Finally got a chance to take a new 2012 SXT SS/T, (Pitch Black, Leather, Sunroof) out for a short test drive.
My first impressions:
Dodge got it right with the 3.6. What the 3.5 lacks in low end torque is MUCH improved with the 3.6. :bigthumb: There's much less need for the trans to downshift under under light acceleration. It moves more as you'd expect it to when you just want to pick up some speed while cruising.
The sport suspension feels a bit tighter and it definately feels much more sure-footed, possibly due to the 20" chrome clad 245's.
It's also VERY quite. You can barely hear the exhaust note, much like the 2010's SE's original single exhaust.
I'm not sure if the stearing wheel is any smaller in diameter, but it's definately thicker. (It would take about 3 minutes to get used to.) The instrument cluster had some additional features, though I didn't spend any time playing with it or the stereo. I did like the gauges, somewhat. They're a bit more refined, though perhaps not as ledgible. The pushbutton starter had me a bit dumbfounded when I parked her after the test drive...reached over for the key and grabbed air. Duh.
The downside:
While the extra horsepower and torque are big improvement in the low end, it really doesn't feel much different than the 3.5 at speed. 40-60mph passing are similar, imo, though you could tell there is a bit more "go" to the 3.6, just not enough to get excited about.
I briefly hit the "sport mode" and noticed immediately how it firmed up the trans, much like the Predator's shift firmness setting. However I didn't like it when I set the firm shiftness with the Predator on my 3.5, and didn't care much for the setting with the 3.6. (Too much whine, too much engine braking.)
Also, unfortunately, the Pitch Black of the SXT doesn't look as nice as the Brilliant Black of my SE. (
Black is STILL beautifull, baby! Pitch, Brilliant, or otherwise.) And it seems Diablosport still hasn't cracked the code on the 3.6, so no tuner, for now.
The driver's seat has a much better lumbar support, but the leather actually seems nicer in my SE.
Overall:
Considering the hit I would take on my 3.5 ($6000-8000), I can't see myself trading in my SE for the SXT. However, if I'd have waited 5 or 6 months, I definately would have gotten the 3.6 over the 3.5, just for the added low end torque. I do believe the 3.6 could use a tuner, like the Predator, to help wake it up. It would be nice to take one out for an "extended" test drive...for say a week or so. That would truely make for a better overall comparison, but my curiousity is now settled. (Time to order a set of 20" wheels and maybe a set of Eibach Pro Lines.)
Footnote:
I have not driven an R/T, to date. Considering my - already too aggresive - driving habits, I wouldn't want to have the power to reinforce my stupidity and get myself in trouble. I guess age, if not wisdom, is catching up with me.