The first Charger was a 1964 show car, based on the Dodge Polara and fitted with a 426 Wedge V8 engine. The first production Charger, based on the Dodge Coronet, was introduced as a 1966 model. In 1999, Dodge introduced a new Charger R/T concept car. It took many styling cues from the 1960s Chargers, sharing their long nose and rearward cab, but was much shorter at 187 inches (4,700 mm), compared to 203 inches (5,200 mm) for the 1966 Charger. It was also 650 lb (290 kg) lighter. Although it had four doors where the earlier models had two, the rear doors were intended to be blended unobtrusively into the body. Compressed natural gas was proposed as a possible fuel source. Engines The Charger SE and SXT are equipped with Chrysler's 3.5 L V6 and sell at a starting price of US$22,995. The 3.5 L V6 produces 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) of torque. In Canada, the base model Charger has a 2.7 L V6, which produces 190 hp (142 kW) and 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) of torque. In 2006, the 2.7 L V6 was also available in the US for fleet sales only. For 2007, the SE package could be had with the 2.7 L engine for all buyers. The Canadian SXT model included the 3.5L V6. The SRT-8 model comes with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi V8 and has a base MSRP of US$35,320. The 6.1 L Hemi produces 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Charger an overall Good score in frontal crash tests. In side impacts Charger models equipped with optional side airbags are given a Marginalscore overall, and models without side airbags are given the lowest overall Poor score. Both the SXT and R/T models are also available as AWD (All Wheel Drive) starting in 2007. The All-Wheel Drive system is derived from the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC technology. From 2007-2008, the AWD system is engaged all the time, routing approximately 60% of the power to the rear wheels and 40% of the power to the front wheels. The 2009 Charger AWD utilized the Torque-on-Demand system manufactured by Borg Warner which disconnects the front axles until extra traction is needed. This results in a slight boost in fuel economy while retaining the same maximum power split to the front wheels. A new Super Bee version of the Charger debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show for the 2007 model year. It shares the SRT-8's 425 hp (317 kW) 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi engine but comes in special "Detonator Yellow" paint with black decals. It is a limited edition with only 1000 being produced. A B5 Blue version of the Super Bee was shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in early 2008, also with a limited run of 1000. 425 Hemi Orange Super Bees were built in 2009 Created with DUB Magazine, it is based on the Charger SXT. It includes a body-colour spoiler and fog lamps, 20-inch alloys wrapped around with 245/45R20 tires, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 13-speaker KICKER surround-sound system, a 322W KICKER amplifier and a 100W KICKER subwoofer. Exterior colors are red, black, silver, cool vanilla and dark titanium. Although NASCAR stock cars bear only a slight resemblance to actual street cars, Dodge's 2005 and 2006 NASCAR entries were based on the Charger silhouette, replacing the previous Dodge Intrepid. Unlike the Intrepid, the Charger shares rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine with its NASCAR counterparts. During the 2007 NASCAR season the Charger was used in all non Car of Tomorrow races and theDodge Avenger was used in all Car of Tomorrow races. The Car of Tomorrow was used exclusively in 2008. However, the Avenger Car of Tomorrow will be redesignated as a Charger R/T through the use of different decals.The Dodge Charger is an American automobile manufactured by Chrysler, under the Dodge brand name. There have been several different Dodge vehicles, on three different platforms, bearing the Charger nameplate. The name is generally associated with a performance model in the Dodge range; however, it has also adorned a hatchback, a sedan, and a personal luxury coupe. The name was also carried by a 1999 concept car that differed substantially from the Charger eventually placed into production for the 2006 model year. A similar name, the Ramcharger, was used for the truck-based vehicle.
History
The R/T version uses the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 and sells for US$29,995. From 2006-2008, this engine produces 340 hp (254 kW) and 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) of torque. For 2009, Variable Camshaft Timing was added, raising power levels to 368 hp (274 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque respectively.Safety
All models come standard with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (except in 2.7L V6 cars where it is optional) with ABS and all speed traction control.2006 to present models
Year Model Engine Power Torque 2006
to
presentSE 2,736 cc (2.736 L; 167.0 cu in)
EER V6178 hp (133 kW) 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) SXT (G/H/N/P/R Packs) 3,518 cc (3.518 L; 214.7 cu in)
EGJ V6250 hp (186 kW) 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) 2006
to
2008R/T 5.7 L (345 cu in)
Hemi EZB V8340 hp (254 kW) 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) R/T with Road/Track Performance Group 350 hp (261 kW) Daytona R/T 2009
to
presentR/T
R/T with Road/Track Performance Group5.7 L (345 cu in)
Hemi EZD V8368 hp (274 kW) 372 HP Road and Track 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) 2006
to
presentSRT-8 6.1 L (370 cu in)
Hemi ESF V8425 hp (317 kW) 420 lb·ft (569 N·m)
Daytona R/T
The 2006 Charger Daytona R/T debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. It features a high output 350 hp (261 kW) version of the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi as well as an updated suspension and tires. Visual additions include a special front fascia with a chin spoiler and a black rear spoiler. In a retro touch, the Daytona R/T features black "Hemi" decals on the hood and rear fender and retro high impact colors. In 2007, larger 20" chrome-clad wheels were introduced. In 2008, a revised stripe package was adopted. In 2009, horsepower was increased to 368 hp (274 kW) by the addition of Variable Camshaft Timing.
SRT-8
An SRT-8 version of the Charger debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 425 hp (317 kW) version of the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, and interior and exterior updates. The engine produces 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque. The 425 net horsepower of the modern 6.1 L Hemi makes it even more powerful than the legendary Hemi engines of the muscle car era, the biggest of which was rated at 425 gross horsepower. This makes the 6.1 L Hemi engine the most powerful V8 engine that Chrysler has ever put in a production vehicle with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Super Bee
DUB Edition
2,180 Charger DUB Edition cars were produced for the US market for $30,235.
NASCAR
