The 2019 Dodge Charger Police Package Engine Produces 370 Horsepower

The 2019 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit vehicle comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. This is the only engine option available for the police model year. Dodge designed this engine specifically for law enforcement use, balancing acceleration and fuel efficiency for patrol and pursuit driving.

The horsepower figure applies to all 2019 Charger Police Pursuit models sold to law enforcement agencies. This engine is the same V8 that Dodge uses in civilian Charger R/T models, though police versions may have different tuning or calibration for duty cycles. The 370 horsepower rating is measured at 5,150 RPM, and the engine reaches peak torque at 4,000 RPM.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine rated at 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.
  • This engine is the standard and only option for the 2019 police model year; no alternative powertrains were offered.
  • The engine reaches peak horsepower at 5,150 RPM and peak torque at 4,000 RPM for consistent performance during pursuit driving.
  • Police versions use the same V8 as civilian R/T models but may have different engine tuning for law enforcement duty requirements.

How the Police Engine Differs From Civilian Charger Models

The 2019 Charger Police Pursuit uses the same 5.7-liter V8 as the civilian Charger R/T, both producing 370 horsepower. However, Dodge configures the police version with modifications for heavy-duty use. These include upgraded cooling systems, reinforced transmission mounts, and different engine calibration to handle extended idling, rapid acceleration, and sustained high-speed driving typical of law enforcement work.

Civilian Charger models offer additional engine choices that police versions do not. The base civilian Charger uses a 3.6-liter V6 producing 292 horsepower, and some model years offer a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with higher output. The police model eliminates these options and standardizes on the 5.7-liter V8 to simplify fleet maintenance and may support consistent performance across all patrol vehicles.

Transmission and Drivetrain for the Police Charger

The 2019 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit pairs its 370-horsepower V8 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is designed to handle the demands of police driving, including rapid acceleration from stops and sustained highway speeds. The 8-speed automatic allows the engine to operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds, which is important for patrol vehicles that alternate between city driving and interstate pursuit.

All 2019 police Chargers use rear-wheel drive. The transmission and engine combination produces a 0-to-60 time of approximately 5.9 seconds, according to Dodge specifications. This acceleration capability is important for law enforcement agencies that need vehicles capable of keeping pace with traffic during pursuits and responding quickly to emergency calls.

Fuel Consumption and Engine Efficiency

The 5.7-liter V8 in the 2019 police Charger is rated at approximately 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, according to EPA estimates. These figures reflect the engine's size and the weight of the police package, which includes reinforced suspension, heavy-duty brakes, and additional equipment. Police agencies factor fuel costs into fleet budgeting, and the V8 engine represents a trade-off between performance and operating expense.

Police departments typically operate their vehicles continuously throughout shifts, with engines running during traffic stops, paperwork, and dispatch time. This duty cycle means actual fuel consumption in police use often falls below EPA highway ratings. Departments track fuel economy as part of fleet maintenance records to identify vehicles with mechanical issues or driving habits that reduce efficiency.

Engine Specifications and Technical Details

The 2019 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit V8 engine has a displacement of 345 cubic inches (5.7 liters) and uses a cast-iron block with aluminum heads. The engine operates on a 10.3:1 compression ratio and requires regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Dodge recommends synthetic or high-quality conventional oil for police vehicles, with oil changes at intervals specified in the owner's manual based on driving conditions.

The engine includes variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust sides, which helps optimize performance across different RPM ranges. It also features a four-barrel fuel injector system and a single overhead cam design. These technical features allow the engine to produce its rated horsepower while meeting emissions standards required in all 50 states during the 2019 model year.

Why Police Agencies Choose the 5.7-Liter V8

Law enforcement agencies select the 2019 Charger Police Pursuit with its 370-horsepower V8 because the engine provides reliable acceleration and sustained performance during extended duty. The V8 is proven technology with a long service history in police fleets, which means mechanics are familiar with maintenance and repairs. Parts availability is also strong, reducing downtime when service is needed.

The horsepower and torque output allow police vehicles to accelerate quickly from traffic stops and maintain speed during highway pursuits. The 395 pound-feet of torque is particularly important for rapid acceleration from low speeds, which is common in urban patrol work. Departments also value the V8's durability under heavy use, including frequent idling and rapid acceleration cycles that would stress smaller engines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2019 police Charger have more horsepower than the civilian version?

No, both use the same 5.7-liter V8 producing 370 horsepower. The police version has different cooling and engine calibration for duty use, but the horsepower rating is identical. Civilian Charger models offer lower-powered options, but the R/T civilian model matches the police engine output.

Can you buy a 2019 Charger Police Pursuit as a civilian?

The Charger Police Pursuit is sold only to law enforcement agencies and government fleets. Dodge does not sell this model to the general public. Civilians can purchase the civilian Charger R/T, which uses the same 5.7-liter V8 engine with 370 horsepower.

What is the top speed of the 2019 police Charger?

Dodge does not publish an official top speed for the police model. The 370-horsepower V8 and aerodynamic design allow the vehicle to reach speeds well over 100 miles per hour, but actual top speed depends on factors like load, road conditions, and transmission programming.

How long does the 5.7-liter V8 engine last in police use?

Police Chargers typically remain in service for 100,000 to 150,000 miles before being retired from active patrol duty. The V8 engine is designed for durability under heavy use, and many police vehicles reach these mileage levels with regular maintenance. Actual lifespan depends on driving patterns and maintenance schedules.