by Dan Lyons


Remember the old Dodge Charger? Well, forget it. At least that’s what Dodge says, when it comes to the all new Charger. The only connection between those 1960’s coupes and these 2006 sedans is the name. Charger’s designer confirms it – the car was virtually complete before the name was decided on. So, when it comes to the 2006 Dodge Charger, think “reinvented”, not “retro”.

Or maybe “replacement”. Charger replaces the former, front wheel drive Intrepid in the lineup. The new, full-size, rear wheel drive, four door sedan is a close cousin to the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Magnum, and there’s plenty of family resemblance here, especially with the Magnum wagon. It starts with the Dodge trademark, crosshair grill, parked in this case between a pair of squinty, quad headlights. The profile view shows a beefy, high-waisted body, with a curving, coupe-like roof line. It ends with a tall tail, punctuated by angular lights. A strong shape, with lots of Dodge DNA in it.

The 2006 Charger lineup looks like this: SE ($22,995), SXT ($25,995), R/T ($29,995). In addition, limited runs of Daytona models ($32,495) will also be available. Each numbered edition of 4,000 Daytonas will be equipped with the Performance Group (see below) and painted a vintage shade with a funky name from Mopar’s muscle car era, starting with Go ManGo. Mechanically, Charger mirrors 300 and Magnum in many respects, like engine choice. Base SE and mid-level SXT models get a 250 hp, 250 lb. ft. of torque V-6. R/T (as in Road/Track) versions run the 5.7 litre Hemi V-8. The celebrated Hemi head motor is rated at 340 hp, 390 lb. ft. of torque. Both engines are linked to a five speed automatic transmission with Autostick shifter.

The platform that Charger rolls upon is also related to the 300 and Magnum. Suspension is independent front (Short- and Long-arm) and rear (Multi-link). Charger is rear wheel drive only, and that’s a surprise. Both 300 and Magnum offer All Wheel Drive versions. The Magnum’s RWD package includes a host of standard handling and traction aids (Electronic Stability Program with Brake Assist, Anti-Lock Brakes and All-Speed Traction Control). That combo (and a set of good snow tires) will go a long way towards leveling the playing field with Old Man Winter. But, the take rate for AWD is highest in areas like our beloved Northeast, where winters routinely overstay their welcome. Because the hardware for AWD already exists for this chassis, I would expect Dodge to offer a version so equipped down the line.

I’ve driven the ’06 Charger on everything from roads to race track. The new Dodge handles both environments with confidence. On road, the 3.0 V-6 is a very solid performer, quiet and smooth around town and a comfortable cruiser on the highway. Less quiet is the Hemi, though not in a bad way. Strong acceleration generates a throaty exhaust note, but if you’re drawn to V-8’s, this passes for motor music, not noise. Daytonas have a slightly bigger exhaust bark. The trip from 0-60 takes about 6 seconds flat in Hemi cars, and the wide power band means that thrust is available pretty much on demand. Gas mileage variance between the two motors isn’t as big as you might think. EPA rates the six at 19 mpg’s city/27 highway, the Hemi at 17/25. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

Handling is a plus in all models. The standard suspension setup is very good. Flat and predictable, with an easy road ride, it will suit most drivers just fine. R/T cars have an optional Performance Group that adds stiffer components and fatter (235/55 R18) tread. It is taut, but not harsh riding. The difference between the two suspension setups might not be enough to sway enthusiasts, except that with this package, you also get an additional 10 hp and a bit more tone to the exhaust system.

Charger is a big car – 200.1” long, and 3,700-4,000 lb., depending on model. People buy big cars – even ones with sporty names – because they want some space to carry people and a place for their stuff in the trunk. Charger fills the bill. There’s enough room to seat five adults inside, and the trunk is a good-sized 16.2 cubic feet. The view from the driver’s seat takes in some highs and lows. On the plus side, a four gauge cluster of white faced gauges – sporty and legible. Also a plus – an available rear seat entertainment system with a 7” LCD screen that folds neatly in the center console when not in use. On the down side, some of the interior plastics look, well, plastic.

The only thing that Charger the latter and Charger the former share is a name. Once you get past that, you see the car for what it is: not retro, but rather a fresh, full-size replacement for the aging Intrepid. It’s roomy, comfortable, and thanks to a generous shot of new Dodge DNA in its genes, Charger has a fun-to-drive factor that Intrepid never had.

Numbers and Dollars
2006 Dodge Charger
MSRP: $22,995 SE, $25,995 SXT, $29,995 R/T, $32,495 Daytona

Drivetrain
Engine: 5.7 litre V8 3.5 litre V-6
Horsepower: 340 @ 5,000 rpm 250 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 390 lb. ft. @ 4,000 rpm 250 lb. ft. @ 3,800 rpm
Transmission: Five speed automatic

Weights and Measures
Wheelbase: 120.0"
Length: 200.1”
Width: 74.5”
Height: 58.2”
Weight: 3,727-4,031 lb.

Interior
Head Room: 38.7” f/36.2” r Leg Room: 41.8” f/40.2” r
Cargo volume: 16.2 cubic feet

Chassis
Suspension: Independent front and rear
Brakes: Four wheel disc, ABS
Tire size: 235/60R18 Continental ContiSeal (R/T)

Mileage
EPA estimated mpg’s, city/highway: 17/25 (5.7), 19/27 (3.5)

Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles – bumper to bumper, limited
7 years/70,000 miles - powertrain


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