The New Era Of Muscle Cars
A bold styled Chrysler was introduced in the early nineties that saved the face of the company that was taken over by Mercedes Benz in the year 1998 which later introduced the 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan, 2006 Dodge Charger Sedan and the Dodge Magnum Wagon. These muscle cars LX models were very bulky and blunt giving them a very menacing and muscular look. This was felt to be trendier than the curves that normally accompanied them. The rear wheel drive made its way back after a very long gap. The Hemi V8 also made its way with two brand new models the Magnum RT and the Charger RT. The eye catching effect of these muscle cars is that they are main line models with a relatively main stream pricing in combination with the Mercedes engineering and the comfort of a room for larger space. The LXs became a big hit in spite of their engines being a V6. The Cadillac introduced muscle engine cars with a 400 bhp version of the Chevrolet Corvette 350 V8 which had firm suspension, had big brakes and boots and the buffed up exterior looked like it had super hero capacities. The road and track magazine timed it in 5 seconds flat in the quarter mile racing.
The Dodge Charger LX is a rear-wheel drive four-door automobile introduced in February 2005. Built by Chrysler for its North American Dodge brand, the car was created to continue the Dodge Charger line, and replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan. It shares the LX platform with the Chrysler 300, the newer third generation Dodge Challenger, and the now-discontinued Dodge Magnum.
History
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. 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 much shorter at , compared to for the 1966 Charger. It was also lighter. Although it had four doors where the earlier models had two, the rear doors were intended to be blended unobtrusively into the body.Engines
5.7L Hemi
The R/T version uses the Hemi V8. From 2006-2008, this engine produced and of torque. For 2009, Variable Camshaft Timing was added, raising power levels to and of torque respectively.
6.1L Hemi
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.
2006–2010
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. After three years of production, an update for 2009 models was made. It shifted the trunklid's "CHARGER" badge from the left to the right, making way for "DODGE" at the left.Daytona R/T
2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
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. In 2008, a revised stripe package was adopted. In 2009, horsepower was increased to by the addition of Variable Camshaft Timing.
SRT-8
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 with a 5-speed automatic transmission.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 went on sale in early 2008, also with a limited run of 1000. 425 Hemi Orange Super Bees were built in 2009
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, a 322W KICKER amplifier and a 100W KICKER subwoofer. Exterior colors are red, black, silver, cool vanilla and dark titanium.2,180 Charger DUB Edition cars were produced for the US market for $30,235.
NASCAR
NASCAR Sprint Cup's newest Dodge car design "The COT" (Car of Tomorrow), driven by Kasey Kahne
Although NASCAR stock cars bear only a slight resemblance to actual street cars, Dodge's 2005 and 2006 NASCAR entries were based on the Charger silhouette, replacing the previous Dodge Intrepid. Unlike the Intrepid, the Charger shares rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine with its NASCAR counterparts. During the 2007 NASCAR season the 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 was used exclusively in 2008. However, the Avenger Car of Tomorrow will be redesignated as a Charger R/T through the use of different decals.2011
In October 2008, then-Chrysler LLC CEO Bob Nardelli told CNBC's Michael Eisner of Chrysler's plans concerning a redesigned Charger: "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". Fiat has claimed that the Charger will be all new for 2011.Dodge plans to launch the new 2011 Charger on November 30, 2010, undergoing both exterior and interior changes. It will feature, among other things, a slightly redesigned fascia and hood section, modified taillights and a new dashboard. As a whole, the 2011 Charger will somewhat take styling cues from the 1968 model, making the vehicle more retro than modern. It will be built alongside the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 and 300C, which both have been seen.
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