In 2008, Dodge introduced the Challenger. Once again, Chrysler was building a V-8–powered rear-wheel-drive muscle car. The platform used was to be the LX, but the shorter wheelbase that was actually developed was called the LC platform. The LC is virtually the same as the LX, except that it was approximately 4 inches shorter to support the Challenger’s wheelbase.
The 2006–2010 Dodge Charger is based on Chrysler’s LX platform. This platform is also the base for the 300C, and with slight modifications was used for the Challenger as well. For this reason, many chassis parts interchange. Equipped with the Hemi V-8, the Charger could reach 60 mph in around 6 seconds. Although the initial base engine was a 3.5-liter V-6, the 2.7-liter V-6 was added to the option list in mid-2007. When dealers saw the car for the first time, they were asked to choose from the name choices Intrepid, Magnum, and Enforcer. The dealers actually wrote in the name Charger. Ralph Gilles of Mopar confirmed, “It was never supposed to be called a Charger.”
2006
In 2006 the Charger was available in one of two trim levels: the base SE and the sportier R/T.
Engine choices were designated by trim level. The SE came with a 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 hp. If you wanted more, the R/T had a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with output rated at 340 hp and 390 ft-lbs of torque. Chargers that were equipped with the optional Road & Track Performance Group or Daytona R/T package gave an extra 10 hp with stiffer suspension and bigger brakes. A 5-speed manually-shiftable automatic transmission came standard on all models.
Although considered a performance car, the 2005 and later Dodge Charger has never received a manual transmission. Even though this has been a bone of contention for many Mopar enthusiasts, Chrysler maintains that the Challenger is the “muscle” of the group. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
Have you ever seen a station wagon in hot pursuit? Dodge has long been known for making top-performing police vehicles, but when the Magnum wagon got the nod, police personnel received it only half-heartedly. Although the Magnum wagon is a great wagon for the family, some of the driving maneuvers that police encounter really stretch its handling capabilities (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The 2006 Dodge Charger is a full-size, four-door performance sedan that shares many of its mechanical components with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. The angular headlights and large cross-hair grille definitely give the car an “in-your-face” appearance. The distinctive body character line that begins at the rear flanks adds some styling flair to the aggressive look. Based on the same Mercedes-Benz–derived suspension platform that carries the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, the Dodge Charger offers a very roomy interior and an exceptionally smooth ride. The interior of the Charger looks almost identical to that of the Magnum, and even the engine choices are very similar. Dodge called this the LX body style until 2011, when a redesign occurred. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
The Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee became available in 2007. The new Super Bee was the first special-edition LX Charger released from Chrysler’s SRT group. The car featured a special Detonator Yellow paint scheme with a blacked-out hood and deck-lid face. The sides of the car were adorned with Super Bee logos on the front and rear fenders.
Inside, the car featured contrasting yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and even the shift knob. The Super Bee option was designed for the enthusiast that wanted to own an SRT Charger, but didn’t feel the need for some of the extra bells and whistles (such as navigation) that the SRT8 delivered.
Like other SRT vehicles, this car was powered by the 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 with 425 hp and 420 ft-lbs of torque. It delivered an additional 85 hp over its R/T brother. That’s 25-percent more than the 5.7-liter Hemi. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
An SRT8 version of the Charger debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. A 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi powered this new high-performance version. It also featured upgraded Brembo brakes and interior and exterior updates. The 6.1-liter Hemi was the only engine available in the SRT8 Charger. Upgrades such as retuned shocks, firmer spring rates and bushings, and stiffer anti-sway bars gave it a 1/2-inch-lower ride height and also helped create a better handling package.
2007
Because it was only one year old, the Charger received only minor changes in 2007. A base-level 2.7-liter V-6 engine joined the lineup, and all-wheel-drive variants were available at all trim levels, except the high-performance SRT8. Bigger powerplants than the 2.7 V-6 were also available: the 3.5-liter V-6 and the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 340 hp. The Hemi also acquired a multi-displacement system (MDS). This new technology shuts down four of the eight cylinders when full power is not needed. This system improved fuel economy slightly. The high-performance SRT8 was again available and came with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, again with 425 hp.
The 2007 Charger came in three main trim levels: SE (base), R/T, and SRT8. The Charger R/T generally had the same equipment as the lower-trim models, but added the 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The Enhanced R/T Performance Group was reported to add 10 hp to the V-8. The Daytona Package added to the Enhanced R/T Performance Group by offering unique decals, paint colors, and instrument panel customization.
The SRT8 once again came standard with the larger 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V-8, a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch forged wheels, and more powerful brakes. This was the first year of the new SRT8 Super Bee Special Edition package. The Super Bee option added unique graphics and a black/yellow color theme.
When the Charger was first introduced in 2005, one of the key design elements that grabbed enthusiasts’ attention was the headlight cluster. The sharp edges and distinctive design let no one be confused about what car it was.
As illustrated by Chrysler, the new Dodge Charger included many safety features. (Photo Courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC)
2008
When the 2008 Dodge Charger was released, it came in four trim levels: SE (base), SXT, R/T, and SRT8. All but the SRT8 were offered with the optional all-wheel drive. Although the R/T was similarly equipped as the SXT, an upgrade to the R/T again added the 340-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with dual exhaust and an enhanced Auto Stick transmission. The Daytona Edition and Road & Track performance packages added a sport-tuned suspension and steering, and a special exhaust system that reportedly added 10 hp to the V-8.
The SRT8 once again came standard with special hardware and trim that distinguished it as the top performance model. Some of these items still included the larger 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 and