New 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
Text & photos courtesy DaimlerChrysler AG
edited 02-07-2005



Sure to be "Top Banana"
Dodge celebrates Charger's return to NASCAR Nextel Cup racing at Daytona International Speedway with new Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
Dodge to boost HEMI® to 350 horsepower for Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model introduction
"Go ManGo!" and "Top Banana" classic paint schemes to appear on limited-production Dodge Charger Daytona R/T

That would be the Charger SRT8, and if you guessed that it comes equipped with a 6.1-litre Hemi V-8 and can go from 0 to 100 kmh in about five seconds you probably read too many automotive stories.Charger SRT8 gets unique SRT-developed five-spoke 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, surrounded by high-performance Goodyear Supercar F1 three-season (i.e. not winter) tires with asymmetrical tread -- 245/45/20 in the front, and 255/45/20 in the rear. Four-season tires are optional.l four wheels feature Brembo performance brake calipers, with the red finish characteristic of all Dodge SRT vehicles. Each four-piston caliper grips a vented rotor -- 360 x 32mm discs up front, with 350 x 26mm in the rear.
''Functional performance is at the heart of the SRT credo,'' says Knott, and to that end an all-new front fascia ''includes integrated ducts that help direct fresh air to cool the brakes.'' The front fascia also incorporates an air dam to reduce lift, and the hood is equipped with a scoop to funnel cool air into the engine compartment.'' he rear fascia features integrated lower strakes to direct air flow and cutouts to handle dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A decklid spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for stability and traction in the kind of high-speed driving that would get you charged with reckless driving if you got caught doing it on the road.

Three exterior colors are available: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat.Race-inspired interior appointments in the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 start with power-adjustable, sculpted and highly bolstered buckets in the front fitted with performance suede inserts to hold occupants during maneuvering. Rear seats have matching performance suede inserts, and all seats have contrasting red stitching.

Other sporting touches include ''carbon fiber'' technical leather trim on the steering wheel for better grip, and special finishing on the center stack.

A 300 kmh speedometer, a tachometer and temperature gauge feature dark faces unique to the Charger SRT8, and an LED display within the gauge cluster is driver-configurable for oil temperature, oil pressure and tire pressure readouts.

Available options on the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include power sunroof, Kicker® audio system with six-disc CD changer, DVD-based Navigation system with turn-by directions and voice prompts, automatic temperature control, heated front seats and side air bags.

Also available are SIRIUS Satellite Radio (if the CRTC approves it for sale in Canada) and a UConnect hands-free communications system with Bluetooth technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rear-view mirror and the stereo system's speakers for hands-free conversations.

The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 interior is offered in Dark Slate Grey/Light Graystone.
As for that Hemi engine, in this application it delivers 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, and it's attached to a five-speed automatic with Chrysler's venerable AutoStick feature, which lets the driver chose (within reason) the shift points.

Several features of the new 6.1-liter SRT HEMI recall the legendary Hemi engines of previous decades, says Knott, including the orange-painted cylinder block, and black valve covers.

To create the 6.1-liter version of the Chrysler Group's Hemi, SRT powertrain engineers applied tried-and-true engine-building tricks honed by generations of hot-rodders.

They created 85 more horsepower by adding more displacement, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing engine speed.

For that extra displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to go from 5.7 to 6.1 liters.

Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, says Knott, increasing engine efficiency and power. ngine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique to the 6.1-liter HEMI engine.

Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow, and the intake manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning.

Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter (69 mm vs 63 mm ) exhaust system with 89-mm chrome tips.

To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased Hemi's peak power output engine speed nearly 20 percent to 6,000 rpm from 5,000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.The high-performance SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at high engine speeds.

Finally, a heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.

The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be assembled at Brampton Assembly Plant here in Canada, at Chrysler's Brampton facility, and overall we think Daisy would approve. And if you don't know who Daisy is, you probably don't really want a Charger SRT8.

Today's debuts at the New York Auto Show include the expected SRT8 version of the Charger sedan. The bold-looking four-door sports the 425-hp version of the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, along with visual and handling tweaks. The stoutest Charger will be capable of a 0-60 mph acceleration time of about 5.0 seconds, Chrysler says, as well as a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds and a 0-100-0 mph time in the mid-16-second range. Five-spoke, 20-inch wheels are standard on the SRT car, as is a new front end with deep air inlets and a decklid spoiler that conjures the memory of the Chargers of the Sixties. The hood scoop is functional, as are the brake air ducts. Stay tuned for more from the auto show today.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER

Flexing Modern Muscle: Introducing the All-New 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8

· Dodge Charger + 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI® + SRT = a car only Dodge can offer
· Balanced Performance: the quickest sedan in the Dodge lineup, plus race-bred handling, world-class braking
· SRT Performance: 0-60 mph in 5-second range, 0-100-0 mph in mid 16-second range, 60-0 mph in approximately 110 feet

When Dodge unveiled the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger into its lineup, performance-car aficionados had a lot to celebrate. The party gets kicked up a notch with the introduction of the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8.

With its infusion of Street and Racing Technology (SRT) DNA, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 provides exactly what performance enthusiasts want in their American muscle sedan: more power, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, functional and aggressive-looking exterior enhancements and a race-inspired interior.

“The all-new Dodge Charger embodies all of the key attributes of the Dodge brand – bold, powerful, street-smart and full of life,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 builds on the Dodge formula. It starts with a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI® engine and continues with a powerful dose of renowned Street and Racing Technology performance for a tremendous performance-per-dollar value story.”

During the heyday of the original Dodge Charger, performance was measured mainly in straight-line numbers. Today, SRT adds a complete approach with the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8.

“The SRT approach to performance is multi-dimensional,” said Dan Knott, Director, Street and Racing Technology, Chrysler Group. “For example, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 incorporates Brembo brakes to stop as well as it accelerates. Its handling is world-class across a dynamic range. Its interior is designed specifically for the performance driver. And its performance exterior characteristics don’t just look great, they’re also functional.”

As an all-around performer, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is capable of awe-inspiring numbers unheard-of in a muscle sedan: 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds, quarter-mile time in the 13-second range and braking distance from 60-0 mph in approximately 110 feet. The Dodge Charger SRT8 is also capable of accomplishing SRT’s signature performance test of 0-100-0 mph in the mid 16-second range.

Ride and Handling

Chassis improvements on the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include SRT-tuned dampers, specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter anti-sway bars. The ride height of the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the Dodge Charger. Handling is enhanced for performance with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) specially tuned for the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8.

The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 rides on unique SRT-developed five-spoke 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. Tires are high-performance Goodyear Supercar F1 three-season tires with asymmetrical tread (four-season tires are an available option) -- 245/45/20 in the front, and 255/45/20 in the rear.

Braking

Balanced performance demands the ability to slow and stop a vehicle in proportion to the ability to accelerate. The braking system of the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 provides benchmark braking performance, befitting the Charger SRT8’s extreme performance character.

All four wheels feature Brembo performance brake calipers, with the red finish characteristic of all Dodge SRT vehicles. Each four-piston caliper grips a vented rotor; 360 x 32mm discs up front, with 350 x 26mm in the rear.

Exterior

Functional performance is at the heart of the SRT credo. To that end, an all-new front fascia includes integrated ducts that help direct fresh air to cool the brakes. The front fascia also incorporates an air dam to reduce lift. The hood is equipped with a scoop to funnel cool air into the engine compartment.

The rear fascia features integrated lower strakes to direct air flow and aggressive cutouts to accommodate dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A dramatic decklid spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for high-speed stability and traction.

And because SRT vehicles look as good as they perform, a unique heritage-style SRT badge is set into the blacked-out grill. Body-colored exterior mirrors fold inward for convenience in tight quarters.

Three exterior colors are available: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat.

Interior

Race-inspired interior appointments in the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 start with power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and highly bolstered sport seats in the front fitted with performance suede inserts to hold occupants during maneuvering. Rear seats have matching performance suede inserts. All seats have contrasting red stitching.

Other sporting touches include “carbon fiber” technical leather trim on the steering wheel for better grip, and special finishing on the center stack.

A 180-mph (300 kph) speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauge feature dark faces unique to the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8. An LED display within the gauge cluster is driver-configurable for oil temperature, oil pressure and tire pressure readouts.

Available options on the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include power sunroof, Kicker® audio system with six-disc CD changer, DVD-based Navigation system with turn-by directions and voice prompts, automatic temperature control, heated front seats and side air bags.

Also available are SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rear-view mirror and the stereo system’s speakers for hands-free conversations.

The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 interior is offered in Dark Slate Grey/Light Graystone.

Powertrain

Just as the very first Charger – the original 1964 “Charger by Dodge” concept car -- sported a HEMI V-8, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 gets its motivation from a HEMI, too. In this case, it’s a big-bore, SRT-engineered version producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.

Several features of the new 6.1-liter SRT HEMI recall the legendary HEMI engines of previous decades, including the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency, orange-painted cylinder block, black valve covers, and even the horsepower rating (with less displacement, the 6.1-liter HEMI’s 69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds that of the legendary Street HEMI of the 1960s and ‘70s).

To create the 6.1-liter version of the Chrysler Group’s HEMI, SRT powertrain engineers applied tried-and-true engine-building tricks honed by generations of American hot-rodders.

They unleashed 85 more horsepower by adding more cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing engine speed.

For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to 6.1 liters from 5.7 liters.

Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine efficiency and power.

Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially designed intake manifold, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique to the 6.1-liter HEMI engine. Larger-diameter valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch) exhaust system with 3.5-inch chrome tips.

To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased HEMI’s peak power output engine speed nearly 20 percent to 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5,000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.

The high-performance SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft, high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by oil squirters), and an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at high engine speeds.

Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through an A580 five-speed automatic transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick®, which offers fully automatic or manual shifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and axles.

Safety and Security Features
Following are safety and security features in the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8:
· Advanced Multi-stage Air Bag System: This system inflates with a force appropriate to the severity of the impact. It includes the occupant classification system (OCS)
· Anti-lock Brake System: Electronic sensors help prevent wheel lockup. The ABS system offers improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions
· Electronic Stability Program (ESP): This feature aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability, providing oversteer and understeer control to maintain vehicle behavior on various road surfaces
· Energy-absorbing Steering Column: Manual-adjust telescoping steering column includes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other, which allows the column to move forward and provide more energy absorption during an impact
· Occupant Classification System (OCS): The OCS measures the conditions for activation or deactivation of the passenger-side front air bag based upon the weight of the occupant

The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be assembled at Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Body Style Sedan
Assembly Plant Brampton, Ontario, Canada
EPA Vehicle Class Large car
Introduction Date Fall 2005 as 2006 model

ENGINE: 6.1-LITER, HEMI® V-8
Availability Std. – Charger SRT8
Type and Description 90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled
Displacement 370 cu. in. (6059 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke 4.06 x 3.58 (103.0 x 90.9)
Valve System Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves,
eight conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller followers
Fuel Injection Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless
Construction Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps,
aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers
Compression Ratio 10.3:1
Power (estimated SAE net) 425 bhp (318 kW) @ 6200 rpm, (69.8 bhp/L)
Torque (estimated SAE net) 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) @ 4800 rpm
Max. Engine Speed 6400 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement Premium 91 octane (R+M)/2—recommended,
Oil Capacity 7 qt. (6.6L)
Coolant Capacity 14 qt. (13.25L)
Emission Controls Dual close-coupled three-way catalytic converters,
quad heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features
Max. Gross Trailer Weight not rated for trailer tow
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg City/Hwy) N/A

TRANSMISSION: W5A580 FIVE-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Availability Std. – Charger SRT8
Description Adaptive electronic control, Performance tuned AutoStick® driver-interactive
manual control and electronically modulated torque converter clutch
Gear Ratios
1st 3.59
2nd 2.19
3rd 1.41
4th 1.00
5th 0.83
Reverse 3.17
Final Drive Ratio 3.06
Overall Top Gear 2.54
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator 160-amp
Battery H7 Case, 730 CCA, maintenance-free

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES1
Wheelbase 120.0 (3048)
Track, Front 63.0 (1600)
Track, Rear 63.1 (1604)
Overall Length 200.1 (5082)
Overall Width 74.5 (1891)
Overall Height 58.2 (1479)
With SDAR Antenna 58.8 (1494)
Estimated Curb Weight, lb. (kg). 4160 (1887)
Weight Distribution, percent F/R 54/46
Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (L) 19 (72)

1 All dimensions measured at curb weight with standard tires.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating Capacity, F/R 2/3
Front Seat
Head Room 38.7 (983)
Leg Room 41.8 (1061)
Shoulder Room 59.3 (1505)
Hip Room 56.2 (1427)
Seat Travel Driver – 10.6 (270), passenger – 8.66 (220)
Recliner Angle Range, deg. Driver – up to 112, passenger – 69
SAE Front Volume Index, cubic ft. (cu. m) 55.5 (1.57)

Rear Seat
Head Room 36.2 (919.5)
Leg Room 40.2 (1020)
Knee Clearance 4.5 (114.2)
Shoulder Room 57.6 (1464)
Hip Room 55.5 (1409)
SAE Rear Seat Volume Index, cubic ft. (cu. m) 50.5 (1.43)
Total Interior Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 104.0 (2.94)
SAE Cargo Volume, cu. ft. (cu. m) 16.2 (0.46)
EPA Interior Volume Index, cu. ft. (cu. m) 120.2 (3.4)
Trunk Liftover Height 30.1 (765.1)

BODY
Layout Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Construction Unitized steel body

SUSPENSION
Front Independent SLA with high upper “A” arm, coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Lateral and diagonal lower links
Rear Five-link independent with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, gas-charged shock absorbers and isolated suspension cradle
Nivomat™ self-leveling shock absorbers

STEERING
Type Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assist
Overall Ratio 16.1:1
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb) 38.9 ft. (11.9 m)
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock) 2.75

TIRES
Standard – Charger SRT8
Size and type P245/45R20 - Front
P255/45R20 - Rear
Mfr. and model 3 Season Goodyear F1 Supercar
Revs per mile (km) 729 (452) Front , 720 (447) Rear
Optional – Charger SRT8
Size and type 245/45R20 - Front
245/45R20 - Rear
Mfr. and model 4 Season Goodyear RS-A
Revs per mile (km) 729 (452) Front , 729 (452) Rear

WHEELS
Standard – Charger SRT8
Type and material Forged Polished Aluminum
Size 20 x 9 in.

BRAKES
Front
Rotor size and type 14.2 x 1.26 ( 360 x 32.0 ) vented
Caliper size and type 1.73 (44) Brembo four-piston fixed with aluminum housing
Swept area 351 sq. in. (2261 sq. cm)
Rear
Rotor size and type 13.8 x 1.10 (350 x 28) vented
Caliper size and type 1.26 (32) Brembo four-piston fixed with aluminum housing
Swept area 316 sq. in. (2036 sq. cm)
Four-wheel anti-lock and traction control Std.
Electronic stability control and brake assist Std.
Power assist type
Std. on Charger SRT8 8x9 (203 x 229) tandem-diaphragm vacuum booster

Estimated Curb Weight, lb. (kg). 4160 (1887)

The hood scoop is functional, as are the brake air ducts.