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By PFM Staff
The 2010 police Charger is a complete carryover from 2009. So, what's so newsworthy about this Charger? The answer is that the 2010 model even exists! A, question on many fleet managers' minds at the recen Police Fleet Expo was. "Will, there be a 2010 Charger?" Well, we drove in the answer in mid-September, exactly when everyone's 2010 models vvere supposed to come oat. The Dodge Charger is here to stay, which was confirmed in Chrysler Group's announcement in early November. And we have seen the re engineered 2011 Charger, which is well on its way.
For 2010, the only new aspect of the police Charger is the new, longer powertrain warranty. The new 5-year/100K mile powertrain warranty matches General Motors' 5-year/100K mile warrenty and exceeds Ford's 5-year/60K mile warranty. While Chrysler's new warranty specifically includes police and special service vehicles, this is actually a pretty low risk. The North Carolina Highway Patrol runs the nation's largest fleet of police Chargers. With more than 700 Chargers its hard use, they have had zero warranty claims on the 5.7L HEMI® V8 and just one claim on the 5-speed transmission.
So, the biggest news from Chrysler Group for police officers and fleet managers is "business as usual." Dodge is on-track to sell 15,000 police Chargers in the 2010 model year, which is about 25% of the police vehicle market. Tbey are, of course, posturing to be a major player when the Ford CVPI exits in August 2011. The Charger is a proven RWD already in police use. For 2011, it will be improved in some critical areas but will still use the same basic Mercedes E-Class platform and bulletproof transmission.
We had a chance to put about 500 miles on a 2010 police package Charger V8. The optional 5.7L HEMI VS produces 368 hp, complied to 250 hp from the standard 3.51, V6. Both police engines use, the Mercedes NAG-1 5-speed automatic. All police Chargers have standard ABS, all-speed Traction Control, Electronic Brake Assist and a police-specific Electronic Stability Program (stability control). All come with a 160 amp alternator, heavy duly cooling, police-specific steering and 18-inch wheels and tires.
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