Avenger and Challenger Blacktop Editions join Charger in Dodge’s 2013 Lineup

Encouraged by the success of last year’s Charger Blacktop edition—first previewed by the Blacktop Challenger concept from 2008’s SEMA show—Dodge has decided to expand the program to include the Avenger and the Challenger for 2013. Comprised largely of signature exterior visual cues—and a few select performance mods in the case of the Charger and the Challenger—the Blacktop package allows buyers to get a slightly more aggressive appearance with a single check on the order sheet. Pricing, colors, and kit vary from model to model, so pay close attention.

Based on the SXT trim level, the Blacktop Edition Avengers come in Black, Redline Red 2, Bright White, Tungsten Metallic, and Billet Silver Metallic exterior finishes. Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels and the grille get treated to a coat of gloss black, which is accented by dark-tinted headlight bezels and a body-colored rear spoiler. When it’s all said and done, the Blacktop Avenger’s exterior modifications add $595 to the bill.

Using the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8–powered R/T as a starting point, Challenger Blacktop editions come swathed in Pitch Black, Granite Crystal, or Billet Silver Metallic exterior finishes highlighted by a matte graphite body stripe with red accents running from front to back. The 20-inch aluminum wheels, the grille surround, and the fuel door all get the gloss-black treatment. Unlike the Avenger, Blacktop Challengers come equipped with the Super Track Pak, which includes high-performance-steering gear, brake linings, and monotube-shock absorbers. The performance mods and eye candy of the Challenger’s Blacktop package will set you back $1995.

---

• Comparison Test: 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
• Comparison Test: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T
• Instrumented Test: 2012 Dodge Charger SXT V6

---

Previously available only on V-6 Chargers, the Blacktop package has been extended to the V-8–powered Charger R/T and the R/T Plus for 2013. Exterior color options include Pitch Black, Billet Metallic, Granite Crystal, Bright White, Redline Red, and Phantom Black. Gloss black covers the 20-inch aluminum wheels and the front grille, and a body-colored rear spoiler sits out back. Perhaps most exciting in this package, however, are the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A 10-speaker, 552-watt Beats Audio system with subwoofer is, if nothing else, loud. The Blacktop treatment will add $1795 to the bottom line of the Charger, regardless of which trim level you start with.

Read full story »

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/toySF28nP3o/

Aldo Gordini Horace Gould Jean Marc Gounon Emmanuel de Graffenried Lucas di Grassi