Dodge has unveiled the 2021 Charger and Durango Pursuit. Starting with the
sedan, the 2021 Charger Pursuit gains a new eight-speed automatic transmission
which replaces the previous five-speed gearbox. Besides the new transmission,
the V6 model gains all-wheel drive as well as “increased horsepower and
torque.” Dodge didn’t go into specifics, but the car should have 300 hp and 358 Nm of torque. If that’s the case, it would be a
slight increase of 8 hp and 5 Nm.
The 5.7-liter V8 engine carries over, but
will no longer be available with all-wheel drive. That will likely disappoint
some officers, but Dodge said the “these new powertrain combinations meet or
exceed the Charger Pursuit’s previous performance profiles in all key
categories of acceleration, braking and handling.” The company also noted there
should be fuel economy improvements thanks to the new eight-speed gearbox.
Besides the powertrain updates, the 2021
Charger Pursuit gains standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as
well as an increased gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 5,500 lbs to
accommodate additional payload. The sedan also features a “top speed setting of 225 km/h with the ability for customers to configure and limit top
speed for specific agency needs.” Moving on, the 2021 Durango Pursuit gets a
facelift just like the civilian version.
The model also eschews alloy wheels for new black steelies with chrome
center caps.
The 3.6- and 5.7-liter V8 engines
carryover, but the model gains more than 20 new standard features including a
shifter which is now mounted on the instrument panel. Dodge says this change
helps to “free up valuable space in the center console area.” The model also
has four programmable auxiliary switches and police-specific front seats to
accommodate duty belts. Other highlights include a K-9 friendly tri-zoe climate
control system and an available heavy-duty brake package.
The Dodge Charger Pursuit will go into
production later this year, while the Durango Pursuit will follow in early
2021.
