Dodge Charger (LX)
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| Manufacturer | Chrysler Group LLC (2009-present) Chrysler LLC (2007-2009) DaimlerChrysler (2006-2007) |
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| Production | 2005-present |
| Model year(s) | 2006-present |
| Assembly | Brampton, Ontario, Canada |
| Predecessor | Dodge Intrepid |
| Class | Full-size, Muscle Car |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler LX platform |
| Engine(s) | 2.7 L (2736 cc, 167 cu in) EER V6 3.5 L (3518 cc, 215 cu in) EGJ V6 5.7 L (345 cu in) EZB/EZD HEMI V8 6.1 L (370 cu in) ESF HEMI V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed 42RLE automatic 5-speed W5A580 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 304.8 cm (120.0 in) |
| Length | 508.3 cm (200.1 in) |
| Width | 74.4 in (1890 mm) |
| Height | 148 cm (58.2 in) SRT-8: 57.7 in (1466 mm) |
| Related | Chrysler 300 Dodge Challenger Dodge Magnum Mercedes-Benz E-Class Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
| Designer | Ralph Gilles Freeman Thomas |
The Dodge Charger is a rear-wheel drive full-size automobile built by Chrysler Group, LLC for its North American Dodge brand. The Charger name is a historic one, borne by several successful 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 borrowed component parts from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform;[1] 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. It is built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
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[edit] 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, particularly the second generation (1968-70) model. 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. [2]
The concept Charger R/T, while sharing the long nose and rearward cab of the original, was a lot shorter. It was 187 inches (4,700 mm) in overall length compared to 203 inches (5,200 mm) for the 1966 Charger. It was also 650 lb (290 kg) lighter.
[edit] EnginesThe 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 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) of torque. In Canada, the base model Charger has a 2.7 L V6, which produces 190 hp (142 kW) and 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) 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 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 and sells for US$29,995. From 2006-2008, this engine produces 340 hp (254 kW) and 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) of torque. For 2009, Variable Camshaft Timing was added, raising power levels to 368 hp (274 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque respectively. The SRT-8 model comes with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi V8 and has a base MSRP of US$35,320. The 6.1 L Hemi produces 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque. [edit] SafetyThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Charger an overall Good score in frontal crash tests.[3] 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.[4][5] 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. ESP, which includes a brake assist feature, aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability. ESP will do whatever can be done, within the limits of available traction, to keep the car on course. To determine whether the car is responding properly to cornering commands, ESP uses steering wheel angle, yaw (turning) rate and lateral acceleration sensors (combined into a dynamics sensor). Using signals from these sensors, in addition to individual wheel speed sensor signals, the system determines appropriate brake and throttle actions. Once initiated, ESP operates much like All-Speed Traction Control, except that the goal is directional stability. If the vehicle yaw response, or rate of turning, is inconsistent with the steering angle and vehicle speed indications, the ESP system applies the brakes and, if necessary closes the throttle, to restore control. This occurs whether the vehicle is turning too rapidly (oversteering) or not rapidly enough (understeering). ESP can be partially deactivated by using the ESP Off switch. When the ESP Off switch is depressed and released, it does not completely turn the system off. The ESP system reduces torque management to a lesser amount, but ESP function can still occur if the system perceives the need. SRT8 and Police Package equipped vehicles have what is known as three-mode ESP. When the ESP Off switch is depressed and quickly released, the system turns off ESP like any other model, but if the switch is held down for a period of five seconds or longer before releasing, the ESP system further reduces the amount of torque management provided. The system can be returned to “normal” by briefly pressing and releasing the ESP Off switch. [edit] Models
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. [edit] Daytona R/T
The 2006 Charger Daytona R/T debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. It features a high output 350 hp (261 kW) version of the 5.7 L (345 cu in) 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 368 hp (274 kW) by the addition of Variable Camshaft Timing. [edit] SRT-8
An SRT-8 version of the Charger debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 425 hp (317 kW) version of the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi, it also features upgraded Brembo brakes, and interior and exterior updates. The engine produces 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) 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. [edit] 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 425 hp (317 kW) 6.1 L (370 cu in) 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.
[edit] DUB EditionCreated 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.[9] 2,180 Charger DUB Edition cars were produced for the US market for $30,235.[10] [edit] 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 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 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 Avenger Car of Tomorrow will be redesignated as a Charger R/T through the use of different decals. [edit] Police Package VersionIn early 2006, DaimlerChrysler released a new police version of the 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.[11] 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 340 hp (254 kW) Hemi V8 is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds and to a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h). By comparison, the 1972 AMC Matador, with its 401 in³ V8, could accelerate from rest to 60 mph (97 km/h) in seven seconds, and took 43 seconds to reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). 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, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon[verification needed]. Both V6 and V8 models are being adopted, with highway patrols favoring the 5.7 L (345 cu in) 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. In 2006, the Virginia State Police added 35 Chargers to its patrol fleet [12]. The Charger is also in service with U.S. Federal and military police services, including the U.S. Marine Corps Base Provost Marshal's Offices, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service[verification needed]. For 2009, the V6 Charger police car comes with the 3.5L V6 and a 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." The V8 version uses the Charger Daytona R/T engine, rated 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 ft·lbf (536 N·m). of torque. [edit] Future modelIn 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"[13][14]. [edit] References
[edit] External links
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