What the 2016 Dodge Charger Road and Track Package Includes
The 2016 Dodge Charger Road and Track is a mid-level performance trim that sits between the base SE model and the top-tier SRT 392. It pairs a 5.7-liter V8 engine with a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a manual transmission option — making it the most driver-focused Charger for buyers who want handling improvements without the extreme power of the SRT models.
This package was designed for drivers who prioritize cornering ability and steering response over raw horsepower. The suspension geometry, wheel sizes, and brake specifications all reflect that priority. It represents Dodge's answer to muscle car buyers who track their cars or drive aggressively on public roads.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Road and Track produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque from its 5.7-liter V8, with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
- The suspension uses a firmer tune than base models, with upgraded springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars designed to reduce body roll and improve turn-in response.
- Brakes are upgraded to four-wheel disc with larger rotors and performance-oriented pads compared to standard Chargers.
- The package includes 20-inch forged aluminum wheels wrapped in summer performance tires, which are not suitable for winter driving.
- Fuel economy is 16 city / 25 highway with the automatic transmission and 15 city / 24 highway with the manual, based on EPA testing.
Engine Output and Transmission Choices
The 2016 Road and Track uses the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that produces 370 horsepower at 5,150 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. This is the same displacement and output as the base R/T model, but the Road and Track adds performance tuning to the fuel injection and ignition timing that optimizes power delivery for aggressive driving.
Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. The manual is lighter and offers more direct control, while the automatic provides faster shifts and is easier to drive in traffic. The automatic version includes a sport mode that holds gears longer and allows manual gear selection via steering wheel paddles.
Both transmissions send power to the rear wheels only — there is no all-wheel-drive option on any 2016 Charger. This means traction control and electronic stability control are critical in wet conditions or when accelerating hard from a stop.
Suspension and Handling Upgrades
The Road and Track suspension is not straightforward a lowered version of the base setup. Dodge re-engineered the springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars to work together as a system. The springs are stiffer, the dampers are tuned for quicker response, and the front and rear anti-roll bars are thicker to reduce body lean in corners.
The result is a car that turns in more sharply and maintains a flatter cornering attitude than a standard Charger. The trade-off is a firmer ride over bumps and a more communicative steering feel that requires more driver attention on rough pavement. The suspension geometry itself is unchanged — the wheelbase, track width, and steering ratio remain the same as other 2016 Chargers.
The package also lowers the car by approximately 0.6 inches compared to the base model, which improves the center of gravity and reduces aerodynamic lift at highway speeds. This lower stance is purely functional, not cosmetic.
Braking System and Tire Specifications
The Road and Track comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes featuring 14.2-inch rotors in front and 13.0-inch rotors in the rear — larger than the base model's 13.0-inch front and 12.6-inch rear. The calipers are also upgraded, and the brake pads are a performance-oriented compound that provides better bite and fade resistance during hard driving.
Wheels are 20-inch forged aluminum in a unique design exclusive to the Road and Track, wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric All-Season tires (size 245/45R20). Despite the "all-season" rating, these tires are summer-performance tires optimized for warm weather and dry pavement. They lose grip significantly below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and should not be driven in snow or ice.
The larger wheels and lower-profile tires contribute to the improved handling but also increase road noise and reduce ride comfort compared to smaller wheels with taller sidewalls. Tire replacement cost is higher than for base models due to the 20-inch size and performance rating.
Fuel Economy and Real-World Efficiency
The EPA rates the 2016 Road and Track at 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined with the eight-speed automatic transmission. With the six-speed manual, the ratings drop slightly to 15 city / 24 highway / 18 combined. These figures assume regular gasoline (87 octane), though the engine is designed to run on premium fuel (91 octane or higher) for optimal performance.
Real-world fuel economy depends heavily on driving style. Drivers who accelerate aggressively and spend time at highway speeds above 70 mph typically see 18 to 20 mpg combined. Drivers in heavy city traffic may see as low as 14 to 16 mpg. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, giving a theoretical range of 280 to 460 miles depending on driving conditions.
The 2016 Charger Road and Track does not have a hybrid or turbocharged option, so there is no way to improve efficiency without changing driving habits. The car is designed for performance, not economy.
Emissions and Environmental Specifications
The 2016 Dodge Charger Road and Track meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 8 emissions standards for its model year. It is not a low-emission vehicle (LEV) or ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV) — it falls into the standard category for large gasoline engines. This means it produces higher nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter than smaller, turbocharged engines.
The car is equipped with a three-way catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and an evaporative emissions control system. The engine management computer monitors these systems continuously and will trigger the check-engine light if any component fails or drifts out of specification.
In states with stricter emissions testing (California, New York, Massachusetts, and others), the 2016 Road and Track must pass a smog check every two years. The test measures tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. A car that has been well-maintained and has no check-engine light will pass in most cases.
Comparison to Other 2016 Charger Trims
The 2016 Charger lineup included the SE (base model with a 3.6-liter V6), the R/T (5.7-liter V8 with standard suspension), the Road and Track (5.7-liter V8 with sport suspension), and the SRT 392 (6.4-liter V8 with extreme performance tuning). The Road and Track sits in the middle of the V8 options.
Compared to the standard R/T, the Road and Track adds suspension tuning, larger brakes, and the 20-inch wheel package. It does not add horsepower. Compared to the SRT 392, the Road and Track is lighter, cheaper, and easier to live with daily, but produces 100 fewer horsepower and lacks the extreme cooling and structural upgrades of the SRT.
The Road and Track is the only 2016 Charger trim that emphasizes handling balance over straight-line power. It is the choice for buyers who plan to drive the car hard on roads with curves, not just on straightaways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 0-60 time for a 2016 Charger Road and Track?
Dodge did not publish an official 0-60 time for the Road and Track. Independent testing by automotive magazines recorded times between 5.8 and 6.2 seconds depending on transmission choice and test conditions. The manual transmission is slightly quicker than the automatic.
Can I use winter tires on the 20-inch wheels?
Yes. The 20-inch wheels accept tires in the same 245/45R20 size. Winter tires in this size are available from multiple manufacturers and will fit without modification. Switching to winter tires is strongly recommended in cold climates, as the summer performance tires that come standard lose grip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does the Road and Track come with a limited-slip differential?
No. The 2016 Road and Track uses an open differential, which means the inside wheel can spin freely in a hard corner. An electronic limited-slip function is available through the traction control system, but it is not a mechanical limited-slip or locking differential. Some owners upgrade to an aftermarket limited-slip unit for improved traction.
What is the curb weight of the 2016 Road and Track?
The curb weight is approximately 3,970 pounds with the automatic transmission and 3,950 pounds with the manual. This is about 40 pounds lighter than the standard R/T due to the manual transmission option, though most Road and Track models were sold with the automatic.
Is the Road and Track package worth the extra cost over a standard R/T?
That depends on how you drive. If you plan to drive on a track or on winding roads regularly, the suspension and brake upgrades justify the cost. If you drive mostly on highways and in traffic, the standard R/T offers the same engine and nearly the same comfort for less money.