Dodge Charger (LX)

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Dodge Charger
2006-2008 Dodge Charger SE
ManufacturerChrysler LLC (2007-present)
DaimlerChrysler (2006-2007)
Production2006-present
AssemblyBrampton, Ontario, Canada
PredecessorDodge Intrepid
ClassFull-size
Body style(s)4-door sedan
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
PlatformChrysler LX platform
Engine(s)2.7 L (2736 cc, 167 cu in) EER V6
3.5 L (3518 cc, 215 cu in) EGJ V6
5.7 L (345 cu in) EZB HEMI V8
6.1 L (370 cu in) ESF HEMI V8
Transmission(s)4-speed 42RLE automatic
5-speed W5A580 automatic
Wheelbase304.8 cm (120.0 in)
Length508.3 cm (200.1 in)
Width74.4 in (1890 mm)
Height148 cm (58.2 in)
SRT-8: 57.7 in (1466 mm)
RelatedChrysler 300
Dodge Magnum
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Dodge Challenger
DesignerRalph Gilles
Freeman Thomas
ManualsService Manual

The Dodge Charger, is a rear-wheel drive full-size automobile built by Chrysler LLC for its North American Dodge brand. The Charger name is a historic one, borne by many other Dodge Charger models in the past. Introduced in February 2005 for the 2006 model year, this new Charger shares the LX platform of the Chrysler 300 and the now discontinued Dodge Magnum, which borrows component parts from the Mercedes E-Class platform[1]; in fact, the interior of the Charger is almost identical to that of the Magnum. It replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan. This Charger is a four-door sedan, disappointing many fans of the previous two-door Chargers. It is built at Brampton Assembly in Canada.

In October 2007, a new B-Body Charger based on the 1970 models was shown in a Mopar magazine.[citation needed]

History

In 1999, Dodge came out with a new Charger R/T concept car. It took many styling cues from the 1960s Chargers, particularly the second generation. Since this design had four doors, the designers blended the rear doors into the design so they would not be noticed very easily. Compressed natural gas was proposed as being in the lineup for a possible fuel source. [2]

The concept Charger R/T, while sharing the long nose and rearward cab of the original, was a lot shorter. It was 187 inches (4,700 mm) in overall length compared to 203 inches (5,200 mm) for the 1966 Charger. It was also 650 lb (290 kg) lighter.

Engines

The Charger SE and SXT are equipped with Chrysler's 3.5 L V6 and sells 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 R/T version uses the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 and sells for US$29,995. This engine produces 340 hp (254 kW) and 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) of torque.

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.

All models including the SRT-8 and the SuperBee come standard with ESP or Electronic Stability Programing. ESP specifically redirects power from the rear tires during any increased tire spin either on dry or wet surface's causing the vehicle to regain traction before a spinout can occur. When the ESP is activated a driver will notice a sluggish or chugging response in the throttle control of the vehicle no matter how much the throttle pedal is pressed

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Charger an overall Good score in frontal crash tests.[3] In side impacts Charger models equipped with optional side airbags are given a Marginal score overall, and models without side airbags are given the lowest overall Poor score.[4][5]

Models

Year Model Engine Power Torque
2006
to
present
SE 2.7 L (2736 cc, 167 cu in)
EER V6
190 hp (142 kW) 190 lb·ft (258 N·m)
SXT 3.5 L (3518 cc, 215 cu in)
EGJ V6
250 hp (186 kW) 250 lb·ft (339 N·m)
2006
to
2008
R/T 5.7 L (345 cu in)
Hemi V8
340 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
present
R/T
R/T with Road/Track Performance Group
Daytona R/T
5.7 L (345 cu in)
Hemi V8
368 hp (274 kW) 395 lb·ft (536 N·m)
2006
to
present
SRT-8 6.1 L (370 cu in)
Hemi V8
425 hp (317 kW) 420 lb·ft (569 N·m)

Both the SXT and R/T models are also available as AWD (All Wheel Drive) starting in 2007.

Daytona R/T

2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
Color Year Units
Go ManGo! 2006 4000 (US), 200 (CDN)
Top Banana 4000 (US), 250 (CDN)
TorRed 2000 (US), 250 (CDN)
Sublime 2007 1500 (US), 150 (CDN)
Plum Crazy 1400 (US), 120 (CDN)
Hemi Orange 2008 1650 (US), 100 (CDN)
Stone White 2009 400 (US), Unknown (CDN)

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.


SRT-8

Color Year Units
Go ManGo! 2006 1 [6]
Silver Unknown
Black Unknown
Inferno Red Unknown
Silver 2007 Unknown
Black Unknown
TorRed Unknown
Plum Crazy 300 [7]
Silver 2008 Unknown
Black Unknown
TorRed Unknown
Steel Blue Unknown
2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8
2007 Dodge Charger SRT8
2007 Dodge Charger SRT8

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.


Super Bee

2007 Dodge Charger Super Bee #711
2007 Dodge Charger Super Bee #711
2007 Dodge Charger Super Bee #711
Dodge Charger 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 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 will go on sale in early 2008, also with a limited run of 1000.

Color Year Units
Detonator Yellow 2007 1000 (US)
B5 Blue Pearl 2008 1000 (US)
Hemi Orange[8] 2009 425 (US)

DUB Edition

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 and a 322W KICKER amplifier. It comes in red, black, silver, vanilla, Dark Titanium colours.[9]

2,180 Dodge Charger DUB Edition were produced for US market for $30,235.[10]

NASCAR

Nascar Sprint Cup's newest Dodge car design "The COT" (Car of Tomorrow), driven by Kasey Kahne
File:Dodge Charger NASCAR.jpg
230px

Although NASCAR stock cars bear only a slight resemblance to actual street cars, Dodge's 2005 and 2006 NASCAR entries were based on the Dodge Charger, replacing the previous Dodge Intrepid. Unlike the Intrepid, the Charger shares rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine with its NASCAR counterpart. During the 2007 NASCAR season the Dodge Charger was used in all non Car of Tomorrow races and the Dodge Avenger was used in all Car of Tomorrow races. The Car of Tomorrow will be used exclusively in 2008. However, the Dodge Avenger Car of Tomorrow will be redesignated as a Dodge Charger R/T through the use of different decals.

Police Package Version

In early 2006, DaimlerChrysler released 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.[11] In place of the center console, Dodge has equipped the police edition with a steel plate appropriate for mounting radio equipment, computers, and controllers for lights and sirens. The vehicle's electrical system is specifically designed for integration of siren and light controls, and other police vehicle accessories.

Dodge Charger of the Michigan State Police.
Dodge Charger of the New York City Police Department.
Dodge Charger of the Amherst, Ohio police force.
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Dodge Charger of the Sûreté du Québec
File:Charger Squad Car Rear Quarter Shot.jpg
Rear view of the Dodge Charger
New York State Court Officers Dodge Charger in Times Square

The 340 hp (254 kW) Hemi V8 is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.4 seconds and to a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h). By comparison, the 1972 AMC Matador, with its 401 in³ V8, could accelerate from rest to 60 mph (97 km/h) in seven seconds, and took 43 seconds to reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). In Michigan State Police and California Highway Patrol testing, the Charger V8 easily outperformed all other pursuit vehicles in acceleration, cornering, and braking (except the Dodge Magnum, which stopped slightly faster in some tests). It does however appear to be priced somewhat higher than the Ford Police Interceptor.

Chargers are in use with several police agencies as both marked and unmarked patrol cars. Law enforcement agencies outside of the US have also purchased the Charger, including police services in Canada, Mexico, Chile and the Middle East (specifically Bahrain[12] , Kuwait, and Lebanon.) Both V6 and V8 models are being adopted, with highway patrols favoring the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 engine and cities more likely to purchase the base police package with the 3.5 L V6 fuel-efficient engine. The New York City Police Department has purchased Chargers for use by precinct and Highway Patrol officers, and the Nassau County Police Department has purchased Chargers for use by members of its Highway Patrol division. The New York State Police and New York State Court Officers also use the Charger for patrol. The Los Angeles Police Department is also starting to deploy several 2008 Chargers in the field on a testing basis, with an eye on replacing their aging fleet of Ford Police Interceptors, the Iowa State Patrol recently began the purchase of the Charger Police package to replace their aging fleet of Ford Crown Victoria models. The Charger is also in use within Military Police services, including the Marine M.P., and N.C.I.S.

In 2009, the V6 Charger police car comes with 3.5L V6 with 5-speed automatic transmission. The rear is slightly updated, moving the "CHARGER" badge to the right, and replacing the left with the badge reading "DODGE." V8 version uses the Charger Daytona R/T engine, rated 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 ft·lbf (536 N·m). of torque.

2010 Model

The Auburn Hills automaker's plan to launch a redesigned version of Dodge Charger in 2010. Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli state: "In the pipeline for 2010: A brand new 300, a brand new Charger ... a brand new Jeep, the pipeline is full, plus we have these smaller vehicles coming through partnerships and alliances"

Launching in 2010, the new 300 and Charger will probably be sold under the model year 2011. As of yet, it is unclear if this redesign will embrace a resurgence of front bench seating (6-passenger seating) in full-size cars since carpooling is becoming increasingly common.

References

External links