The 2006 Charger Daytona

**DMAG** · 02-07-2005, 09:30 AM

After a 27-year hiatus, Dodge Charger returns to the Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Speedweeks this week with the introduction of a new limited-production 2006 Charger Daytona R/T model amidst the sounds of the track, cheers of the fans and the roar of the legendary HEMI® engine.

"The legendary Dodge Charger nameplate returns on a modern, high-performance, rear-wheel-drive vehicle that combines bold design with four-door functionality,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President -- Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “To celebrate Dodge Charger's return to NASCAR, we’re introducing a limited-production Daytona R/T model that offers a little slice of history with all the performance and handling characteristics to satisfy modern muscle car enthusiasts.”

Legendary Colors for Legendary Car

Daytona race fans yelling “Go man, go!” will not only be cheering on the new Dodge Charger in its return to NASCAR Nextel Cup racing, but also will be describing the paint scheme on the first-available, limited-production 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model. Go ManGo!, a high-impact paint name initially used for the 1970 Dodge Charger, returns in an updated metallic orange paint on the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.

Following the limited-production run of Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in Go ManGo! will be a Dodge Charger Daytona R/T offered in Top Banana, another high-impact heritage paint name. The Top Banana Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will peel off the line in limited numbers later in 2005.

In addition to the special exterior paint colors, the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model will be distinguishable by an exclusive front fascia with a chin spoiler and black honeycomb grille, unique black "Daytona” and “HEMI” decals, signature heritage R/T badging and a black rear decklid spoiler. The Daytona model also will include large, bright, dual-exhaust tips and 18-inch polished wheels with low-gloss, jet-black painted pockets. The powerful HEMI engine will feature a HEMI-orange engine cover.

The interior of the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will feature performance front seats with suede inserts and embroidered "Daytona" logos on the front headrests. Body-color accent stitching will appear on the front and rear seats and on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Matching body-colored center stack bezel, a "Daytona Limited Edition" display on the electronic cluster and a sequentially numbered limited-edition Daytona badge on the instrument panel will complete the unique Dodge Charger Daytona R/T interior.

The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T comes equipped with standard world-class ride and handling features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), All-speed Traction Control and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model also will feature dual-zone automatic temperature controls, heated power front seats and power-adjustable pedals.

The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in Go ManGo! paint will be on display at the 2005 Chicago Auto SHOW during press days, beginning Feb. 9. Dodge Charger Daytona R/T models in Go ManGo! and Top Banana paint will be featured in the Daytona Speedway Dodge City display, Feb. 16–20.

Dodge to Boost 5.7-liter HEMI to 350 Horsepower

Just in time for the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T launch, Chrysler GROUP engineers have muscled out even more horsepower FROM the legendary HEMI engine. The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will feature a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® and a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that offers an estimated 350 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque -- ten more horses than the previous 5.7-liter HEMI -- for even more power in this modern rear-wheel-drive muscle car.

Chrysler GROUP engineers developed uniquely tuned intake and exhaust systems to unleash some of the HEMI engine's untapped power for the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T. By using a less restrictive intake system and moving to a straight-through muffler FROM a three-pass muffler, the newly tuned 5.7-liter HEMI gets a 10-horsepower boost and a throaty, high-performance tone to match.

The HEMI engine's Multi-displacement System (MDS) provides up to 20 percent improved fuel economy, giving Dodge Charger customers the legendary HEMI power they want with fuel economy they will appreciate.

A high-performance suspension package that includes special suspension tuning, 18-inch all-season P235/55 R18 performance tires, performance-tuned 9-land steering gear and Nivomat™ self-leveling rear shock absorbers will be standard on the Charger Daytona R/T model.

2006 Dodge Charger Production

Production of the 2006 Dodge Charger SE, SXT and R/T models begins this spring at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, with vehicles available in North American markets early this summer. The Dodge Charger will join the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 vehicles built there.

Limited production of the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model in modern Go ManGo! paint will begin early this summer with vehicles available in North American markets soon after. The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model in Top Banana paint will be available after the limited production of Go ManGo! is complete.

Dodge Charger Returns to NASCAR Racing at Daytona International Speedway

Joining the celebration of the Dodge Charger’s return to NASCAR racing at this year’s Daytona International Speedway will be two Dodge Charger NASCAR Nextel Cup race cars painted in the same special colors of Go ManGo! and Top Banana.

On Friday, Feb. 11, the Evernham Motorsports team will unveil the new Bud Shootout paint schemes on Dodge Charger race cars at the Daytona International Speedway, alongside the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T production vehicles.

The original Dodge Charger race car debuted during the 1966 Speedweeks at Daytona. In its 11 years of racing, the Charger won 124 NASCAR Cup races and took three drivers to five championships. Richard Petty won three of his seven titles behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger and was behind the wheel of Charger’s last victory at Daytona in the 1977 Firecracker 400.

In 1970, a Dodge Charger Daytona made history at Talladega Speedway when Buddy Baker became the first driver to be clocked at more than 200 mph for a lap on a closed course.

**GrN4FrK** · 02-07-2005, 09:38 AM

does that mean that all chargers/300/mag will have 350hp or just the daytona ?

**DSMLVR** · 02-07-2005, 09:56 AM

More pictures:

http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000493030628

**TehKing** · 02-07-2005, 09:59 AM

Ack!

I like the Charger, but this paint work on the Daytona looks horrible! Especially the trunk. it looks like someone needed some body parts FROM the junk yard and black was all they could find.

(Yes I know the history of the black hood, etc, still looks like ****e.)

**DSMLVR** · 02-07-2005, 10:03 AM

I know it is all personal likes/dislikes, but I LOVE IT. Been a big fan of it since it started on the 68-69 Dodge.

**threefortyduster** · 02-07-2005, 10:23 AM

me likey. the black offsets the go mango very nicely...now just to convince the dad we need a charger that soon..i think he wnats to wait until next year though :(

**gn300** · 02-07-2005, 10:55 AM

It looks great but still needs some sort of hood scoop like a power bulge 1973 or a bulge with an air grabber or an aar type srt type hood like tke str truck it still would use the black out and look more agressive at the same time.

**Bimmer_2002** · 02-07-2005, 10:56 AM

This is awesome!!

I will wait until next year to get it. I will finish modding my Intrepid R/T and then will go get one of those. I can't wait until then though. 8)

**TehKing** · 02-07-2005, 12:21 PM

I think it wouild look 100x better if it was just the hood and the rear wing that were black.

As it is, it looks haphazzardly slapped together, but that is just my opinion.

**KintlaLake** · 02-07-2005, 01:26 PM

Really, I think it's cool that DCX is doing these special editions, although neither one pushes my buttons enough to make me want to part with my Magnum RT. But if I had the scratch, I'd buy one and put it away for 20 years.

Hey, have you seen the spy shot of the rear wing's original design? Pretty close to the production version, I think.

**markyneutron** · 02-07-2005, 01:32 PM

expect a very limited production run on this package 4 to 8 thousand in the first year and probably closer to 4 than 8

**Taz** · 02-07-2005, 01:45 PM

I like it! They did the R/T badhe the right way too. :D

**Inferno Charger** · 02-07-2005, 02:55 PM

Oh man that car looks bad ass. I can only hope that the SRT-8 Chargers get "similar" treatment when they are released. Definitely craving a Charger after seeing one yesterday and then seeing these pictures today.

Later

**E8502** · 02-07-2005, 03:19 PM

It's a true muscle car look.

**Eric Fischer** · 02-07-2005, 04:50 PM

I like this part:

By using a less restrictive intake system and moving to a straight-through muffler FROM a three-pass muffler, the newly tuned 5.7-liter HEMI gets a 10-horsepower boost and a throaty tone to match.

Might make a nice retrofit to existing LX owners that are looking for just a little bit of increase in sound.