V8, which even made it to 594 kW (808 hp) in the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. Also, the V8 engines were now paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

In the end, the Dodge Charger managed to last through model year 2023, a model year that was still stretched through December 2023. Since then, there has been a truly all-new model generation, but it does tackle a few things differently.