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Dodge Charger (LX)
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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; in fact, the interior of the Charger is almost identical to that of the Magnum.
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Encyclopedia
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; 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.
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.
The concept Charger R/T, while sharing the long nose and rearward cab of the original, was a lot shorter. It was in overall length compared to for the 1966 Charger. It was also 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 and of torque. In Canada, the base model Charger has a 2.7 L V6, which produces and 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 Hemi V8 and sells for US$29,995. This engine produces and of torque.
The SRT-8 model comes with the Hemi V8 and has a base MSRP of US$35,320. The 6.1 L Hemi produces and 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. 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.
Models
| Year | Model | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|
2006
to
present | SE |
EER V6 | | | | SE Plus and SXT |
EGJ V6 | | | 2006
to
2008 | R/T |
Hemi V8 | | | | R/T with Road/Track Performance Group | | | Daytona R/T | 2009
to
present | R/T
R/T with Road/Track Performance Group
Daytona R/T |
Hemi V8 | | | 2006
to
present | SRT-8 |
Hemi V8 | | | |
Both the SXT and R/T models are also available as AWD (All Wheel Drive) starting in 2007. The All-Wheel Drive system is derived from the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC technology. From 2007-2008, 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 Borg Warner 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.
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 version of the 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 | | Silver | Unknown | | Black | Unknown | | Inferno Red | Unknown | | Silver | 2007 | Unknown | | Black | Unknown | | TorRed | Unknown | | Plum Crazy | 300 | | Silver | 2008 | Unknown | | Black | Unknown | | TorRed | Unknown | | Steel Blue | Unknown | |
An SRT-8 version of the Charger debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a version of the Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, and interior and exterior updates. The engine produces 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
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 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 | 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.
2,180 Dodge Charger DUB Edition were produced for US market for $30,235.
NASCAR
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. 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.
The Hemi V8 is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0 to in 5.4 seconds and to a top speed of . By comparison, the 1972 AMC Matador, with its 401 in³ V8, could accelerate from rest to in seven seconds, and took 43 seconds to reach a top speed of . 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).
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 , Kuwait, and Lebanon.) Both V6 and V8 models are being adopted, with highway patrols favoring the 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 U.S. Marine Corps Base Provost Marshal's Offices, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service
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 and . 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"
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