It’s appropriate that octogenarian Joan Rivers is doing her red carpet bit in Dodge commercials. Because, like Rivers, the Charger is older than dirt, but still kicks it with sassy attitude and youthful looks. They both sport pretty nice legs, too. Add one more commonality to the list: Charger is going in for a little nip n’ tuck around the face (and tush, although I can’t speak for Rivers’ derrière).

“Our Dodge designers have resculpted nearly every single body panel of the Dodge Charger for 2015, giving it a sleek, nimble appearance,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO – Dodge Brand. “The Charger’s all-new exterior design combined with its standard new TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission and the latest in-art technology builds on the brand’s promise to deliver American performance machines with world-class efficiency, technology, authentic materials and standout styling for our customers.”

That’s kinda like calling Joan’s face “all new”. It’s kinda new. There’s a lot new. It looks smooth and beautiful. But, it’s also kinda still the same old mug. I like the mug, which trades the more recent gaping crosshair grille that looks like it would suck in a Camaro for one that’s streamlined, refined, but still plenty menacing. Black graphics look serious. Trade ends and you’ll see the same racetrack LED lights that shined on the last Charger’s bum, but the shape is more rounded like the smaller Dart’s. If you think it’s gone soft, look at the strong shoulders, long hood, and chiseled bodysides. It’s still a Charger. And, Joan’s still sharp-tongued.

Interiors were already pretty comfy, but they received their own makeover. There’s a new three-point steering wheel from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, re-configurable gauge cluster, upgraded materials, and a choice of eight new color and trim combinations.

Dodge slathered on a thick layer of electronics too. The available Uconnect infotainment system features 3D navigation, voice-to-text messaging, and WiFi hotspot for all of your portable devices. Pandora, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Slacker, and Aha by Harman Internet radio services can be accessed. Thump the Beats audio system to feel at least 20 years younger.

Safety is enhanced with full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise with full-stop capability, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear Park Assist systems. Of course, a full array of airbags comes standard.

Under all of the new sculpting is a choice of V6 and V8 engines – all routing power to the rear or all wheels through Chrysler’s 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Base models run with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivers 292 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and up to 31-MPG hwy. A unique air induction system and sport tuned exhaust on Rallye editions increase horsepower to 300.

For those who have fond memories of the ’60 and ‘70s, or really can’t remember either decade because they were stoned off their benches, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is available. It pumps out 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel Saver Technology that allows the engine to run in four-cylinder mode when cruising, eight-speed transmissions, improved aerodynamics, and variable-cam timing (VCT) maximize fuel economy. Just because you’re rambunctious doesn’t mean you have to be a drunk.

Considering the Charger’s basic architecture has been around for a decade, and itself was based on a Mercedes E-Class that’s nearly 20 years old, the Chrysler team has performed an outstanding job of keeping the car at the top of its game. The electric power steering system can be tuned for Normal, Comfort, and Sport. A Sport mode for the shifter holds gears longer and reduces shift times by 37%. The all-wheel-drive system features an automatically-disconnecting front axle to reduce friction and increase fuel economy by 5%. Charger can play in corners, but its favorite red carpet involves long expanses of Interstate.

Joan Rivers has been famous longer than many of us have been alive, but she’s still fantastically entertaining. If a quick trip to the “doctor” helps her stay there, then so be it. That’s kinda the Charger’s gig too. It looks like the muscle car it is, but boasts refinements and technology that keep competitors looking for advantages they never quite find. Who knows when this generation of Charger will pack it in and head up to automotive heaven, but substantial changes for 2015 tell us it may be awhile.