2006 Dodge Charger Review

Specifications

Daydreams Restored

The Dodge Charger circa 1968-1970 is a car that ruled my thoughts and daydreams as I stared whimsically out the classroom window during the late 60s. Come 1971 I fell out of favour with the grotesquely redesigned Charger, and have so ever since. To this day I cant figure out why Dodge suddenly blew off such a “cool” design for one that lacked proportion, symmetry and sleekness. Like a jilted lover or abandoned child, I harbour resentment over having my dream of owning a “cool” Charger extinguished.

But whats this: is Dodge trying to heal the hurt by offering a 2006 HEMI-powered Charger R/T? You bet they are, and this week its in my hands for an all-out assessment beginning with style. Nope, I dont see a modernized 1968-70 Charger, ala Fords retro Mustang. But I do see four doors instead of two,transforming the Charger into a family muscle car and in so doing widening its list of potential customers.

Given the stunning lines of the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Magnum, Im sure the Charger stylists were more than a little twitchy at the thought of meeting or beating any benchmarks. I must admit its taking a while for me to warm up to the outcome. Especially the Chargers side profile, which features high haunches over the rear wheels and wide C-pillars, but I am getting there. The saucy sedans rear profile is the aspect I admire most; its twin exhaust tips, horizontal lines and sharp creases project a strong, roadworthy appearance. Styling cues aside, the Chargers body panels are impeccably put together, something you couldnt always say about Dodge products from decades previous.

Also well assembled, attractive and functional is the Chargers business office, which closely mimics the interior architecture of its 300 and Magnum cousins. As with the Magnum, a gauge cluster composed of four separate white-faced dials, set deeply into individual bezels, pays homage to the pre-energy crisis days of the 60s and early 70s. The grouping is easy to read and positioned directly in the drivers line of sight for quick reference. A brushed aluminum facing adds an upscale theme to the prominent center stack, housing the audio unit and dual-zone climate control system, which by the way is one of the most straightforward HVAC systems to be found.

Seating surfaces in my tester were upholstered in leather. The front buckets were heated and provided plenty of adjustment including lumbar. What astonished me, though, wasnt the dramatic improvement in domestic seating comfort, but rather the immense leg and headroom the Charger provides up front, without penalizing those in the rear where legroom is also plentiful but headroom in is only adequate at best. Also unfortunate is that the distinctively tapered rear side glass tends to restrict outward vision from the back seat, especially for children. Despite these minor quibbles, and some plastic trim that could be more appealing, Dodge has done a fine job of assembling a high quality, nicely equipped interior at a very reasonable entry price, but the Chargers value doesnt stop there.

My HEMI-powered R/T tester galloped with the strength of 340 horses supplied by a 5.7-liter (348 cubic inch) V8. Like the early Chargers, its massive power is delivered to the rear wheels. Unlike the golden oldies though, todays HEMI is connected to a sophisticated five-speed autobox featuring DaimlerChryslers AutoStick manual-mode shift capability. The additional cogs take better advantage of the torque generated by the new V8, which hits a staggering 390 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm. Also better is the new HEMIs improved fuel economy and reduced emissions output thanks to DaimlerChryslers Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which deactivates four of the eight cylinders during phases of low power demand such as when cruising.

This technology has been working very well in DaimlerChryslers HEMI powered products of late. Its quite imperceptible in its operation while delivering upward of a 15 per cent increase in fuel efficiency and a corresponding reduction in emissions - something that should make R/T ownership slightly less objectionable to Green Party types. But lets be frank here, one doesnt buy a HEMI-powered sedan to exemplify an environmental consciousness or a philosophy of sustainability, this sort of purchase is fuelled by a passion for muscle cars, plain and simple. Mixed in with the passion may be the need to seat five occupants and haul their belongings, hence the Chargers decent trunk size, four doors and folding rear seat backs.

But rather than debate purchase motivators, lets talk performance. The Charger R/T is the quintessential iron fist in a silk glove. I was quite taken with the vehicles operational refinement and high level of civility. Ah, but one ought not to allow themselves to be hoodwinked by a smooth ride and hushed cabin; blistering performance percolates just beneath the surface. Sending the throttle in search of the carpet instantly replaces serenity with a deep HEMI growl and a burst of forward motion capable of propelling the Charger R/T from 0 to 60 mph in the range of 6 scant seconds. Compelling acceleration is on-tap from any speed, which enables confident highway passing and merging. Experiencing this kind of straight-line performance in such a large sedan really does transport one back to yesteryear when American iron was big and gas was cheap.

But the trip back in time is only a partial one; there is nothing retro in the R/Ts handling characteristics. In fact, the brawny sedan corners smartly and holds the road remarkably well given its generous ride comfort. The boys at Dodge obviously spent a good deal of time in front of their CAD screens and at the track tailoring a suspension setup that doesnt sacrifice at either end of the ride-handling continuum. Dodge claims that the Chargers road-gripping adhesion is achieved with the use of a high-mounted upper-control arm that places the upper ball joint above the tire. This arrangement provides suspension articulation that helps keep the tire perpendicular to the road. At the rear, the Charger features a 5-link setup, which according to Dodge maintains independent control of inward and outward tilt of the rear wheels as well as the wheels direction during suspension movements. The R/T upgrade adds 18-inch performance rubber and specially tuned suspension dampers to enhance the Chargers tarmac tenacity.

A rack-and-pinion steering mechanism dials in quick R/T steering reflexes, however the heavily boosted system doesnt impart substantial road feel or feedback. Counteracting the Chargers charge is a full set of antilock disc brakes. I liked the firmness of the pedal and the progressive, predictable actuation of these binders. There wasnt any tendency to grab with unanticipated fervor, as some powerful brake setups are prone to. Working co-operatively with the antilock technology is an all-speed traction control system, supplied as standard equipment. For the occasional smoke show, a dash-mounted button will deactivate the traction control program along with the standard issue Electronic Stability Program (ESP), allowing the Charger to run as free as it did in the early days.

With safety in mind, Dodge has included driver and front passenger multi-stage airbags with occupant classification as standard equipment. A drivers knee airbag is also part of the basic safety kit. For those seeking greater occupant protection, Dodge has made supplemental side-curtain airbags available in the Charger - something the family folk should consider mandatory when filling the order sheet. Self-sealing tires and a tire pressure monitoring system are also available.

Its clear to me that Dodge has done a very commendable job rekindling a spirit that was born forty years ago, albeit todays spirit is more refined and less raucous than the Mopar-induced one of yesteryear. Unless, of course, the Daytona package is added to the well-bred R/T, adding 10-horsepower, firmer suspension calibration, wild colors, matte black graphics and most importantly, plenty of HEMI rumble from its performance exhaust pipes.

As the shape of todays 4-door Charger grows on me, I cant help but praise Dodge for keeping the price of HEMI bragging rights at a very competitive level. No rival manufacturer can comfortably sit you and four giddy passengers behind 340-horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque for $29,995. The Chargers well-appointed cabin includes Boston Acoustics audio, leather trimmed 8-way power bucket seats, a tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-covered shift knob, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, and cruise control as standard equipment. Much more can be added in the way of standalone options and option packages.

Forty years later I stare whimsically out of my office window, and once again my thoughts and daydreams are ruled by the Dodge Charger R/T. Its uncanny how history repeats itself… but dont screw it up this time by getting silly with the styling when its time for an update Dodge!