The new Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD has set the fastest lap time (1:33.85) ever recorded for an all-wheel-drive test sedan during Michigan State Police’s 2014 Vehicle Evaluation Test at Grattan Raceway.
The police car also set the fastest average lap time (1:34.75), which means offenders running away will not have it easy when they’ll see a Charger Pursuit AWD in their rear view mirror (unless, of course, you’re talking about drivers of the likes seen in NFS and F&F movies…).
The all-wheel-drive version almost matched the all-time lap record held by the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V8 rear-wheel-drive model (1:33.70). Designed to be fast during all seasons, the 2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD is powered by the same 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine as the rear-wheel drive model.
The unit produces 370 hp and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque, with the sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) taking less than 6 seconds. The Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD delivers up to 25 mpg highway (9.4 l/100 km) thanks to the four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology.
Featuring an active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system, the Dodge Charger Pursuit’s all-wheel-drive system switches from AWD to RWD and vice versa with no driver intervention.
The Charger Pursuit AWD will be available for law enforcement customers in the spring of 2014 through Chrysler Group’s Fleet Operations. AWD model aside, Dodge has also announced a series of improvements for Charger Pursuit V6 and V8 models.
These include a new high-performance brake system, revised rear fascia and robust exhaust tips to further enhance the “pursuit” capability of the Charger when crossing highway medians, upgraded fuel pump, police-specific Secure Park (prevents idling vehicle from being driven without key fob present inside), upgraded fuel pump and others.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
