• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2006 Dodge Charger R/T Road Test

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

Four doors instead of two transforms the Charger into a family muscle car. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

The Chargers twin exhaust tips, horizontal lines and sharp creases project a strong, roadworthy appearance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

The dual-zone climate control system is one of the most straightforward HVAC systems to be found. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

Unlike the golden oldies, todays HEMI is connected to a sophisticated five-speed AutoStick. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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

I was quite taken with the vehicles operational refinement and high level of civility. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

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.

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo