Dodge Charger (LX/LD) Features, Photos and Videos

The Dodge Charger is a full-size four-door sedan, introduced first at the 2005 North American Auto Show and built by FCA US LLC, a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. It is available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Charger was created to continue the Dodge Charger line with its muscle car heritage, and replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan. The second-generation Charger debuted for the 2011 model year.

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. There were several different vehicles bearing the Charger nameplate built on three different platforms and sizes, all bearing the Charger nameplate. Although the name is associated with the late-1960s performance model in the Dodge range, it was also used on personal luxury coupes during the late-1970s and on front-wheel drive subcompact hatchbacks during the 1980s.

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 shorter at 187 in (4,750 mm), compared to 203 in (5,156 mm) for the 1966 Charger. It was also 650 lb (295 kg) lighter. It featured a four-door sedan body design, whereas all the previous production Chargers had two doors.

It was a return to a rear wheel drive sedan platform Dodge had not offered since the mid-size Dodge Diplomat had been discontinued in 1989.

Both the SXT and R/T models were also available as all-wheel drive starting in 2007. The AWD system is derived from the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic technology. From 2007 to 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 BorgWarner 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.

After three years of production, an update for 2009 models was made. This included moving the decklid's "CHARGER" badge 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 Charger SE and SXT are equipped with Chrysler's 3.5 L V6, producing 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) of torque. In Canada, the base model Charger has a 2.7L V6, which produces 178 hp (133 kW) and 190 lb⋅ft (258 N⋅m) of torque. In 2006, the 2.7L V6 was also available in the U.S. for fleet sales only. For 2007, the SE package could be had with the 2.7L engine for all buyers. The Canadian SXT model included the 3.5L V6.

The R/T version uses the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 engine. From 2006 to 2008, this engine produced 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.

The SRT-8 model comes with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi V8, which produces 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb⋅ft (569 N⋅m) of torque.

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 MAN.GO!” (orange with black decals and spoiler (punctuation in the name is correct, as displayed on dash)), "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 dash)). Each color was production limited and badged under the far right vent. The U.S. production release was limited to 4000 each for orange and yellow, 2000 for the red, and badged with a production number under the far right dash vent.

In 2007, larger 20-inch chrome-clad wheels were introduced. In 2008, a revised stripe package was adopted. In 2009, horsepower was increased to 372 hp (277 kW) by the addition of Variable Camshaft Timing.

An SRT-8 version of the Charger debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 425 hp (431 PS; 317 kW) at 6200 rpm version of the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi, it also featured upgraded Brembo brakes, and interior and exterior updates. The engine produces 420 lb⋅ft (569 N⋅m) of torque at 4800 rpm. The 425 SAE net horsepower of the modern 6.1L Hemi makes it even more powerful than the legendary Chrysler Hemi engines of the muscle car era, the biggest of which was rated at 425 SAE gross horsepower. This made the 6.1L Hemi engine the most powerful V8 engine that Chrysler had ever put in a production vehicle up to that point. Its best published sprint from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) has been 4.8 seconds (5.0 average).

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 is 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. In 2011, it was announced that the Super Bee will be returning as a 2012 model on the redesigned Dodge Charger with the 392 HEMI engine in "Stinger Yellow" and "Pitch Black"

Created with DUB Magazine, this version is based on the Charger SXT. It includes a body-color spoiler and fog lamps, 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R20 tires, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 13-speaker PUNCHER surround-sound system, a 322w KICKER amplifier, a 100w KICKER subwoofer, and upgraded brakes from an R/T that use dual piston calipers in the front. Exterior colors are red, black, silver, cool vanilla, and dark titanium.

A total of 2,180 Charger DUB Edition cars were produced for the U.S. market. They carried a MSRP of $30,999.

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 Marginal score overall, and models without side airbags are given the lowest overall Poor score.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Charger five stars on passenger, driver, and rear passenger crash test ratings and four stars in regard to side impact rating.

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.

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