The Modern Dodge Charger, Dodge Charger Daytona, and Dodge Charger SRT8
2011 Dodge Charger: 280 hp V6... higher gas mileage... eight-speed automatic?
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The 2006-2009 Dodge Charger is based on the LX platform. Headlights are large with dark surrounds to give an aftermarket look. Charger Hemi 0-60 times are estimated at 6.0 seconds. The base engine was a 3.5 liter V6, but it was supplemented in mid-2007 by a 23E package Charger SE with 2.7 liter V6 and four-speed automatic; a similar Charger had already been sold to rental agencies.
The Dodge Charger SRT8, with its 425 horsepower (420 lb-ft) 6.1 liter Hemi (read our Dodge Charger SRT8 test drive), does 0-60 in five seconds, 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16s, and 60-0 braking in about 110 feet. It uses specially tuned dampers, spring rates, bushings, and anti-sway bars, a half-inch lower ride height, a retuned electronic stability program, and special 20 inch wheels with Goodyear Supercar F1 three-season tires (245/45/20 in the front, and 255/45/20 in the rear). The Charger SRT8 also has Brembo calipers and vented rotors (360 x 32mm discs up front, with 350 x 26mm in the rear). Styling changes include a revised front and rear fascias that helps cool the brakes and reduce lift, a hood scoop, a spoiler, and an SRT badge in the blacked-out grille; it's in silver, black, and red. The interior has grippy seats, a special steering wheel trim, dark-faced gauges, and an LED display for oil temperature or pressure and tire pressure. The differential and axles have also been upgraded. More on the engine is here. |
The Dodge Charger police car is equipped either the 3.5 V6 or the Hemi V8; the V6 Charger squad is roughly equal to the Crown Victoria in performance, according to the Michigan State Police tests, while the V8 is best in class. Full details on the Charger squad car including agencies that have adopted it.
The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
The original Dodge Charger spawned a 200-mph supercar, the Charger Daytona. Meant for NASCAR, it was farmed out to another company which modified the Charger R/T with aerodynamic modifications. We have a information on the original. A new Dodge Charger Daytona, just a tweaked version of the 2006 Charger, has hit the streets, more Dodge Daytona than Dodge Charger Daytona.
The
2006 Charger Daytona R/T had two "updated versions of original
colors," Go ManGo! (metallic orange) and Top Banana (yellow). They also had a "chin spoiler" and black honeycomb grille, Daytona and Hemi
decals, R/T badging resembling that of the 1970s, a black rear spoiler
- sorry, not three feet tall - and bright exhaust tips with 18 inch
polished wheels. The engine has a Hemi orange cover instead of the
plain black one. The interior has suede inserts, Daytona logos on the
front headrests, body-color accent stitching, a body-color center stack
bezel, and sequentially numbered Daytona badge on the instrument panel
(similar to the Shelby number treatments). Added creature comforts are
dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats, and
power-adjustable pedals.
Perhaps more significant for true Daytona fans, the Charger Daytona R/T has a mild horsepower boost - 10 hp - for 350 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, coming from a less restrictive intake and straight-through (instead of three-pass) muffler. The engine comes with multiple displacement, and the Charger comes with stability control, ABS, and traction control. The high-performance suspension package (discussed later on this page) is standard.
Limited production of the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model in Go ManGo! paint began around April 2005. The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model in Top Banana paint was available after the limited production of Go ManGo! was complete.
Top Banana Charger Daytona car review and photos!
NASCAR Charger Daytona
In 11 years of racing, the Dodge Charger — running in close to stock form — won 124 NASCAR Cup races and took three drivers to five championships. Richard Petty won three of his seven titles behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger and was behind the wheel of Charger's last victory at Daytona in the 1977 Firecracker 400. [That's what Chrysler said, anyway. Glenn Quealy wrote: "I beg to differ, it was Neil Bonnett at Ontario Motor Speedway Nov 1977 in the J.D. Stacey #5 Dodge. I was there and have the programs for 1977-8."]
In 1970, a Dodge Charger Daytona made history at Talladega Speedway when Buddy Baker became the first driver to be clocked at more than 200 mph for a lap on a closed course. That speed record was held for a good number of years.
Dodge Charger performance, handling, and cornering
0-60 in six seconds. If that's not enough, try the SRT-8: 0-60 in five seconds...with an automatic.
The Dodge Charger's short-and Long-arm (SLA) multilink front suspension provided the opportunity to tune bushing compliances for a dramatic reduction in road noise, while maintaining vehicle dynamic handling performance. The five-link independent rear suspension allows independent tuning of handling and ride comfort so that each can be maximized.
All rear suspension components, except coil springs and shock absorbers, mount on a steel cradle that attaches to the body structure through four large rubber mounts that effectively isolate the passenger compartment from road and axle noise.
Three levels of suspension tuning were available on the Dodge Charger. A standard “touring” package with 17-inch tires included an athletic suspension with nimble steering and handling attributes. Eighteen-inch tires and tuned dampers added performance to HEMI-equipped Dodge Charger models, while an optional Performance Handling Group, has firmer damping and enhanced steering, with wider 18-inch performance tires and Nivomat™ self-leveling shock absorbers. This suspension was tuned to offer slightly more feedback from the road to enhance the glued-to-the-road feel. The package’s performance front seats with perforated suede inserts offer significantly improved lateral control in both the seat cushion and seat back. The Performance Handling Group package also includes a 9-land steering gear.
More on the electronic stability control is here; our first-hand experience with it is here.
What is a 9-land steering gear? Chrysler's Joe Grace wrote: "The steering gear for the Charger has a nine land valve which improves steering feel by improved damping characteristics especially in aggressive cornering." Another engineer described it more thoroughly:
"Imagine a shaft that is not round, but has nine sides, and is inside a round tube. That creates 9 separate passages (between the outside flat surfaces of the shaft and the round inner surface of the tube). When the engine is running, power steering fluid enters at the base, and exits through ports in the tube's sides. When you drive straight, there is no power assist because the fluid is passed through the tube tangentially, so all the road feel from the tires come up to the steering wheel. As you enter a turn, at slower speeds, you can turn the wheel faster with less effort because the 9 sides act like a vane pump or pinwheel in a garden sprinkler; the faster the wheel turns, the more fluid passes through, and the more assist you get. In reality it's a little more complicated, but this gets the gist of it across. In my opinion, it is simply a band-aid to a poor, probably Mercedes-based design."
The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine with cylinder deactivation boasts 340 horsepower (254 kW) @ 5000 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. torque (525 N•m) @ 4000 rpm. Dodge Chargers equipped with HEMI engines can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds. The multiple displacement system features fast electronic controls, moving from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds (0.04 seconds). We challenge you to feel the mode changes. More on this engine here.
A 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine had 250 horsepower (186 kW) @ 6400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (340 N•m) @ 3800 rpm. An active three-plenum intake manifold assures high power and torque over the entire operating band, while electronic control of the manifold tuning valve and short-runner valves and an Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) provide smooth operation with maximum performance and fuel economy. More on this engine here.
A standard five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick offers
the choice of a fully automatic or manual shift selection on the 3.5 and Hemi models. The
Charger’s five-speed transmission uses electronic shift controls
for a responsive, smooth feel without harshness. The system monitors
the transmission as shifts occur and adjusts the hydraulic pressure as
needed, and features an electronically modulated converter clutch
(EMCC) to control torque converter clutch slippage. The EMCC provides
partial engagement in third, fourth or fifth gears, which improves
shift feel, fuel economy, driveability and cooling.
The 2.7 liter engine was added mid-year 2007 and has an output of under 200 horsepower, and is coupled to a four-speed automatic. This allows the Charger to be sold for a relatively low price, below the Chevy Impala, for those who want a big, stylish car without the need for strong acceleration. With the 2.7, the Charger should be about as quick as an automatic PT Cruiser.
Levels as of 2006
Dodge Charger SE (a name I'd have thought they'd want to forget) is equipped with a V-6 engine. It includes:
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The Dodge Charger SXT adds machined-face aluminum wheels, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest, fog lamps, and visor mirror lamps. The 2006 Dodge Charger R/T model is the only Charger with the Hemi. Along with that engine, the R/T buyer gets 18 inch aluminum wheels, a larger 19-gallon fuel tank, six Boston Acoustics Speakers with a 276-watt digital amplifier, dual tailpipes, heated mirrors, leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a tire pressure monitor. Dislike leather but want a Hemi? Sorry! Optional features include:
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There is actually some indication now that a 2.7 liter / four-speed automatic Charger SE will be built, but it may be a mistake (it's one of the models listed as getting the new variable-pressure four-speed automatic).
The controversy
Even the classic 1968-71 Chargers had the 318
available on base models (slant six as a "credit delete option"), with
the 440 standard only on R/T and Daytona...and the Hemi only available
as an option. The "personal luxury" Charger SE does not seem to have
affected the Charger's reputation any more than those 100-horsepower
sixes; nor has the Omni-based Charger, which at the time was a strong
performer. Indeed, the early, boxy Chargers seem to have been forgotten
by most. (Australians, incidentally, had a Valiant-based Charger whose triple-carbed straight-six engine made it the fastest Australian production car for decades, and the most successful racing car in New Zealand history).
The 1999 Dodge Charger show car
Swoopy, sexy, and insanely popular at auto shows, shown as late as 2004, yet never built. Why not?
With an exterior designed under Tom Gale and an interior designed under Trevor Creed, the arguably beautiful Dodge Charger concept was powered by a 4.7 liter V8 fitted to run on compressed natural gas, putting power to the rear wheels. It caused a lot of excitement, but according to one insider, it was not ready for production: there were noise and vibration issues from the butchered LH platform, it could not have been built on the same line as the Intrepid and Concorde, and crash testing would probably have required changes as well. Quite a bit of work and money would have to be invested to put it into production, and LX work was essentially restarted when Mercedes took over. There was also no money to continue after the takeover - to quote that insider, "things went to Hell in a handbasket in a BIG hurry in both places." The Charger would have required a substantial investment, with unknown sales numbers - not every sexy car sells in big numbers - and most likely it would have to be a one-off.
Car safety
Dodge Charger engineers used simulations to optimize the rear sill reinforcement for consistent impact performance. The rear structure, including the sill reinforcement, was designed so that the spare tire rotates out of the way during a rear impact.
The Dodge Charger’s manual-adjust steering column features two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other, which allows the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash.
The 2006 Dodge Charger also has advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, a front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) for controlled airbag deployment, constant force seat belt retractors, pretensioners, and a child seat anchor system. Also available are side-curtain airbags for all occupants and an optional tire pressure monitoring system.
The 2006 Dodge Charger received the government’s highest rating for frontal-impact crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Low-volume production (200 vehicles) for quality testing began as early as December 2004, most of those cars used as “fast feedback” test units.
Chrysler hypes up the Dodge Charger's styling
The front end of the Dodge Charger clearly carries the look of Dodge — bold, powerful, capable and street smart. A mixture of Dodge DNA can be seen in the shamelessly bold grille and Viper-like sneering eyes. The Charger’s nose was designed to lean into the wind with confidence. Angled, dual headlamps set at the far corners are shielded to create the unmistakable face of Dodge.
The profile of a fast roof and pronounced strong shoulders grab the attention of muscle car enthusiasts, while the Dodge Charger’s performance, handling and power complete the package. Even when sitting idle, the car looks menacing, ready to move at a moment’s notice, hinting at the power beneath the bulging hood and displaying an attitude that is uniquely Dodge.
The Charger’s rear decklid has the effect of a race-car-like, sheered-off cam tail. This gives the car a no-nonsense appeal and improved aerodynamics. The fast backlite is flanked by sculpted pillars, which hint at the flying buttress C-pillars of past Chargers. With its aggressive roofline, bold rear fender forms over the rear wheels, distinctive tapered side-glass opening and flush door handles, the new Dodge Charger is truly a four-door sports coupe.
The Dodge Charger offers seating that is more than two inches higher than the previous generation of Chrysler Group sedans [note: we think they mean the Intrepid/Concorde/300M] for a better command of the road. Despite this, the Charger’s coupe-like profile does not compromise rear-seat passenger headroom.
Inside, the 2006 Dodge Charger sports a driver-oriented cockpit designed with a performance mindset. The cockpit features a sleek instrument panel and Viper-inspired tunneled gauges highlighted with white faces and silver-colored accent rings. The instrument cluster’s electroluminescent display is easy-to-read in all lighting conditions.
Additional silver accents on the steering wheel, center stack bezel, shift knob and door remote add world-class flair to the Dodge Charger interior and support the overall philosophy of a driver-oriented design efficiency. [We think they're really reaching on this one but you can judge for yourself.]
A two-tone interior color scheme featuring a darker upper color and a lighter lower color provide the cabin with an open feeling and surround the driver with a sporty, functional yet simple environment.
Fabric and leather are both available. Exterior colors are two shades of silver (one a new color called "steel silver"), red, black, "magnesium pearl," "midnight blue pearl," and white.
2006 Dodge Charger pricing
Pricing for 2006 models starts at $22,995 including destination charge for the Charger SE; that includes all-speed traction control, four-wheel ABS, electronic stability control, 17" wheels, telescoping tilt-wheel, power mirrors, doors, and locks, cruise, and the 3.5 V6. The SXT, at $25,995, includes a split folding rear seat, power driver's seat, fog lamps, premium sound system, and heated mirrors. The Hemi (Charger R/T) starts at $29,995, including all SXT features and touring suspension, 18" aluminum wheels, heated folding mirrors, leather, and dual exhaust. The limited edition Daytona is $32,495. Fleet buyers and Canadians can get a cheaper Charger equipped with a 2.7 liter V6, which should be interesting, as Americans who rent a Charger may get a rather incorrect impression of its acceleration (unless it will only be sold to corporate and government, but not rental, fleets.) [Thanks, Geo, for the addition.]
Key links
| Classic Cars | Related | Variants |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Dodge Chargers | Origins of the Hemi | Australian Chrysler Valiant Chargers |
| Charger Daytonas: 180 mph | New Hemi | South American Valiant Chargers |
| Magnum (Charger SE) | 426 Hemi | EEK Dodge Daytonas |
| Dodge and Plymouth at NASCAR | 440 engines | The 2005+ LX Large Cars |
| Insider history: the first Chargers | Other Engines | Dodge Charger squad cars |
| Charger History | Transmissions | Four-Cylinder Chargers |
| “photochopped” Chargers |
Specifications
V6: 250 hp (186 kW) at 6,400 rpm; 250 lb-ft (340 Nm) @ 3,800 rpm. Prefers midgrade (89 octane). Regular's OK.
V8: 340 hp (254 kW) @ 5,000 rpm; 390 lb-ft (525 Nm) @ 4,000. Prefers midgrade (89 octane). Regular's OK.
Gear ratios: 3.58, 2.19, 1.41, 1.00, 0.83; reverse, 3.17; final drive ratio, 2.87 V6, 2.82 Hemi; OTGR, 2.38 V6, 2.34 V8
| 2005/06 models | Chrysler 300 | Dodge Charger | 2000 Intrepid | Camry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 (3.5 / Hemi) | 8.5/6.4 | 8.9/6.0 | 7.6/n.a. | 8.3 (V6/Stick) 9.9 (V6/Auto) |
| Mileage (3.5/Hemi) | 17/27; 17/25 | 19/27; 17/25 | 18/26; n.a. | 20/28 (V6 Auto) |
| Wheelbase | 120" | 120" | 113" | 107" |
| Length | 197" | 200.1" | 209" | 189.2 |
| Width | 74" | 74.5" | 74.5" | 71" |
| Height | 58.4" | 58.2" | 56" | 58.7 |
| Track | 63" | 63" | 62" | 60.4-60.8 |
| Weight | 3,700 - 4,000 lb | 3,800 (V6) - 4,031 (V8) | 3,446-3,556 lb | 3,340 |
| Weight distribution | 53/47 (V6) | 53/47 (V6), 54/46 (V8) | 64/36 | n/a |
| Interior volume | 106.6 cubic feet (122.2 EPA) | 104 cubic feet (120.2 EPA) | 107.6 cubic feet (126.3 EPA) |
102 cubic feet (reg. / EPA) |
| Cargo volume | 15.6 cubic feet (442 L) | 16.2 cubic feet (460L) | 18.7 cubic feet (530L) | 16.7 cubic feet |
| Built in... | Brampton, Ontario | Kentucky | ||
| Front head room | 38.7 (983) | 38.7 (983) | 38.3 (974) | 39 |
| Front leg room | 41.8 (1061) | 41.8 | 42.1 (1070) | 42 |
| Front shoulder room | 59.4 (1510) | 59.3 | 59.1 (1500) | 57.5 |
| Front hip room | 55.9 (1420) | 56.2 | 56.4 (1431) | 54 |
| Seat travel | 10.6 driver, 8.7 passenger | 10.6 driver, 8.7 passenger | 8.7 (220) | |
| Rear head room | 38.0 (965) | 36.2 | 37.2 (945) | 38 |
| Rear leg room | 40.2 (1020) | 40.2 | 41.6 (1056) | 38 |
| Rear knee clearance | 4.8 (122) | 4.5 | 5.9 (151) | |
| Rear shoulder room | 57.7 (1466) | 57.6 | 58.3 (1482) | 57 |
| Rear hip room | 55.9 (1421) | 55.5 | 56.8 (1442) | 54 |
All models have standard four-wheel antilock brakes with traction control, electronic stability control, and electronic brake assist.
Remember the rumors?
The photographer remains anonymous.
Thanks to Chris (E8502) for his work in collating Dodge Charger rumors and updating this page in the pre-launch days.
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