The Modern Dodge Charger, Dodge Charger Daytona, and Dodge Charger SRT8

2011 Dodge Charger: 280 hp V6... higher gas mileage... eight-speed automatic?

Also see our Dodge Charger and Charger Daytona review and our Charger forums

The 2009 Dodge Charger got the revised Hemi V8 with variable cam timing, giving it 370 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque (the fleet and squad versions are listed as having just 355 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque). All wheel drive models got a new system that increases gas mileage by around 1 mpg, by only connecting the front axle when it's needed. New tail lamps, standard aluminum wheels on SE, and a rear-window antenna freshened the exteriors; inside, the Charger SE interior was upgraded with better floor mats and silver accents, while the trunk got a cargo net and scuff plate. The SXT with leather and the R/T got LED lights in the map pockets; all models got LEDs in the front cupholders. The EVIC provided an indication of whether the driver was in rear or all wheel drive (on AWD models). R/T models switched to an axle ratio of 2.65:1, while AWD models went to 3.06:1. Finally, a new Super Bee model was added, in Hemi Orange with numbered dash plaques, silver calipers, special wheels and decals, hard-drive stereo, and orange seat accents. The 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8 got the Dodge Challenger suspension tuning for a nicer ride, along with the new tail lamps. Made standard were dual-zone auto temperature control, automatic headlamps, express up/down windows, remote start, air filtration, and heated front seats; and the front head rests were redesigned. The ABS was recalibrated for less brake knockback, and better gas mileage (no mention of how this was done) lowered the gas tax. The 2006-2009 Dodge Charger is based on the LX platform. Hemi Charger 0-60 times are estimated at 6.0 seconds. The base engine was originally a 3.5 liter V6, but it was supplemented in mid-2007 by a 2.7 liter V6; a similar Charger had been sold to rental agencies from the start.

Charger links 2010 Dodge Charger Classic Charger First Chargers 1999 Concept Test drives SRT8 review Police cars Charger chops Challenger Marc’s 1969 Charger Charger forum

Charger SRT8 at the Silver State Challenge 2008

The Dodge Charger SRT8, with its 425 horsepower (420 lb-ft) 6.1 liter Hemi (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 retuned dampers, spring rates, bushings, and anti-sway bars, a half-inch lower ride height, a retuned stability program, and 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 revised that cool the brakes and reduce lift, a hood scoop, a spoiler, and an SRT badge in the blacked-out grille; it's sold 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. SRT8 engine details.

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 Dodge Charger Daytona. Meant for NASCAR, it was farmed out to another company which modified the Charger R/T with aerodynamic modifications. A new Dodge Charger Daytona, a tweaked version of the regular Charger, hit the streets in 2006.

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 small black rear spoiler, and bright exhaust tips with 18 inch polished wheels. The engine had a Hemi orange cover instead of the plain black one. The interior had 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. Added creature comforts were 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 had 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

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 allowed for tuning of both bushing compliances (to cut road noise) and 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.

Dodge Charger SRT8 vs Pontiac G8 GXP

The Pontiac G8 is General Motors’ answer to the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger; the GXP version lists at $1,000 below the SRT8. Road and Track tested both vehicles, though they loaded up the Charger with unnecessary and heavy options including the Kicker 13-speaker upgrade (with a weighty subwoofer), TV, and other nonperformance items. The end result was that the SRT8 ended up toting around an extra 170 pounds. The G8 GXP, normally 185 pounds lighter, somehow ended up with the same extra 170 lb, despite only having an optional sunroof.

The two cars look evenly matched, with similar weights and similar power; the G8 has a six speed automatic, the SRT8 a five speed. The horsepower was close, with the SRT having an extra 10 hp and 5 lb-ft of torque to handle its extra weight.

Handling was identical in the skidpad at .88g; slalom speed was close with the SRT8 having a slight, .8 mph edge. Acceleration was likewise very close, with the SRT8 even with the GXP or up to .2 seconds slower in the 0-80 mph range (0-10, 0-20, etc.), but after 80 mph - where the two cars were different by a mere .1 seconds - the GXP’s six-speed apparently came in handy, increasing the edge to .3 - .4 seconds up to 0-120 mph. The SRT hit that in 16 seconds flat, the GXP in 15.7. Quarter mile times were dead close, with the SRT8 taking just .1 seconds more (hitting the traps .6 mph slower). The SRT8 even had around the same braking, taking four more feet from 60 and 1 less foot from 80. Interior noise was also nearly identical.

In the end, with observed gas mileage of 18.5 mpg for the SRT and 17.8 for the GXP — the EPA claims 13/18 for the SRT and 13/20 for the GXP — the two cars look very closely matched indeed, as far as performance and gas mileage. (Thanks to J.P. Joans for the summary.)

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:

17-inch tires and steel wheels with bolt-on wheel cover 18-gallon fuel tank Accessory delay AM/FM/CD radio system with four-speakers Body side moldings Driver and passenger lumbar support seating Electric rear window defroster Electroluminescent cluster technology

Enhanced battery saver Manual tilt and telescoping steering column Outside temperature display Power mirrors Power trunklid release Power windows (driver one-touch) and locks with auto-reverse sensing system Remote keyless/illuminated entry Sentry Key® engine immobilizer Speed control

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:

18-inch polished aluminum wheels 6-way power adjustable passenger seat 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat Air filtration system AM/FM/6-CD radio with DVD-based GPS navigation and MP3 AM/FM/Cass/6-CD radio with MP3 capability Automatic temperature control, dual-zone with infrared sensing Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with steering wheel audio controls Heated driver and front passenger seats

HomeLink® universal garage door opener Performance Handling Group Power adjustable pedals Power sunroof with express open and close Rear-seat DVD video entertainment system with 7-inch screen integrated into center console Self-sealing tires with 4-year road hazard warranty SIRIUS Satellite Radio™ with one-year subscription provided by SIRIUS Steering wheel and column-mounted controls UConnect™ hands-free communication system

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).

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.

Dodge Charger forums

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	2011 Dodge Chargers
Charger Daytonas: 180 mph	New Hemi	Dodge Charger squad cars
Magnum (Charger SE)	426 Hemi	Australian Chrysler Valiant Chargers
Dodge and Plymouth at NASCAR	440 engines	The 2005+ LX Large Cars
Insider history: the first Chargers	Other Engines	South American Valiant Chargers
Charger History	Transmissions	Four-Cylinder Chargers
	“photochopped” Chargers	1999 Dodge Charger R/T Concept

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

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