Advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system available on Dodge Charger Pursuit (with related video)

In response to police fleet customer demand and with input from the Chrysler Group’s Police Advisory Board, the Dodge Charger Pursuit will offer an available all-wheel drive (AWD) system with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

The system delivers all-weather traction and fuel efficiency. Its active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system automatically enables AWD for slick conditions, while maintaining the performance and handling usually found in a rear-wheel- drive (RWD) vehicle. The Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD is based on the RWD model that set the fastest-ever lap time in the Michigan State Police’s (MSP) Vehicle Evaluation Test.

“Adding available all-wheel-drive capability to the already popular Dodge Charger Pursuit will broaden the Charger’s appeal to police departments that are accustomed to dealing with rough winters and adverse weather conditions,” said Peter Grady, Vice President — Network Development & Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC. “With the Charger Pursuit now offering dual capability of both rear- and all-wheel-drive, we’ll be able to meet the needs of our police fleet customers across the country.”

Chrysler Group engineers have already started testing the Dodge Charger Pursuit with the AWD system. The vehicle will meet the police pursuit durability cycle set for RWD models that ensures the car can reliably handle the extreme conditions seen in police use. Police fleet customers will be able to start ordering the Dodge Charger Pursuit with AWD for the 2014 model year.

The 2013 Dodge Charger Pursuit features two high-performance engines that deliver power and fuel efficiency. The Charger Pursuit V-8 with its 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces 370 horsepower, 390 pound-feet of torque, 0-to-60 mph in less than 6 seconds and up to 25-highway mpg with its four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology.

With the 2012 model achieving the fastest naturally aspirated (tested with both regular unleaded and E-85 flex-fuel) lap times around MSP’s Vehicle Evaluation Test, the Dodge Charger Pursuit V-6 with its aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, offers E-85 flex-fuel capability and up to 27-highway mpg.

The 2013 Dodge Charger Pursuit equipped with Mopar’s police equipment packages is available through Chrysler Group LLC’s fleet operations. The Dodge Charger Pursuit is manufactured at Chrysler Group LLC’s Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.

Chrysler Group also announced it is working with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to adapt the automaker’s Uconnect in-vehicle connectivity system to meet the needs of law enforcement. The many electronic tools found in today’s police cruisers that help officers do their jobs take up valuable space inside a patrol car.

Chrysler is working with LAPD to give officers more space inside the Charger Pursuit patrol car. One Chrysler innovation developed by the company’s engineers: a 12.1-inch screen that is capable of displaying data, graphics, and video information needed and used by law enforcement.

See a video of the Charger Pursuit.