American’s thirst for cars from the past will be quenched a little more when the Dodge Charger hits the streets after an absence of nearly three decades. Don’t expect a duplication of the original one, because this version is a far cry from the tire-squealing, creek-jumping 1969 Charger of “The Dukes of Hazzard” fame.
Available with a 250-horsepower V-6 in the SE and SXT models, or a 340-horsepower Hemi V-8 engine in the R/T model, the 2006 is a blend of good looks, luxury and raw power. If you desire even more power, order the R/T with a performance exhaust and induction system that pushes the Hemi to produce 350 horses. If that still isn’t enough, wait a few months for the SRT8 to make its grand entrance. This Charger will have a 6.1-liter Hemi that will supply 420 heart-thumping horsepower.
All models have something in common: they have four doors. Before hysteria sets in, take a long look at this car. If someone covers the handle on the rear door, it looks like a coupe. Dodge engineers worked overtime to formulate a design a look that reflects the performance and spirit of the new Charger, and during the process they combined a coupe-like body style with a sedan’s convenience and comfort.
This vehicle is an attention-getter. Taking a nod from the Viper, the Charger has angled quad headlamps that give it an intimidating look. The nose was pulled forward and the hood artfully molded to give the front end a bold appearance that reflects the heritage of this car.
The Charger’s high beltline accents the powerful shoulders, then it slopes gently as it moves rearward, finishing with a sharp rise that draws attention to the muscular quarter panels. There are no sharp lines, no awkward angles to this car. Run your hand along the sculpted body and feel the movement of the undulating body. It’s as if the metal was stretched tightly over taut, bulging muscles.
While looking at the Charger is nice, driving it is exciting. Introduced last week in North Carolina to a group of auto writers, the newest entry into the Dodge lineup was an immediate hit. My co-driver and I selected the R/T for our three-hour drive and there wasn’t a complaint from either of us. The Charger lived up to its name by taking charge of the highway and not backing down on tight curves. The only problem we had was not realizing how fast we were going. This car is so smooth that it reaches high speeds with ease, which could get a person in trouble.
One of our most conservative drivers was pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy for doing a few miles over the speed limit on the two-lane country road. The deputy first wanted to know why there were so many new Dodges on his stretch of road, then he asked what was under the hood, then he grinned and asked if it would be available as a “cop car.”
It will indeed be in the hands of law enforcement agencies by fall. The Charger will have an upgraded police package that will give officers an edge when patrolling city streets and country roads. There will be plenty of people asking officers the familiar question: “That thing got a Hemi?”
This muscle car is fun to drive, whether it has a Hemi or V-6, and it won’t cost you a fortune. The base price for the SE is $22,995, the SXT is $25,995 and the R/T is $29,995. Opt for an R/T with the Daytona package and you’ll pay $32,495. There will be only 4,000 of the Daytona style, which are painted heritage orange.
The estimated EPA fuel economy for the V-6 is 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway and 17/25 for the V-8.
For a full list of the features, specs and options available on the Charger, go online to www.dodge.com, or stop by your Dodge dealer to touch it, drive it and fall in love with it.