DMAG
09-04-2004, 08:55 AM
written by E8502 courtesy of Allpar.com, updated 9/27/04
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/300hemic/ChargerRendBlue.jpg
The Dodge Charger has now been confirmed by Chrysler. Expect it to be shown in January 2005 at the North American International Auto Show, with production slated for February-March of next year, on dealer lots by mid April. It will also SHOW up at the Daytona 500 in February, according to Detroit News.
The new Charger, which will be a 2006 model, will be based on the LX platform (the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Magnum also ride on this platform). While the front door area, hood line and windshield are similar, sources report that no sheet metal is shared between the 300/Magnum and the Charger. However, Chrysler engineers do note that changing the "beltline" (where the metal reaches the passenger windows) would be very expensive, as would other major sheet metal changes. That's why the Magnum and 300 are so close.
Unlike past Chargers, the 2006 model will be a traditional four door sedan, with regular doors as found on the 300 or Magnum. The front end is high, with the leading edge located at the hood line near the headlights and grill. Headlights on the car will be rather large, almost truck-like, with dark surrounds to give a, "smoked out" aftermarket look. The grill, a traditional Dodge crosshair, adorns the blunt front end. The looks are bound to be controversial - but just as the 300 looks better in person, we're going to save criticism for the real thing.
The rear end will bear a strong resemblance to the Super8 Hemi concept FROM a few years back, as well as the LH based 300M. Some other notable design clues are the rear fenders, which rise up over the rear wheel wells and flow INTO the rather large taillights. The rear doors are said to be somewhat hidden looking, so the overall feel of the car is reminiscent of a coupe. The roof line slopes towards the rear window (unlike the 300C), and the glass is slightly recessed, to tie in retro cues FROM 1968 Chargers. Some believe a high-mounted, chromed filler cap will be used as a further retro cue.
Ward's believes that a six-speed manual transmission will be used on the SRT-8, but that seems unlikely to us. Chrysler is using six-speed manuals on many trucks (standardizing on six speeds for 2005 models).
The base engine will be the 3.5 liter V6, with an optional 5.7L Hemi V8, but not the 2.7. Only the SRT-8 version will have the 6.1L V8 FROM the Chrysler 300C SRT-8. The SRT-8 model is said to have 0-60 numbers of under 5 seconds, with handling comparable to the base Corvette.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/300hemic/ChargerRendBlue.jpg
The Dodge Charger has now been confirmed by Chrysler. Expect it to be shown in January 2005 at the North American International Auto Show, with production slated for February-March of next year, on dealer lots by mid April. It will also SHOW up at the Daytona 500 in February, according to Detroit News.
The new Charger, which will be a 2006 model, will be based on the LX platform (the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Magnum also ride on this platform). While the front door area, hood line and windshield are similar, sources report that no sheet metal is shared between the 300/Magnum and the Charger. However, Chrysler engineers do note that changing the "beltline" (where the metal reaches the passenger windows) would be very expensive, as would other major sheet metal changes. That's why the Magnum and 300 are so close.
Unlike past Chargers, the 2006 model will be a traditional four door sedan, with regular doors as found on the 300 or Magnum. The front end is high, with the leading edge located at the hood line near the headlights and grill. Headlights on the car will be rather large, almost truck-like, with dark surrounds to give a, "smoked out" aftermarket look. The grill, a traditional Dodge crosshair, adorns the blunt front end. The looks are bound to be controversial - but just as the 300 looks better in person, we're going to save criticism for the real thing.
The rear end will bear a strong resemblance to the Super8 Hemi concept FROM a few years back, as well as the LH based 300M. Some other notable design clues are the rear fenders, which rise up over the rear wheel wells and flow INTO the rather large taillights. The rear doors are said to be somewhat hidden looking, so the overall feel of the car is reminiscent of a coupe. The roof line slopes towards the rear window (unlike the 300C), and the glass is slightly recessed, to tie in retro cues FROM 1968 Chargers. Some believe a high-mounted, chromed filler cap will be used as a further retro cue.
Ward's believes that a six-speed manual transmission will be used on the SRT-8, but that seems unlikely to us. Chrysler is using six-speed manuals on many trucks (standardizing on six speeds for 2005 models).
The base engine will be the 3.5 liter V6, with an optional 5.7L Hemi V8, but not the 2.7. Only the SRT-8 version will have the 6.1L V8 FROM the Chrysler 300C SRT-8. The SRT-8 model is said to have 0-60 numbers of under 5 seconds, with handling comparable to the base Corvette.