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2006 Dodge Charger Road & Track Test

Another Out of the Ballpark Hit for Chrysler Group

Digital Canon SLR in hand I madly snapped shots from the bleachers among a throng of like-minded photographers trying to get a perfectly cropped shot of King Richard Petty next to the new Dodge Charger, in what was the best executed unveiling in Detroit last January. Having just been unmasked from under what looked to be a race-prepped NASCAR version of the car, the enthusiasm bordered on hysteria - a rare sight among jaded journalists.

It was then that I asked myself how Chrysler keeps putting out winners when its domestic competitors seem to struggle from one new model to the next. The latest in the Ann Arbor-based automakers lineup resurrects one of the most memorable nameplates in the storied marques history.

Charger was the quintessential muscle car when it debuted in 1966. Its brutish styling, bullish power and bad boy attitude made it a favorite among go-fast

The new Dodge Charger, unmasked from under what looked to be a race-prepped NASCAR version of the car, made for one of the best unveilings in Detroit last January. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

greasers, from the first generation to the third, ending in 1974. The Charger nameplate was still used on various models through the latter half of the 70s, all of the 80s and some of the 90s, but it was the early cars that make todays classic collectors and muscle car enthusiasts salivate with desire, especially when a hemi V8 is stuffed under the hood.

The 2006 Charger, Dodges modern day muscle car, is once again available with a HEMI V8, but even in stock 2.7- or 3.5-litre V6 trim comes with the same kind of bold

The 2006 Charger comes with the same kind of bold presence as the original 60s and early 70s models. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

presence as the original 60s and early 70s model. I couldnt help notice this when driving from Durham, North Carolina to Virginia International Raceway during the cars press launch earlier this week.

Similarly to how the brands Magnum sport tourer and Chrysler 300 caused a stir on the street when introduced in California, the Charger brought new meaning to rubbernecking, especially among guys. Its tough-as-nails grille and headlight combo, canted forward slightly to give the car a quick-when-standing-still profile, grabs attention, enhanced by aggressive rear fender haunches that wrap around the meaty standard 17-inch

The Charger brought new meaning to rubbernecking, especially among guys. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

wheel and 215/65 tire package (two different 18-inch wheels are optional along with 225/60 or 235/50 performance tires), accentuated by a tall decklid that flips up at its tail to form a Kamm-like finality, make the Charger one of the most dramatic sedans on the road.

That sense of masculine style is carried into the cabin, a place that will have anyone familiar with the brands muscular Magnum feeling right at home. Base cars get an austere albeit attractive woven cloth covering the seats, designed with no pattern to interrupt the Chargers purposeful layout, which is a theme I particularly like.

Interior surfaces are split into two shades, gray on the bottom half of the door panels

The quality of the Chargers stalks and switchgear is top-grade, as are much of the interior plastic surfaces, or at least those that come readily to hand. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

and dash plus charcoal on the upper halves, creating an airy ambience despite the slit-like side windows. I love the Viper-inspired tunneled gauges boasting electroluminescent-enhanced white faces and silver-toned rims, but I cant say Im a big fan of the left-side wiper stalk, which forces the left hand off of the steering wheel in order to make adjustments by rotating its end. I like a more conventional right side stalk, that allows a quick flip up or down when needed with both hands still on the wheel. The quality of the Chargers stalks and switchgear, mind you, is top-grade, as are much of the interior plastic surfaces, or at least those that come readily to hand. Further down the door panels, under the steering column

The 2.7-litre SE is pretty inexpensive at $22,320, especially when tallying up all of the standard features. The 3.5-litre SXT, however, doesnt cost much more at $25,320, considering the many upgrades. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

and on the lower half of the console, a little cost cutting is apparent. Still, its not too often that I go crawling around on the floor of my car, so the point is rather moot. Most, except those getting out of top-line German and Japanese luxury models will find nothing to turn their noses up at.

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