- For more information about the 1966-1978 Charger, see the Dodge Charger (B-body) entry.
- For more information about the 1983-1987 Charger, see the Dodge Charger (L-body) entry.
Dodge Charger | |
---|---|
Dodge | |
aka | Type aka here, not up there |
Production | 1966-1978 1983-1987 2006-present |
Class | Full Size Muscle Car |
Body Style | 4-Door Sedan |
Length | 200.1 in |
Width | 74.5 in |
Height | 58.2 in |
Wheelbase | 120 in |
Weight | 3800-4200 lb |
Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic, RWD 5-Speed Automatic, RWD/AWD |
Engine | 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 5.7 litre HEMI V8 |
Power | 283 hp (209 kW) @ 6400 rpm 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque @ 4800 rpm N/A hp @ N/A rpm N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm |
Similar | Pontiac G8 Chrysler 300 |
Designer | Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort) |
The Dodge Charger is a full-size four-door sedan, introduced first at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and built by American automobile manufacturer Stellantis North America, a subsidiary of Stellantis. It is available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive drivetrains. The Charger was developed to continue the Dodge Charger line with its muscle car heritage, and replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan. The seventh-generation Charger debuted for the 2011 model year.
7th Generation: (2011–2023)[]
The 2011 LD Charger seventh (after-Dodge 30-35 4-door sedan, Dodge Fast Four 4-door sedan, Dodge DRXX, DR and DS 4-door sedan, Dodge Series D2 4-door sedan, Dodge Series D5 4-door sedan, Dodge Series D8 4-door sedan, Dodge Custom 4-door sedan, Dodge Coronet 4-door sedan (1949–1952), Dodge Coronet 4-door sedan (1953–1954), Dodge Coronet 4-door sedan (1955–1956), Dodge Coronet 4-door sedan (1957–1959), Dodge Monaco 4-door sedan (1990–1992), Dodge Intrepid (1993–1997), Dodge Intrepid (1998–2004), and Dodge Charger LX) generation underwent both exterior and interior changes, taking some styling cues from the 1968–1970 models.[21] A new body featured a redesigned fascia and hood section,[22] modified "racetrack" vintage-style taillights, and a new dashboard. Silver aluminum wheels became standard equipment replacing the previous plastic hubcaps. However, the core foundation of the car was still based on the original LX platform, derived from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211). While the suspension was tweaked, the front suspension is still derived from the design of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) and the 5-link rear design from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211).
Engines[]
The new 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine replaced the 2.7 L V6 engine as well as the 3.5 L High Output V6 engine. The 3.6 L Pentastar has variable valve timing, which is a technology that adjusts the timing of the intake and/or exhaust valves. The engine uses a timing chain instead of a belt. The exhaust manifold is cast directly into the cylinder head.
The Charger was built alongside the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 and Chrysler 300C. Engines are available with both the 5-speed and 8-speed automatic transmissions.
2012[]
From the 2012 model year, the 3.6 L engine was available with an 8-speed automatic that improved fuel economy by 4-mpg on the highway.
The 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 is rated at 292 hp (218 kW) and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) of torque, the 5.7 L V8 has 370 hp (276 kW) and 395 lb⋅ft (536 N⋅m) of torque, and the new 6.4 liter V8 is rated at 470 hp (350 kW) and 470 lb⋅ft (640 N⋅m) of torque. According to the October 2011 issue of Motor Trend, the Dodge Charger SRT-8, weighing 4,361 lb (1,978 kg), accelerates from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, and completes the quarter mile (~400 m) in 12.8 seconds at 110 mph (180 km/h). It is mechanically identical to the Chrysler 300 SRT-8.
Charger SRT8[]
The Charger SRT8 returned as 2012 model, which was previewed at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. Chrysler began putting the Dodge logo with slanted red rectangles on the grilles of the SRT8 halfway through the 2012 model year.
2015 facelift[]
Unveiled at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, the 2015 Dodge Charger received a substantial makeover, the most noticeable change coming in the new front grille and rounded LED headlights. Retaining its Coke bottle styling Dodge claims to have reworked just about every panel on the car; made to look "leaner and more athletic" than its previous look while keeping the same dimensions.[48] Dodge is reported to have used the 1969 Charger as its inspiration for the remodeling.
The engines include the 370 hp (276 kW) 5.7 L Hemi V8 and the 292 hp (218 kW) 3.6 liter V6. The V6 model is EPA-rated at 31 mpg or 7.6L/100 km which is claimed by the manufacturer to be the best in its class. Except for the Police Pursuit version (which retains the 5 speed automatic), the only available transmission is the Chrysler eight-speed automatic, coupled with optional all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system automatically removes power to the front axle when not required, giving an improvement in fuel economy. The new electronic gearshift with optional paddle shifters gives shift times of as little as 0.25 seconds in the sport mode.
The reworked interior includes new materials for the door, console, and dash panels, a new steering wheel and seats, and a wide range of trim packages with both leather and cloth seating.[35] The refreshed interior also features a new instrument cluster featuring a 7-inch (180mm) TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display. The available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio with available navigation has been revised, now including Uconnect Apps. Mechanically, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 5.7L/6.4L HEMI engines remained the same. All engines are now backed by the ZF 8HP 8-Speed Automatic transmissions co-produced by ZF (previously only V6 models used the ZF 8-speed). There have been revisions to the chassis components, including Electric-Assist power steering, which replaces the previous models Electro-Hydraulic Assist power steering. New aluminum rear differentials now use 4-mounting bolts for rigidity. AWD is no longer available on 5.7L R/T models.
Charger SRT Hellcat[]
The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was introduced on August 13, 2014, prior to being shown at the Woodward Dream Cruise and was unveiled at the 2014 South Florida International Auto Show in November. Present for the ceremony were Sandra Bullock, Mizz Nina, Michelle Yeoh, and Fan Bingbing. It includes the same 707 hp (527 kW; 717 PS), 650 lb⋅ft (880 N⋅m), 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 present in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The Charger Hellcat features a redesigned front fascia with a larger lower grille similar to the current generation Dodge Viper.
Charger R/T Scat Pack[]
The Charger R/T Scat Pack essentially takes the place of the former SRT8 Super Bee in the Charger lineup. The powertrain of the SRT 392 is present, as are the front and rear bumpers, but leather upholstery is optional (as opposed to standard), the suspension uses fixed-rate Bilstein shocks, the brakes are slightly smaller, and the wheel and tire package is narrower. The Scat pack shares its exterior look with the Charger Hellcat and features a narrow grille, a hood scoop, tinted headlamps, and 20-inch forged wheels.[60
Charger Widebody[]
For 2020, a "Widebody Package" was made available for the Charger R/T Scat Pack as an option, but replacing the narrow-body Charger Hellcat.[61] The package mirrors that of the Challenger Widebody.
Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye[]
A heavily upgraded version of the Hellcat was introduced as the Hellcat Redeye for 2021. Like the Challenger Redeye, it is equipped with a supercharged 6.2L V8 rated at 797 hp (594 kW; 808 PS) and 707 lb⋅ft (959 N⋅m) of torque, an increase of 90 hp (67 kW) and 57 lb⋅ft (77 N⋅m) over the standard Hellcat motor. Other upgrades include reinforced ZF 8 speed automatic transmission, track-tuned suspension, torque reserve and 41-spline heavy-duty half-shafts, SRT power chiller, and after-run chiller.
Sixth generation (2006-2010)[]
The Dodge Charger is based on the rear-wheel-drive Chrysler LX platform with Chrysler executives confirming that structural elements of the car's foundation such as the toe board, safety cage architecture, as well as the load-path philosophy being utilized by then-partner, Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes executives also confirmed that several individual components of the car are derived from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) and S-Class of the era. Shared and or derived components from Mercedes-Benz included: the rear suspension cradle and 5-link independent rear suspension design derived from E-Class, a double-wishbone front suspension design with short-and-long arm front suspension geometry derived from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220), the 5-Speed NAG1 W5A580 transmission, rear differential, driveshaft, ESP & ABS systems, steering system, the CAN Bus electrical architecture, cabin electronics including several other electronic modules, switchgear such as the cruise control and turn signal combination stalk, seat controls, seat frames, and the wiring harness. Later models also feature a Mercedes-Benz-derived laser key ignition system in place of the traditional metal key. AWD models also benefited from the use of Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC system, including transfer case components.
Both the SXT and R/T models were available in rear and all-wheel drive trains starting in 2007. 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.
After three years of production, an update for 2009 models was made. This sixth generation included relocating the rear decklid's "CHARGER" badging from the left to the right, making way for "DODGE" at the left. Tail lamps were also revised. 2008 models had seen minor revisions to the interior (a new center console and switchgear changes). The 2009 Charger AWD utilized the BorgWarner Torque-on-Demand system 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.
Trim Levels[]
The unnamed Base model was the entry-level model in the Charger lineup. Powered by the 2.7L "Magnum" V6 gasoline engine (starting with 2008 models) or a 3.5L "Magnum" V6 gasoline engine (for 2006 and 2007 models), mated to a four- or five-speed automatic transmission (06-07 models with 3.5L engines used the 5-speed regardless of drive type, while 2.7L cars were RWD only and used the 4-speed exclusively), the Base was equipped with features such as seventeen-inch black steel wheels with full plastic wheel covers, an A/M-F/M stereo radio with a single-disc CD player (with MP3 capabilities starting in 2008) and an auxiliary audio input jack, a four-speaker audio system, a urethane steering wheel, power brakes, a color-keyed front grille with black inserts, cloth seating surfaces, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, color-keyed exterior door handles, power-adjustable exterior side mirrors with black caps, a compact spare tire and wheel, and a split-folding rear bench seat, among other features. Options, while limited, included four-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS) brakes, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a six-speaker audio system, and a cruise control. This model was only available with rear-wheel drive.
The SE Plus model was only offered for the 2008 model year and added features onto the unnamed Base trim. These added features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a six-speaker audio system, the 3.5 L "Magnum" V6 gasoline engine, a cruise control, four-wheel power Antilock Braking System (ABS) brakes, and seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. This model was only available with rear-wheel drive.
The SXT was the volume seller of the Charger lineup. Originally available as an appearance package for the unnamed Base model until 2007, the SXT became its own trim level starting with the 2008 model year. Features added onto to the Base trim included a chrome front grille with black inserts, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (starting with 2008 models), a six-speaker audio system, steering wheel-mounted audio system controls, a security alarm system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic transmission shift lever, a cruise control, four-wheel power Antilock Braking System (ABS) brakes, a power-adjustable front driver's bucket seat, and the 3.5L "Magnum" V6 gasoline engine (starting with 2008 models). Options on the SXT included eighteen-inch tires and aluminum-alloy wheels, an A/M-F/M stereo radio with a six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 changer (including DVD and DVD Audio playback starting in 2008), a touchscreen infotainment system (starting with 2008 models), a U Connect hands-free Bluetooth phone system, two different Boston Acoustics audio systems (one with a subwoofer), Digital Sound Processing (DSP), and an external amplifier, a GPS navigation system, a rearview backup camera system, a remote vehicle starter system, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces, dual power-adjustable front bucket seats, a five-speed automatic transmission, and a power sunroof. This model was available with either rear-wheel drive or All Wheel Drive (AWD).
The R/T was the performance-oriented Charger model. It added features onto the SXT trim such as the 5.7 L HEMI V8 gasoline engine with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), a five-speed automatic transmission, a six-speaker Boston Acoustics premium audio system with a 276-watt external amplifier and Digital Sound Processing (DSP), SiriusXM Satellite Radio (starting with 2008 models), eighteen-inch tires and polished aluminum-alloy wheels, exterior body side moldings, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces, dual power-adjustable front bucket seats, power-adjustable and heated exterior side mirrors with color-keyed caps, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a rear spoiler, and front fog lamps. Most options available on the SXT trim were also available on the R/T trim. This model was available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or All Wheel Drive (AWD).
The SRT-8 was the top trim level of the Charger lineup. It added features onto the R/T trim such as the 6.1L HEMI V8 gasoline engine without the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), Brembo performance front and rear brakes with painted brake calipers, sport front bucket seats, dual heated front bucket seats, an AM-FM stereo radio with an in-dash, six-disc CD/MP3 changer (including DVD and DVD Audio playback starting with 2008 models), SiriusXM Satellite Radio (starting with 2008 models), sport leather-trimmed seating surfaces with perforated microfiber suede inserts, a color-keyed front grille with black "Honeycomb" inserts, a performance body kit, twenty-inch performance-rated tires, and forged aluminum-alloy wheels, electronic stability and traction controls, and simulated carbon-fiber interior trim. Optional features included touchscreen infotainment system (starring with 2008 models), SiriusXM satellite Radio (for 2006 and 2007 models), a navigation system, U Connect hands-free Bluetooth phone system, and a 13-speaker Kicker audio system with a powered amplifier, Digital Sound Processing (DSP), and a rear trunk-mounted subwoofer. This model was only available with rear-wheel drive.
Special editions[]
Daytona R/T[]
The 2006 Charger Daytona R/T debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. It featured 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 included a special front fascia with a chin spoiler and a black rear spoiler. In a retro touch, the Daytona R/T featured black "Hemi" decals on the hood and rear fender and retro high impact colors.
The 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona Limited colors were "Go ManGo!" (orange with black decals and spoiler (punctuation in the name is correct, as displayed on the dashboard), "Top Banana" (yellow with black decals and spoiler)), "Tor Red” (red with black decals and spoiler (punctuation in the name is correct, as displayed on the dashboard)). The U.S. production release was limited to 4,000 cars each for orange and yellow, 2,000 for the red, and they had a badge with a production number placed under the far-right dash vent.
In 2007, larger 20-inch chrome-clad wheels were introduced, now being produced only in two new colors, Sub Lime Green and Plum Crazy Purple. In 2008, a revised stripe package was adopted, and the color for this year was HEMI Ornage. In 2009, horsepower was increased to 372 hp (277 kW) by the addition of Variable Camshaft Timing. The color for this year was Stone White. There was no Daytona R/T for the 2010 model year.
Super Bee[]
A new Super Bee version of the Charger debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show for the 2007 model year. It shared the SRT-8's 425 hp (317 kW) 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi engine, but was available in a special "Detonator Yellow" paint with black decals. It was a limited edition with only 1,000 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 1,000. A total of 425 Hemi Orange Super Bees were built in 2009.
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Bee[]
Origins[]
In 1999, Dodge came all out with a new Charger R/T concept car. It took many styling cues from the 1960s Chargers (most notably the second generation) but also had four doors. The designers attempted to blend the rear doors into the design so they would not be noticed very easily. Compressed natural gas was purported as being in the lineup for a possible fuel source.
The concept Charger R/T, while sharing the long nose and rearward cab of the original, was a good deal shorter. It was 187 in in overall length compared to 203 in for the 1966 Charger. It was also lighter; 3,000 lb versus 3,650 lb.
While making an important statement for CNG technology, the Charger R/T was equally appealing to the design community. It had functional side scoops, as does the Dodge Viper, and the chrome plated, central mounted exhaust was somewhat reminiscent of the Viper. It even has functional air exhausters sculpted into its rear fascia.
The Charger R/T was equally important for what it said about CNG technology. The concept car showcased a new storage tank system that one day might deliver 300 miles range in a CNG-powered passenger car and not compromise storage space in the trunk.
The cylinders, or pressure cells, inside the fiberglass storage tank were lined with a gas-impermeable high density polyurethane (HDPE) thermoplastic and wrapped in a hybrid mix of high-strength carbon and super-tough glass filaments that were wound with an epoxy resin. Finally, the cylinders were laid into a foam eggcrate to absorb impacts. It was strong for its weight, resistant to environmental damage, reliable and durable. The tank can be made flat, in the shape of a conventional gasoline tank, yet the fuel can still be stored at 3,600 lb³ of pressure.
Worldwide[]
Pursuit Edition[]
In early 2006, DaimlerChrysler relased a new police version of the Dodge Charger. It made its debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.
Unlike the civilian version, the police version features upgraded heavy-duty brakes, a severe-duty cooling system, police-performance Electronic Stability Program, police performance-tuned steering, and a gear shifter that is mounted on the steering column instead of in the center console. In place of the center console, Dodge has equipped the police edition with a steel plate appropriate for mounting radio equipment and controllers for lights and sirens. As of June 2006, they have been adopted by the Washington State Patrol as unmarked patrol cars.
The base police package uses the 3.5 L V6 engine and bright center hubcaps. The 5.7 L Hemi V8 engine and full bolt-on wheel covers are optional.
Charger In Popular Culture[]
2 Dodge Chargers were used in the making of the latest Castrol Edge advertisement. One car used an anominous branded oil whereas the other car uses the Castrol Edge oil. [1]
Awards[]
- Strategic Vision's 2006 Total Quality Award™ for Best Large Car Ownership Experience
- Ward's Auto Interiors Show "Interior of the Year" Best Seat System Award
- Consumer Guide Best Buy
- Kiplinger's 2006 "Best New Car"
- Kiplinger's 2006 "First In Safety"
- Automotive Design and Production Magazine's First Ever Exterior Design Award
- Parents/AAA Car Guide's Best Cars for Families 2006
- Spike TV's "Muscle Car of the Year"
- Edmunds.com - a 2006 "Editor's Most Wanted" vehicle
- Smart Choice Best in Class Winner - Highest Retained Value (excludes SRT8)
See also[]
External Links[]
- Dodge Forum & Club - Information & Discussions Regarding Every Dodge Past Or Present
- Dodge Charger Car Parts - Dodge Charger Parts and Maintenance Forum
- LX Platform Forums (Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300)
- Allpar's (2006) Charger Page
- New Age Dodge Charger Forums
- Dodge Charger Review from Edmunds.com
- Dodge Charger SRT8 Review and Wallpaper from mph-online.com
- Rally Racing with Ralph Giles in the Dodge Charger SRT8 from mph-online.com
- NYPD Buys Dodge Charger Police Cruisers from DetroitWonk.com
- Review: 2006 Dodge Charger
- 2008 Dodge Charger Review from LemonFree.com
- 2009 Dodge Charger Cop Car Gets More Grunt
- Chrysler releases details on 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit police car
- 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit: You Have The Right To Remain Badass
- Dodge Uncloaks Redesigned 2011 Charger, gets New 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar
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