2006 Dodge Charger

The new Charger is a rear-wheel-drive platform, with a host of standard electronic ride and handling aids.

Price-wise, the Charger lineup breaks down as follows: R/T ($29,995), SE ($22,995) and SXT ($25, 995). A limited series of Daytona package cars will be offered as well. Built in numbered editions of 4,000 each, Daytonas ($32,495) will be R/T models, equipped with the Performance Group and a more aggressive sounding exhaust. Daytona highlights will include model-specific badging and blackout trim outside; suede seat inserts, Daytona logos, body color accents and a sequentially numbered badge inside. Each run of Daytonas will be painted in a bright hue with a classic Mopar paint name from the 60s, starting with Go ManGo.


Chrysler had a lot of wild handles for their colors back then (InViolet, Panther Pink, TorRed, SubLime, Plum Crazy, Vitamin C Orange, etc.), so the editions could conceivably keep spinning out for quite some time. Daytona is the top of the food chain—for now. Waiting in the wings is an SRT-8 Charger with a 425 hp 6.1 liter Hemi.


Our test drive of the new Charger models included a steady diet of city and country roads with all models, and lap time with R/T cars at Virginia International Raceway. In town and on the highway, Charger is quiet and comfortable. While I've not yet been able to test it out on the roads of my native Northeast (our motto: Land of 1,000 Potholes), the base suspension is smooth and tight; the performance setup seems taut not harsh, and has fine track manners. The Daytona is a skosh stiffer, has slightly sharper reflexes and—for those who like the sound of a V-8 at work—it's got a nice bark. The 3.5 V-6 is a fine all around performer, smooth and quiet at highway speeds. The Hemi is a hoot on the racetrack and otherwise, with ready power at all engine speeds. The automatic transmission doesn't miss a beat with either motor.


Using the classic, Charger name will raise an eyebrow from purists, but Dodge views the new Charger as a spiritual successor to the old model, not a retro replacement. Seen in its own light, regardless of its name, Charger builds on Magnum's success, giving Dodge a large sedan with a distinctive personality. And, it adds another log on the passenger car fire that Chrysler is tending. (www.dodge.com)