2006 Dodge Charger Review

Specifications

The Muscle Car Era Reborn

Im drawn to the new Daytona in an almost animalistic way. Kind of like the pure but powerful Leeloo of the film The Fifth Element, played by the lovely Milla Jovovich. Maybe its her orange hair that reminds me of the Daytonas “Go Man Go!” metallic orange paint, or the matte black decal package that most carmakers wouldnt have the gall to offer on the aftermarket let alone as standard equipment.

Yes, I can hear the pens of environmentalists scribbling mad rants of protest as I write, because unlike Leeloo theres nothing pure and undefiled about the Daytona, unless unadulterated, ego-centric muscle is to be revered. Sure it features Chrysler Groups Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts off four of the 5.7-liter HEMI engines eight cylinders when cruising under light loads, in effect reducing fuel consumption and therefore harmful emissions by up to 20 percent, but its an overhead valve V8 and what possible redeeming value could a lump like that offer?

Right. As if Im going to listen to some bleeding heart liberals tell me that theres no place in the world for V8-powered muscle cars… not likely. These are the same types that would find Milla Jovovich too feminine, or Bruce Willis, who plays the affable Dallas Corbin in the same movie, too macho.

I liked the world before women had to be manly in order to feel equal, before men had to show they could cry in order to be trusted. And the Charger, especially in overindulgent Daytona trim, is the epitome of old world thinking combined with new-age technologies.

Maybe Durham, North Carolina was the ideal location to stage the vehicles media launch, because of such reasons. Many of the people in this Southern community still emit that old-world charm that Im talking about. The location is also fitting due to a general love of stock car racing, now known as NASCAR, or Nextel Cup; or whatever the series is called that happens to be touring through any given Southern town on any given weekend. While such series have about as much to do with stock cars as a Formula 1 19,000 rpm-capable V10 relates to an everyday Honda Accord, Dodge is a big player and its Charger the model it runs every Sunday.

And yes, the Daytona 500, which takes place on the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval just off of Interstate 95 on International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach, Florida, remains one of the Nextel Cups most popular events. The original 1969 Charger Daytona, by the way, might be the quintessential muscle car. It was purely designed to win on Sunday, and fulfilled its mission at Daytona Speedway that year, sweeping first through fourth positions. The version also set a closed-course speed record of 201.104 mph while another Daytona managed 217 mph at Bonneville.

The 2006 Charger Daytona, which will be limited to 8,000 examples with about 90 percent staying in the U.S., wont be able to cruise at the same top speed, nor does it feature anything near as racy as the 60s cars aerodynamic add-ons, which included an extended front clip and a massive rear spoiler - tall enough to allow the trunk to open underneath. It does, however, offer some subtle aero upgrades that separate it from its more conservative R/T sibling. A tiny, by comparison, rear decklid spoiler sits atop the Chargers Kamm-like tail, while a distinctive front fascia features a chin spoiler, a black honeycomb grille, and “signature heritage R/T badging”.

Under the black rear decklid spoiler are large, chrome, dual-exhaust tips that thump out a thunderous rumble during open throttle, a sound Harley riders will no doubt appreciate. The wheel wells are stuffed with 18-inch polished alloy rims with low-gloss, jet-black painted pockets, wrapped in all-season P235/55 R18 performance tires.

Inside, distinctive performance-oriented front seats that feature suede inserts and embroidered “Daytona” logos on the front headrests also get body-color accent stitching, mirroring the stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

A matching body-colored center stack bezel, plus a “Daytona Limited edition” inscription on the electronic cluster join a sequentially numbered limited-edition Daytona badge on the instrument panel to complete the unique Daytona R/T interior.

The entire look, inside and out, is racy, but its what cant be seen that shows Dodge wasnt merely fabricating a styling exercise to wow onlookers. The already competent fully-independent suspension system features Nivomat self-leveling rear shock absorbers, plus a performance-tuned 9-land steering gear is added for enhanced directional response.

Under the HEMI-decaled hood is nothing less than the 5.7-liter beast itself, upgraded by 10-horsepower to 350, while torque remains an already overwhelming 390 lb-ft. The engine shroud is accented in body-color matching paint; either “Go Man Go!” metallic orange, which is more copper-colored than orange; or “Top Banana” yellow. This side of a modern-day Bentley its one of the coolest looking engine bays around.

But its what this engine can do that makes it truly special, and for that matter what the entire Charger Daytona R/T can accomplish when pushed harder than would be wise on the open road. After all, it takes less than six seconds to eclipse legal speeds, and it wont feel like youre doing much over 60 km/h when youre doing 100. This is why Chrysler Group arranged a racetrack for our testing purposes, and one that required those attending the media launch to drive from Durham, NC to Virginia International Raceway (VIR), just outside of Danville, VA, if only so we could get a feel for how comfortable the big sedan is prior to scrubbing off a set of tire sidewalls on the track.

If you werent aware, the Charger comes with Chrysler Groups capable five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual override. Just tap the shift lever from side-to-side and it will shift up or down through the gears, allowing optimal control. This especially came in handy on the VIR road coarse; a serpentine track that includes enough off-camber diving corners and corkscrew turns to keep rollercoaster enthusiasts screaming for joy. I happen to be a rollercoaster fan, and fortunately the Daytona didnt disappoint when carving up the curves. Its a heavy car, even heavier than Chryslers 300C by a smidge, but nonetheless I could make it dance like it was a lightweight when pushed beyond reasonable means. It took to VIRs substantial red and white curbing as if it werent there at all, its suspension and tires absorbing the impact and then clamping down on the pavement in preparation of the next curve. Ive tried such feats in lesser cars, and the tail-wagging that ensues in the aftermath is unsettling to say the least. The Charger Daytona R/T, however, kept gobbling up corners, jumping over curbs, plummeting down steep grades and powering up the tracks inclined straightway without complaint. Even the body structure wouldnt groan under the stress, nor the interior panels squeak or chatter. The Charger is one tight package, Daytona or not.

What was most impressive, mind you, was the cars braking performance. Normally, a track as punishing as the VIR and a car that weighed as much as the Daytona would be a recipe for overcooked pads and potentially, warped rotors, but not with the top-line Charger. Instead, it kept on charging while the brakes kept on stopping lap after grueling lap; no wafts of brake dust billowing from between the wheel spokes, no smoke rising from under the wheel arches and definitely no flames.

Maybe it was the speed attainable down the straight that helped the brakes to cool off, thanks to that glorious sounding HEMI at full throttle. I should mention the cars right foot pedal features Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), just another reminder that this is no 60s muscle car.

Another technology that might not be as exciting to the driver but will nevertheless help inure the Daytona to the younger set is an optional DVD entertainment system, turning the comfortable rear seats into a movie theater. The unit fits into the rear half of the center console, tucking neatly out of the way when not in use.

Those who might be directionally challenged or simply away from home will appreciate the available navigation system. Its fairly simple to setup and use, and features a large, color display that makes glancing over when driving less dangerous, but still not recommended with any nav system.

I mentioned that the rear seats are comfortable, and partially because of their ample head, hip, shoulder and foot room. The trunk is also practical, being 16.2 cubic feet in size and easily accessible through a large opening.

Also important, the Charger is the latest Chrysler Group offering to achieve a 5-Star frontal-impact NHTSA crash protection rating, the result of a variety of factors including Advance multistage driver and front passenger airbags, with Occupant Classification System (OCS) for controlled airbag deployment, constant force seatbelt retractors, pretensioners, and an energy-absorbing steering column. Optional side-curtain airbags are available to increase the Chargers safety in the event of side impact or a potential rollover - the latter highly unlikely with a vehicle that has a track as wide, and center of gravity as low as the new Dodge. The Daytona is even more stable at speed.

What Im trying to say is that the Charger Daytona R/T is not only a fabulous track car for those weekends at the speedway, but also a comfortable, practical commuter. Sure itll eat through fuel at a higher rate than a hybrid-electric diesel made from recyclable moon bear droppings, but thats not what this car is all about. Environmentalists will cringe, despite its fuel-saving MDS technology, but the good ol boys down at turn one will pay you respect.