Dodge Charger Pursuit sets fastest ever lap for AWD car in Michigan State Police tests

In this year's Police Vehicle Evaluation conducted by the Michigan State Police at Grattan Raceway, a 2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD has just set the fastest lap time ever recorded for an all-wheel-drive test sedan.

The AWD Dodge Charger Pursuit set a time of 1:33.85, which was just a fraction of a second slower than the rear wheel-drive version of the car which set the previous benchmark at 1:33.70 back in 2012.

The HEMI-powered sedan pairs a 370 hp V8 engine with an all-wheel-drive system, which uses a transfer case with front-axle-disconnect, which allows the Dodge Charger Pursuit to automatically go from RWD to AWD when conditions require it. When AWD is not needed, the car switches it off for better fuel economy. The Charger Pursuit can decelerate from 60 mph to a complete stop in less than 127 feet, thanks in part to its 14.5-inch front rotors. The Dodge Charger Pursuit is also available with the 292 hp Pentastar V6 which can yield as much as 27 mpg on the highway.

The Charger's AWD system and suspension happen to be versions of those found in the 1995-2002 W210 Mercedes-Benz E-class and the brand's 4MATIC system. The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are still making use of the technology, shared during the brief Daimler-Chrysler alliance.

“With the record-holding rear-wheel drive Dodge Charger Pursuit and now the fastest-ever recorded all-wheel drive model, Chrysler Group offers those who protect and serve us with the best pursuit-rated sedans in the business. And with the only test cars achieving lap times less than 1:34, Dodge Charger Pursuit highlights the segment's best combination of world-class technology, acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics” commented Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet for Chrysler.

By Jay Ramey