New 2006 Dodge Charger – Out of the Past and Into the Future

•  Modern Coupe Styling with Four-door Functionality Hits Streets and Racetracks This Spring

•  Dodge Pays Homage to Muscle Cars of ‘60s, But Adds 21st Century Performance, Safety and Technology

•  Of Course, It's Got a HEMI ® !

It's back!

The Dodge Charger – one of the biggest names from the muscle car era – powered its way out of its storied past and onto the stage at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The much-anticipated 2006 Dodge Charger will muscle its way back to streets and racetracks across America early this summer.

The Charger coming off the line and out of garages this year will create a new reputation for the Dodge legend, featuring a modern design to back up its 21st century muscle car power, sports car handling and cutting-edge technology.

With a 250-horsepower High Output V-6 engine or the optional 340-horsepower HEMI ® engine powering large 18-inch rear wheels, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger races into the car market with bold, provocative styling and substance without losing the convenience of a modern sedan.

“It's a car that evokes power and performance under the hood, yet provides everyday functionality and convenience,” said Craig Love, Vice President — Rear-wheel-drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. “We have the proven technologies and the legendary HEMI engine that allow us to produce a modern rear-wheel-drive muscle car.”

Twenty-first Century Performance, Safety & Security and Technology

The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger features rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution and advanced technologies that offer superb ride and responsive handling in all surface and traction conditions.

The Multiple Displacement System (MDS) on the Dodge Charger's HEMI engine seamlessly deactivates four cylinders in just 40 milliseconds – quicker than a blink of an eye – when full V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy by up to 20 percent. The HEMI engine with MDS completed more than 6.5 million customer-equivalent miles through the Chrysler Group's development and durability testing.

The Dodge Charger's standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is designed to electronically detect and assist in critical driving situations. It enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability in adverse driving conditions – automatically. ESP constantly compares the driver's intended course with the vehicle's actual course and compensates for any differences.

ESP, combined with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and All-speed Traction Control with Emergency Brake Assist, improves the Dodge Charger's traction, maneuverability and stability in all weather conditions.

The ABS keeps the car straight and retains steering capability when braking on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel lock-up. All-speed Traction Control enhances mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces.

“With the HEMI V-8 engine and MDS, the new Dodge Charger has more power per cubic inch than its ancestors and provides all the glory of the muscle car era more efficiently than ever before,” said Love. “With modern technology, this Dodge Charger rides securely on the road, stays planted through the corners and stops with assurance.”

New Option in Passenger Car Market

Pulling into the newest spot in the Dodge garage, the 2006 Dodge Charger offers a bold, powerful and exciting choice in the passenger car market. The Charger features comfortable room for five adults and enough trunk space to meet the demands of active, modern lifestyles.

Dodge brand has been a catalyst for change in automotive design throughout the '90s. Now, the new Dodge Charger adds even more muscle to mainstream America .

“We are excited about bringing back the Charger,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President — Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “But, we're even more excited to do it in a modern way that offers more convenience to our customers.”

Dodge Charger offers the clever functional use of interior space that has become a trademark of the Dodge brand and adds the convenience of four doors. The Charger features an exciting, modern and unique design, both inside and out, that stands out from the crowd.

“Similar to HEMI, the Charger name is powerful and draws from the Dodge brand's proud performance heritage,” said Jackson . “We have a tremendous amount of equity and name recognition for both of these entities. Combined, today's all-new Dodge Charger and HEMI engine effectively mark the return of modern muscle.”

The target market for Dodge Charger includes trendsetting, young affluent males with incomes from $65,000 – $90,000. Customers looking for the thrilling ride and handling characteristics of a sports car, but with the added convenience of a functional, five passenger vehicle, will be able to experience the best of both with the 2006 Dodge Charger.

A Modern Interpretation of a Legend

The 2006 Dodge Charger races forward with modern coupe styling and four-door functionality.

A bold front, strong shoulders and fastback grab the attention of muscle car enthusiasts, while the car's performance, handling and power complete the package.

“The all-new Dodge Charger is here – with a bold and stunning design, and the performance to back it up – and it's worthy of the Charger name,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President — Design, Chrysler Group. “The muscular body form, bold front end and coupe-like profile make the new Charger very fresh and contemporary in its execution.”

The Dodge Charger interior has a driver-oriented cockpit designed with a performance mind-set. It is sporty, functional and simple, featuring a sleek instrument panel and Viper-inspired tunneled gauges highlighted with white faces and satin silver accent rings.

A silver trim bezel surrounding the shifter and additional silver accents in the center stack add just the right touch of brightness to the comfortable interior. The two-tone interior features a darker upper color and a lighter lower color, giving the cabin an open feeling.

2006 Dodge Charger Production

Production of the 2006 Dodge Charger begins this spring at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton , Ontario , Canada . The Dodge Charger will join the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 vehicles already built there.

The Dodge Charger will be available in North American markets early this summer and in select markets in Latin America and the Middle East in late 2005.

Charging Off the Line in NASCAR Nextel Cup Competition

After a 30-year absence, Charger returns to the track beginning in February 2005. The historic Dodge Charger nameplate returns to NASCAR Nextel Cup competition as the successor to the race-winning Dodge Intrepid race cars of 2001- 2004, and to the storied Dodge Charger race cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s that earned several national championships.

Following the adage that “racing improves the breed,” motorsports competition has long been part of the Dodge heritage. From engineering labs in Auburn Hills , Mich. , to shop floors in Charlotte , N.C. , Dodge, its teams and its dealers live the philosophy it takes to be successful in the ultra-competitive world of racing.

“We're very excited about the new Charger. Not only does it bring back one of the great names in racing history, but it also reinforces the racing heritage of the Dodge brand,” said John Fernandez, Director — Dodge Motorsports Operations, Chrysler Group. “Our goal is to return the Charger to the winner's circle, which is where I first saw it as a boy watching Richard Petty, Buddy Baker and Bobby Issacs dominate the early days of NASCAR.”

Charger to Build on Dodge Presence in Passenger Car Market

With a U.S. market share of approximately seven percent, Dodge is the fourth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.1 million vehicles. Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent U.S. market share and maintains an 18 percent share of the highly competitive truck market.

Yeah, It's Got a HEMI!

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine produces 340 horsepower (254 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. (525 N•m) of torque. It offers more power and torque than any Dodge passenger car engine since the legendary 426 HEMI of the '60s and '70s. The modern HEMI engine has been engineered to deliver outstanding performance and reduced noise, vibration and harshness, resulting in a highly refined powerplant.

Across the entire Chrysler Group product portfolio, the total HEMI engine take-rate is about 45 percent on vehicles offering the engine. More than 500,000 HEMI-equipped Chrysler Group vehicles have been sold since the new HEMI engine was introduced for the 2003 model year. Products available with the HEMI include: Dodge Ram Pickup, Dodge Durango , Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300 and Jeep ® Grand Cherokee.

ENGINEERING

2006 Dodge Charger – Of Course, It's Got a HEMI ®

•  2006 Dodge Charger Features Legendary HEMI ® Power for Leading-edge Performance and Refinement

•  Multiple Displacement System (MDS) Improves Fuel Economy While Retaining HEMI V-8 Power

•  High-performance Suspension Package Offers Unequaled Ride and Handling

•  Standard Five-speed Automatic Transmission with AutoStick ® for Best Combination of Performance, Fuel Economy and Smoothness

Modern Version of Two Legends Returns

The 2006 Dodge Charger has all the makings of a new legend. In addition to its bold, provocative styling, the all-new Dodge Charger offers true sports car performance with a high-performance suspension option, a five-speed automatic transmission and modern HEMI V-8 power.

“The rear-wheel-drive 2006 Dodge Charger will provide muscle car enthusiasts an unequaled sense of exhilaration, power and control during every drive,” said Craig Love, Vice President — Rear-wheel-drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. “Our customers will appreciate the balance of characteristics drawn from the worlds of racing and street cruising.”

All models in the 2006 Dodge Charger lineup come equipped with standard world-class ride and handling features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), All-speed Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, which accommodates a fully automatic or manually selected gear range.

Outstanding Ride and Handling

Dodge Charger engineers included a Short-and Long-arm ( SLA ) front suspension in the car for excellent handling and ride characteristics. The multi-link SLA suspension provided the opportunity to tune bushing compliances for a dramatic reduction in road noise, while maintaining vehicle dynamic handling performance.

The five-link independent rear suspension allows independent tuning of handling and ride comfort so that each can be maximized. The Dodge Charger's rear suspension complements the performance of the front suspension, resulting in a balanced ride.

All rear suspension components, except coil springs and shock absorbers, mount on a steel cradle that attaches to the body structure through four large rubber mounts that effectively isolate the passenger compartment from road and axle noise.

The Dodge Charger's chassis components have been tuned to provide spirited driving and handling performance to match the car's personality.

Three levels of suspension tuning will be available on the Dodge Charger. A standard “touring” package with 17-inch tires will include an athletic suspension with nimble steering and handling attributes.

Eighteen-inch tires and tuned dampers will offer added performance on HEMI-equipped Dodge Charger models.

An optional Performance Handling Group, designed exclusively for the Dodge Charger, also will be available for an exceptional ride with firmer damping and enhanced steering.

The Performance Handling Group suspension package includes wider 18-inch performance tires, a 9-land steering gear and Nivomat ™ self-leveling shock absorbers. This suspension will be tuned to offer slightly more feedback from the road to enhance the glued-to-the-road feel of this driving machine. The package's performance front seats with perforated suede inserts offer significantly improved lateral control in both the seat cushion and seat back.

“Modern muscle car enthusiasts driving a HEMI-equipped Charger with the specially tuned Performance Handling Group option will truly enjoy the outstanding ride and handling characteristics of the car,” said Love. “This performance package has been tailored specifically for the driving enthusiast.”

Powerful Engine Options

The modern 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with MDS has been engineered to deliver outstanding performance, reduced noise, vibration and harshness, and improved fuel economy of up to 20 percent. This engine will offer Dodge Charger customers the legendary HEMI power they want with fuel economy they will appreciate.

Aluminum cylinder heads with hemispherical combustion chambers permit outstanding airflow, which leads to 340 horsepower (254 kW) @ 5000 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. torque (525 N•m) @ 4000 rpm. Dodge Chargers equipped with HEMI engines can go from zero to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.

A 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine also is available on the 2006 Dodge Charger and provides an outstanding blend of performance and fuel economy. This engine provides 250 horsepower (186 kW) @ 6400 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (340 N•m) @ 3800 rpm.

An active three-plenum intake manifold assures high power and torque over the entire operating band, while electronic control of the manifold tuning valve and short-runner valves and an Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) provide smooth operation with maximum performance and fuel economy.

High-performance Five-speed Automatic Transmission

Featured on all Dodge Charger models, a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick provides a full range of transmission performance to match a variety of driving styles, situations and road conditions. AutoStick offers the choice of a fully automatic or manual shift selection. This transmission is mated to both the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and the 3.5-liter V-6 Charger engines to offer all Charger customers better performance and fuel economy.

Compact yet robust for high-torque rating, the Charger's five-speed transmission uses highly advanced electronic shift controls for a responsive, smooth feel without harshness. The system monitors the transmission as shifts occur and adjusts the hydraulic pressure as needed.

This five-speed transmission also uses an Electronically Modulated Converter Clutch (EMCC) to control torque converter clutch slippage. The EMCC provides partial engagement in third, fourth or fifth gears, which improves shift feel, fuel economy, driveability and cooling.

Muscle Car Performance with Modern Control and Handling

The new 2006 Dodge Charger features several advanced technologies that provide world-class ride and handling, and improved fuel economy and vehicle safety for truly modern muscle. These technologies offer safe control of the vehicle under a variety of conditions, opening the way for a new muscle car era.

“Never has the time been so right to bring a bold and powerful passenger car to market,” said Love. “New technology advancements in fuel economy and safety have led to the development of the 2006 Dodge Charger as a muscle car for a new generation.”

One example of this new technology is the Charger's MDS-equipped 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which seamlessly alternates between high fuel-economy, four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This increases fuel economy up to 20 percent depending on driving conditions, without sacrificing vehicle performance.

“The MDS was designed into the engine from the onset,” said Bob Lee, Vice President — Powertrain, Chrysler Group. “This allowed us to develop a cylinder deactivation system that is elegantly simple and completely integrated into the engine design, which means fewer parts, maximum reliability and lower cost.”

Factors contributing to the success of MDS include fast electronic controls, sophisticated algorithms to control the system and the use of Electronic Throttle Control, all of which allow the Charger's HEMI engine to transparently transition from eight cylinders to four in 40 milliseconds (0.04 seconds).

Other leading-edge technologies such as ESP, All-speed Traction Control and ABS, which come standard on every Dodge Charger model, create a safer and better handling muscle car than ever before possible, in a manner not intrusive to Charger drivers.

•  Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which includes an Emergency Brake Assist feature, is standard on all 2006 Dodge Charger models. The ESP system enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability in turns, even on uneven surfaces, patchy snow, ice or gravel. If there is a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the car back onto the driver's intended path.

Emergency Brake Assist detects when maximum braking is required through sensing the rate of brake application. By applying full brake pressure to all four brakes, this system improves stopping distance.

•  All-speed Traction Control enhances mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces. It also provides a measure of directional stability control and helps keep the car on its intended course. The system works by braking the slipping wheel in low-traction situations. However, it also can adjust the throttle control, making the vehicle less reliant on brake applications alone. State-of-the-art electronics provide a quick response time for the Charger's Traction Control system.

•  Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) keeps the vehicle straight and retains steering capability while braking on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel lock-up. The state-of-the-art electronics featured on the Dodge Charger also provide a faster response time for this system.

Safety and Security Behind the Charger Wheel 

The 2006 Dodge Charger's advanced technologies not only improve handling and accident avoidance, but also provide excellent crash protection.

With the use of emerging technologies, the Chrysler Group is able to incorporate both passive and active safety features into the new Dodge Charger including:

•  Rear Structure

Dodge Charger engineers used simulations to optimize the rear sill reinforcement for consistent impact performance. The rear structure, including the sill reinforcement, was designed so that the spare tire rotates out of the way during a rear impact.

•  Energy-absorbing Steering Column

The Dodge Charger's manual-adjust steering column features two hydroformed coaxial tubes that move relative to each other, which allows the column to move forward for enhanced energy absorption during a crash.

The 2006 Dodge Charger offers additional standard safety and security features such as advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags, a front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) for controlled airbag deployment, constant force seat belt retractors, pretensioners and Child Seat Anchor System. Also available on the Dodge Charger are side-curtain airbags for additional protection for all outboard occupants and an optional tire pressure monitoring system to alert drivers of low tire pressure.

DESIGN

2006 Dodge Charger – Modern Design for Today's Muscle Car Enthusiasts

•  Dodge Designs Modern Muscle into Coupe-styled Sedan

•  All-new Four-door with Heart and Soul of Legendary Charger

•  Comfortable, Capable and Versatile

Striking Mix of Legendary Cues and Bold Modern Styling

The design of the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger nods with respect in the rearview mirror at the muscle cars of the ‘60s, but then boldly revs forward into the 21st century with modern style and muscle.

The bold front end, long hood, short deck and fastback are attributable to Dodge and the famed muscle car era. Its upscale coupe styling and fastback design create a modern statement of power, all with the versatility of a four-door sedan.

The affection for the golden era of the American muscle car and the smiles it still brings to today's driving enthusiasts were not lost on the designers of the new Dodge Charger.

“The muscular body form, bold front end and coupe-like profile make the new Charger very contemporary and fresh in its execution,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President — Design, Chrysler Group.

This new car is sporty, sexy, bold and powerful. Yet, with all its innate aggression, it was designed to be beautiful. The lines on the Charger are gracefully drawn and highlight its muscular character. The Charger enjoys the classic proportions that are indicative of classic rear-wheel-drive vehicles, but are shaped very differently.

Dodge designers created a modern, convenient four-door sedan with the heart and soul of the legendary Charger coupe of the past.

The front end of the Dodge Charger clearly carries the look of Dodge – bold, powerful, capable and street smart. A mixture of Dodge DNA can be seen in the shamelessly bold grille and Viper-like sneering eyes. The Charger's nose was designed to lean into the wind with confidence. Angled, dual headlamps set at the far corners are shielded to create the unmistakable face of Dodge.

The profile of a fast roof and pronounced strong shoulders grab the attention of muscle car enthusiasts, while the Dodge Charger's performance, handling and power complete the package. Even when sitting idle, the car looks menacing, ready to move at a moment's notice, hinting at the power beneath the bulging hood and displaying an attitude that is uniquely Dodge.

The Charger's rear decklid has the effect of a race-car-like, sheered-off cam tail. This gives the car a no-nonsense appeal and improved aerodynamics. The fast backlite is flanked by sculpted pillars, which hint at the flying buttress C-pillars of past Chargers.

The Dodge Charger offers seating that is more than two inches higher than the previous generation of Chrysler Group sedans for a better command of the road. Despite this, the Charger's coupe-like profile does not compromise rear-seat passenger headroom.

With its aggressive roofline, bold rear fender forms over the rear wheels, distinctive tapered side-glass opening and flush door handles, the new Dodge Charger is truly a four-door sports coupe.

Driver-oriented Interior Cockpit Design

Inside, the 2006 Dodge Charger sports a driver-oriented cockpit designed with a performance mindset. The cockpit features a sleek instrument panel and Viper-inspired tunneled gauges highlighted with white faces and silver-colored accent rings. The instrument cluster's electroluminescent display is easy-to-read in all lighting conditions.

Additional silver accents on the steering wheel, center stack bezel, shift knob and door remote add world-class flair to the Dodge Charger interior and support the overall philosophy of a driver-oriented design efficiency.

A two-tone interior color scheme featuring a darker upper color and a lighter lower color provide the cabin with an open feeling and surround the driver with a sporty, functional yet simple environment.

Comfortable, Capable and Versatile Interior Space

The spacious interior and a raised command-of-the-road seating position offer Dodge Charger passengers an extremely comfortable, yet stylish and versatile seating arrangement.

Offered with fabric or leather-trimmed seats, the Dodge Charger's interior sports world-class attention to detail, fit and finish. The Charger's spacious interior provides ample seating for five adults and offers storage throughout.

“The Chargers of the '60s were distinctly styled, conveying fast, powerful and affordable performance,” said Creed. “That was a winning design formula then, and that's our design formula for 2006.”

Exterior Colors:

The 2006 Dodge Charger is available in seven exterior colors, including Bright Silver Metallic, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl, Brilliant Black, Magnesium Pearl, Midnight Blue Pearl, Cool Vanilla and Silver Steel Metallic.

Story by Dodge