Dodge: Charger News
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From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Dodge Charger R/T -- By Marty Padgett - - Source: Autoexpress
Forget Chevrolets, Thunderbirds and Mustangs; anyone who watched television back in the Eighties will tell you that America's most famous automobile is the Dodge Charger...
Star of cult series the Dukes of Hazzard, and painted bright orange with a Confederate flag on the roof, the 1969 two-door General Lee roared its way into the living rooms of millions, and gave the UK an unforgettable taste of American muscle cars. The question is, can Dodge do it again in 2005?
The early indications are not good. Launched at this year's Detroit Motor Show, the brand new Charger is not a two-door like the vehicle of the same name that thrashed around on TV in the early Eighties. Instead, it is a reinvention of sister firm Chrysler's 300C, on which the Charger is based.
Even so, the gentle rise of its C-pillar and its snarling nose are reminiscent of the superstar car. Reassuringly, this motor never fails to turn heads. Atidle, the 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engine sucks in enthusiasts at the same spectacular rate as it guzzles unleaded petrol, and pumps out a throaty roar that makes the £16,406 American price seem like a joke to buyers in the UK.
Acceleration is impressive, partic-ularly from the 340bhp R/T edition which we got behind the wheel of. It is also worth noting that an entry-level 250bhp V6 model is available too, with a bargain price tag in the US of the equivalent of £12,576. This base variant is a joy to drive... until you have sampled the V8.
The noise only gets better if you opt for the £17,776 Daytona. This current flagship version appropriately gets the loudest paintjobs available in America, namely GoManGo! orange, Top Banana yellow and the self-descriptive SubLime. On the road, however, the Charger's long wheelbase and overly light steering bring back memories of the Seventies. This is no sports car, despite the straight-line muscle on offer.
Perhaps all the finely tuned suspension settings are being held in reserve for the 425bhp SRT8, which we have yet to drive. But even the R/T model, equipped with a 'performance package' of stiffer roll bars, feels floaty and lacking in body control.
While Dodge-branded vehicles are set to arrive in the UK early next year, the Charger will be produced in left-hand-drive form only, which is likely to limit its British appeal. That said, if bosses change their mind, we would expect buyers to be Charging into dealerships demanding a test drive...
Star of cult series the Dukes of Hazzard, and painted bright orange with a Confederate flag on the roof, the 1969 two-door General Lee roared its way into the living rooms of millions, and gave the UK an unforgettable taste of American muscle cars. The question is, can Dodge do it again in 2005?
The early indications are not good. Launched at this year's Detroit Motor Show, the brand new Charger is not a two-door like the vehicle of the same name that thrashed around on TV in the early Eighties. Instead, it is a reinvention of sister firm Chrysler's 300C, on which the Charger is based.
Even so, the gentle rise of its C-pillar and its snarling nose are reminiscent of the superstar car. Reassuringly, this motor never fails to turn heads. Atidle, the 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engine sucks in enthusiasts at the same spectacular rate as it guzzles unleaded petrol, and pumps out a throaty roar that makes the £16,406 American price seem like a joke to buyers in the UK.
Acceleration is impressive, partic-ularly from the 340bhp R/T edition which we got behind the wheel of. It is also worth noting that an entry-level 250bhp V6 model is available too, with a bargain price tag in the US of the equivalent of £12,576. This base variant is a joy to drive... until you have sampled the V8.
The noise only gets better if you opt for the £17,776 Daytona. This current flagship version appropriately gets the loudest paintjobs available in America, namely GoManGo! orange, Top Banana yellow and the self-descriptive SubLime. On the road, however, the Charger's long wheelbase and overly light steering bring back memories of the Seventies. This is no sports car, despite the straight-line muscle on offer.
Perhaps all the finely tuned suspension settings are being held in reserve for the 425bhp SRT8, which we have yet to drive. But even the R/T model, equipped with a 'performance package' of stiffer roll bars, feels floaty and lacking in body control.
While Dodge-branded vehicles are set to arrive in the UK early next year, the Charger will be produced in left-hand-drive form only, which is likely to limit its British appeal. That said, if bosses change their mind, we would expect buyers to be Charging into dealerships demanding a test drive...
Originally Posted by biker
Full size cars in Europe, like the Charger, are like big SUVs in the US - a fad whose best days are behind them. There's just no room for vehicles this size on European roads.
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Originally Posted by biker
Full size cars in Europe, like the Charger, are like big SUVs in the US - a fad whose best days are behind them. There's just no room for vehicles this size on European roads.
I was in Amsterdam a few days ago and saw a few Chrysler 300Cs and Dodge Magnums. True, most people drive small cars and even bicycles, but at the same time some people drive large German and American cars too.
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Motor Trend mag did a comparo test of the Charger R/T with the Mustang GT:
The R/T with the 5 speed auto ran (in parenthesis the Mustang GT numbers - GT was equipped with the 5 speed manual tranny):
0-60 in 5.9 secs (5.1)
1/4 in 14.1 at 100.9 mph (13.5 at 103.6 mph)
60-0 = 129 ft (125 ft)
600 ft slalom = 62 mph average (65.4 mph)
lateral acc = 0.77g average (0.87 g)
price as tested = $35.5K ($27.4K)
What a blow out for the Mustang in my opinion. I have not read the text of the article yet.
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
What a dumb comparison, a big automatic V8 sedan........vs. a 2 door V8 manual sports GT.
Why bother....
Why bother....
They wanted to recreate the Bullit film car chase. They called it..."The Rematch"
Suzuka Master
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From: Lakeway, TX
Originally Posted by gavriil
What a blow out for the Mustang in my opinion. I have not read the text of the article yet.
'Big Daddy Diggler'
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From: Yonkers NY
Originally Posted by SpeedyV6
The mustang looks nice but I can't get over the fact that it doesn't have an IRS. This car is built on the LS/ Thunderbird platform. How hard would it have been to include an IRS?
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Originally Posted by SpeedyV6
The mustang looks nice but I can't get over the fact that it doesn't have an IRS. This car is built on the LS/ Thunderbird platform. How hard would it have been to include an IRS?
It would not be hard, it would be more expensive though. This is the resutl of you given the capability to buy a GT car with 300HP and V8 torque for $25K basically. It is a feat in my opinion and the way they do it is by deleting items like an IRS. But Ford swore that it handles and the mags have confirmed, so who cares what it has in the back. It's the same argument of, who cares how 500HP comes (pushrods and large displacement or VVT and high revs from smaller displacement), it's still 500HP when you drive it.
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Originally Posted by bigman
Doesnt it have an IRS option? Plus, it's pullin .87gs on the pad, which isnt great but is kinda awesome for a solid rear.
Suzuka Master
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From: Chicago Suburbs
You guys also have to remember that the GT rides on 235/55 All Season tires. Swap the tires out for 275/40's Max Performance tires all around and the skidpad G's will improve(~.91g's) and so will the slalom slightly. Braking distances will decrease as well.
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From: Communist, NY
Originally Posted by gavriil
Bottom line, the Charger needs a manual and a diet. 350 pounds shed would be great 
Bring on the Charger SRT-8, that will fit the bill nicely.......especially at its $ point.
Safety Car
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From: philly
Originally Posted by gavriil
Bottom line, the Charger needs a manual and a diet. 350 pounds shed would be great
Bottom line the Charger is now a large sedan, not a 2-door muscle car.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1
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From: Communist, NY
SRT8 Price Announced
With 425-horsepower HEMI® and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, “Charger on Steroids” is the Ultimate Modern American Muscle Sedan.
All-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 priced at $35,995
Zero to 60 mph in low 5 seconds, quarter-mile in under 14 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in under 17 seconds
Horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds that of the legendary 1966 Street HEMI
Dodge announced pricing today for the quickest sedan in its lineup, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8.
Adding a new level of Dodge DNA to the SRT formula of benchmark performance at the lowest price, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is available for $35,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge Charger SRT8 arrives in Dodge showrooms in November.
“With a 425-horsepower SRT-engineered HEMI, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is the quickest sedan in the Dodge lineup,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “It combines SRT performance of zero to 60 mph in about 5 seconds and 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds, with the bold, in-your-face attitude that’s all Dodge.
“Add it all up for $35,995 – and the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 offers incredible bang for the buck,” added Jackson.
The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, and is equipped with a host of performance upgrades and premium amenities.
Even More HEMI Power
The heart of the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is its SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 85 more horsepower than the 5.7-liter version with more cubic inches, higher compression ratio, faster engine speed and better engine breathing through special cylinder heads and manifolds. The 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine was strengthened with components including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods.
The result is an engine capable of 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque - the highest specific-output V-8 engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group - with a horsepower-per-liter rating that exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 Street HEMI.
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 Features
The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is loaded with SRT-tuned performance upgrades, including large-diameter anti-sway bars, specially tailored spring rates, Bilstein dampers, Brembo four-piston disc brakes at the front and rear, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with Goodyear F1 Supercar three-season tires.
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 standard features include power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and aggressively bolstered front seats trimmed with performance suede inserts that secure occupants during spirited driving. Other features include “carbon fiber” leather trim on the steering wheel, and special satin silver finish on the center stack. Full instrumentation includes a 180 mph speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges. The interior is offered in Dark/Light Slate Gray.
Available options include a power sun roof (MSRP $950) and a trio of SRT packages:
Package 1 includes heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, air filtration system, automatic headlamps and one-touch up/down power front windows (MSRP $675)
Package 2 includes a security system, 11-speaker Kicker® audio system with AM/FM radio and six-disc CD changer and MP3 (MSRP $1,245)
Package 3 includes a DVD-based navigation system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which offers hundreds of commercial-free channels, and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology (MSRP $2,550)
Also available are supplemental side air bags (MSRP $390) and all-season tires (no extra charge).
Functional SRT Exterior Design Cues
The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8’s exterior styling begins with an all-new front fascia with integrated ducts that help direct air to cool the brakes and a front air dam that reduces lift. The hood incorporates a scoop to funnel cool air to the engine compartment. In the rear, there are integrated strakes to direct air flow and aggressive cutouts to accommodate dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A deck lid spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for better handling and traction.
Dodge Charger SRT8 styling is also unique with a heritage-style SRT badge set into the blacked-out grille. Body-color exterior mirrors fold inward for convenience.
Available exterior colors for the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat.
Street and Racing Technology (SRT)
Formed in 2002, SRT is the industry’s leading in-house automotive performance group. SRT creates some of the Chrysler Group’s boldest, most distinctive products that deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price.
SRT boasts 10 SRT-badged Chrysler and Dodge performance vehicles, all of which will be in dealer showrooms by year’s end: Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible and Coupe, Dodge SRT4, Dodge Ram SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab™, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Coupe and Roadster and Chrysler 300C SRT8.
The 11th SRT vehicle, the all-new 2006 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, will arrive in dealerships early next year.
All-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 priced at $35,995
Zero to 60 mph in low 5 seconds, quarter-mile in under 14 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in under 17 seconds
Horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds that of the legendary 1966 Street HEMI
Dodge announced pricing today for the quickest sedan in its lineup, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8.
Adding a new level of Dodge DNA to the SRT formula of benchmark performance at the lowest price, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is available for $35,995, which includes $675 for destination. Dodge Charger SRT8 arrives in Dodge showrooms in November.
“With a 425-horsepower SRT-engineered HEMI, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is the quickest sedan in the Dodge lineup,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President - Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “It combines SRT performance of zero to 60 mph in about 5 seconds and 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds, with the bold, in-your-face attitude that’s all Dodge.
“Add it all up for $35,995 – and the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 offers incredible bang for the buck,” added Jackson.
The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, and is equipped with a host of performance upgrades and premium amenities.
Even More HEMI Power
The heart of the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is its SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which generates 85 more horsepower than the 5.7-liter version with more cubic inches, higher compression ratio, faster engine speed and better engine breathing through special cylinder heads and manifolds. The 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine was strengthened with components including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft and high-strength connecting rods.
The result is an engine capable of 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque - the highest specific-output V-8 engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group - with a horsepower-per-liter rating that exceeds even that of the legendary 1966 Street HEMI.
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 Features
The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is loaded with SRT-tuned performance upgrades, including large-diameter anti-sway bars, specially tailored spring rates, Bilstein dampers, Brembo four-piston disc brakes at the front and rear, and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with Goodyear F1 Supercar three-season tires.
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 standard features include power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and aggressively bolstered front seats trimmed with performance suede inserts that secure occupants during spirited driving. Other features include “carbon fiber” leather trim on the steering wheel, and special satin silver finish on the center stack. Full instrumentation includes a 180 mph speedometer, tachometer and temperature gauges. The interior is offered in Dark/Light Slate Gray.
Available options include a power sun roof (MSRP $950) and a trio of SRT packages:
Package 1 includes heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, air filtration system, automatic headlamps and one-touch up/down power front windows (MSRP $675)
Package 2 includes a security system, 11-speaker Kicker® audio system with AM/FM radio and six-disc CD changer and MP3 (MSRP $1,245)
Package 3 includes a DVD-based navigation system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which offers hundreds of commercial-free channels, and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology (MSRP $2,550)
Also available are supplemental side air bags (MSRP $390) and all-season tires (no extra charge).
Functional SRT Exterior Design Cues
The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8’s exterior styling begins with an all-new front fascia with integrated ducts that help direct air to cool the brakes and a front air dam that reduces lift. The hood incorporates a scoop to funnel cool air to the engine compartment. In the rear, there are integrated strakes to direct air flow and aggressive cutouts to accommodate dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A deck lid spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for better handling and traction.
Dodge Charger SRT8 styling is also unique with a heritage-style SRT badge set into the blacked-out grille. Body-color exterior mirrors fold inward for convenience.
Available exterior colors for the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat.
Street and Racing Technology (SRT)
Formed in 2002, SRT is the industry’s leading in-house automotive performance group. SRT creates some of the Chrysler Group’s boldest, most distinctive products that deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price.
SRT boasts 10 SRT-badged Chrysler and Dodge performance vehicles, all of which will be in dealer showrooms by year’s end: Dodge Viper SRT10 Convertible and Coupe, Dodge SRT4, Dodge Ram SRT10 regular cab and Quad Cab™, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Dodge Charger SRT8, Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Coupe and Roadster and Chrysler 300C SRT8.
The 11th SRT vehicle, the all-new 2006 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8, will arrive in dealerships early next year.
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Car News briefs: - - Source: Autoweek
Dodge also announced a $35,995 sticker for its 2006 Charger SRT8, powered by a 6.1-liter, 425-hp, 420-lb-ft Hemi V8. Charger SRT8 arrives in November.
The Third Ball
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
Originally Posted by charliemike
$36k ain't bad ... But I'd pay the extra $3k and get the 300C
I wonder what it options out at.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,516
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From: Lakeway, TX
Originally Posted by The Sarlacc
...I wonder what it options out at.
Available options include a power sun roof (MSRP $950) and a trio of SRT packages:
Package 1 includes heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, air filtration system, automatic headlamps and one-touch up/down power front windows (MSRP $675)
Package 2 includes a security system, 11-speaker Kicker® audio system with AM/FM radio and six-disc CD changer and MP3 (MSRP $1,245)
Package 3 includes a DVD-based navigation system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which offers hundreds of commercial-free channels, and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology (MSRP $2,550)
Also available are supplemental side air bags (MSRP $390) and all-season tires (no extra charge).
Functional SRT Exterior Design Cues
Package 1 includes heated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning, air filtration system, automatic headlamps and one-touch up/down power front windows (MSRP $675)
Package 2 includes a security system, 11-speaker Kicker® audio system with AM/FM radio and six-disc CD changer and MP3 (MSRP $1,245)
Package 3 includes a DVD-based navigation system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which offers hundreds of commercial-free channels, and a UConnect™ hands-free communications system with Bluetooth™ technology (MSRP $2,550)
Also available are supplemental side air bags (MSRP $390) and all-season tires (no extra charge).
Functional SRT Exterior Design Cues
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From: Communist, NY
2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee
Bee All It Can Be
The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the "Charger on steroids" from Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT). It features "Detonator Yellow" exterior color with black hood and deck-lid face, Super Bee logos on front and rear fenders, and contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.
Powered by the SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque, the Dodge Charger SRT8's powertrain represents a new level in HEMI performance, with 85 additional horsepower — 25 percent more than the 5.7-liter HEMI.
Other SRT enhancements include functional, performance-oriented styling, world-class ride and handling, race-inspired interior appointments and benchmark braking. All together, the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is capable of 0-60 mph in the low 5 seconds, 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds and 60-0 mph braking in approximately 110 feet.
The legendary Super Bee nameplate made its debut in 1968 within the Dodge Coronet line. As the newest member of Dodge's "Scat Pack" performance group, the '68 Super Bee originally carried an MSRP of just over $3,000. It was offered as a Dodge Charger only in its last model year, 1971. Restored examples fetch between $80,000 – $100,000 today.
The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the latest edition of the ultimate American muscle sedan, and will be available in dealerships this fall. Pricing has not yet been announced.
The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the first special edition of the "Charger on steroids" from Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT). It features "Detonator Yellow" exterior color with black hood and deck-lid face, Super Bee logos on front and rear fenders, and contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.
Powered by the SRT-engineered 6.1-liter HEMI® V-8 producing 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 N•m) of torque, the Dodge Charger SRT8's powertrain represents a new level in HEMI performance, with 85 additional horsepower — 25 percent more than the 5.7-liter HEMI.
Other SRT enhancements include functional, performance-oriented styling, world-class ride and handling, race-inspired interior appointments and benchmark braking. All together, the 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is capable of 0-60 mph in the low 5 seconds, 0-100-0 in under 17 seconds and 60-0 mph braking in approximately 110 feet.
The legendary Super Bee nameplate made its debut in 1968 within the Dodge Coronet line. As the newest member of Dodge's "Scat Pack" performance group, the '68 Super Bee originally carried an MSRP of just over $3,000. It was offered as a Dodge Charger only in its last model year, 1971. Restored examples fetch between $80,000 – $100,000 today.
The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is the latest edition of the ultimate American muscle sedan, and will be available in dealerships this fall. Pricing has not yet been announced.