Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is a model of automobile marketed by Dodge.

This article is about the Charger manufactured by Dodge of FCA US. For the Charger made by Chrysler of Australia, see Chrysler Valiant Charger.

Dodge Charger
Overview
ManufacturerDodge
Production
  • 1966–1978
  • 1981–1987
  • 2005–present
Model years
  • 1966–1978
  • 1982–1987
  • 2006–present

The first Charger was a show car in 1964.[1][2] A 1965 Charger II concept car had a remarkable resemblance to the 1966 production version.[3]

There have been several different production variants of Chargers, built on three different platforms and sizes. In the United States, the Charger nameplate has been used on subcompact hatchbacks, full-size sedans, muscle cars, and personal luxury coupes. The current version is a four-door sedan.

Charger models

The three main iterations of Dodge Chargers were a mid-size (B-body) two-door car (1966–78), a subcompact (L-body) car (1983–87), and the (LX) full-size platform four-door sedans built since 2006.

The name was also carried by a 1999 concept car that differed substantially from the Charger eventually placed into production for the 2006 model year. A similar name plate, the Ramcharger, was used for the truck-type vehicle.

The name Charger was also used in Brazil as a performance model based on the Dart (A-Body) (1971–80).

First generation: 1966–1967
1966 Dodge Charger
1966 Dodge Charger
Main article: Dodge Charger (B-body) § First generation

The Dodge Charger was introduced during the 1966 model year. It featured a two-door fastback body design and a four bucket seat interior. The intermediate-sized Charger shared components with the Coronet that also used the Chrysler B platform. The base engine was a 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 with a three speed manual. Larger and more powerful engines were also available. Sales were low.

Second generation: 1968–1970
Main article: Dodge Charger (B-body) § Second generation
1969 Dodge Charger
1970 Dodge Charger

The Charger was redesigned for 1968, and an initial 35,000 units were slated for production. The demand was high and 96,100 Dodge Chargers were actually produced.[4] Based on the Chrysler B platform, the model years received various cosmetic changes to the exterior and interior including: an undivided grill, rounded tail lights, and hidden headlights. The powertrains were carried over from 1967, but the 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-6 became available in mid-1968.[5] The Charger was not successful in stock car racing such as NASCAR. A more aerodynamic shape formed the Charger 500 model that became the basis for the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona.

Third generation: 1971–1974
Main article: Dodge Charger (B-body) § Third generation
1971 Dodge Charger
1973 Dodge Charger

The third generation Charger was introduced for the 1971 model year. Chrysler's B platform was modified to meet new emissions and safety regulations. Available in six different packages with cosmetic changes that include: a split grill, semi fastback rear window, and a ducktail spoiler. The 1973 and 1974 Chargers were very similar to the 1971 with minor differences in the grill and headlamps. 1973 and 1974 Chargers also wore new quarter windows, which were larger and shaped differently than the quarter windows seen on 1971 and 1972 models. The increase in sales was mostly due to the elimination of the Dodge Coronet, which meant Dodge offered the two-door intermediate-size body style only as the Charger.

Fourth generation: 1975–1978
Main article: Dodge Charger (B-body) § Fourth generation
1975 Dodge Charger

The 1975 model year Charger continued as a B body car and was restyled. The new Charger was Dodge's attempt at moving the model into the growing personal luxury car market segment. Dodge expanded its presence in the personal luxury car market in 1978 when it produced two cars in the same class, the Charger and the Dodge Magnum. During the years this car was offered, a Daytona model was offered, featuring stripes that ran along the length of the car.

Fifth generation: 1982–1987
1987 Dodge Charger "Shelby Edition"
Main article: Dodge Charger (L-body)

The Charger returned in 1981½ as a subcompact hatchback coupe with front-wheel-drive, and a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. This economy-type model was similar to the Dodge Omni 024, but with a slightly larger engine. The Charger was available with the NA 2.2l SOHC or a turbocharged 2.2l SOHC engine. The turbo was available only with the manual transmission, unlike in the Dodge Daytona. A Shelby Charger was offered starting in 1983, with a turbo version available in 1984 producing 148 horsepower (110 kW) at 5600 rpm and 160 pound-feet (220 N⋅m) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine was not intercooled and used a small t3 Garrett turbo. In 1985, the electronics were updated but power output was the same. In 1986, the electronics were further updated.

Sixth generation: 2006–2010 (LX)
Main article: Dodge Charger (LX/LD)
2006–2007 Dodge Charger
2009–2010 Dodge Charger

Dodge reintroduced the Charger in 2005 for the 2006 model year in a new form.[6] This generation was available only as a four-door sedan using the Chrysler LX platform The design was intended to be reminiscent of the Chargers of the 1960s and 1970s and the taillights harkened back to that era, as did the new stamped hood and side panels. This generation was available with a V6 and V8 engine options coupled to automatic transmissions, as well as all-wheel drive (AWD).

In its inaugural year, the Dodge Charger was available in SE, SXT, R/T, R/T with Road/Track Performance Group, Police, and Daytona R/T versions. The basic SE model included a 2.7 L V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with "AutoStick" manual shifting feature, 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, all-speed traction control, as well as ABS and electronic stability control, a CD player, tilt and telescoping steering column, power locks/mirrors/windows, and remote keyless entry. Additional features and trims were available including the Charger R/T with a 5.7 L Hemi V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. A multiple-displacement system that allows it to save fuel by running on only four cylinders when cruising was also featured in the V8.

Performance was focus of the Charger SRT8 equipped with a 6.1 L Hemi engine mated to a 5-speed automatic, as well as conveniences such as an eight-way power front passenger seat, automatic climate control, special grille and rear spoiler, body-color interior trim, special front fascia and engine cover, larger exhaust tips, performance steering gear, heated front seats with perforated suede inserts, power-adjustable pedals, and special colors and exterior trim. Optional was a Road/Track package with 10 additional horsepower, GPS navigation system, 322-watt audio system, sunroof, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and radio

Seventh generation (LD): 2011–present
2014 Dodge Charger SXT Plus - 100th Anniversary Edition
Main article: Dodge Charger (LX/LD)

The Dodge Charger received an improved interior and new exterior styling for 2011. This included new side scoops along both front and rear doors, as well as more angular headlights, aggressive new grille styling, and a more defined and aerodynamic shape overall. Most notably, the rear end adopted a more modern wrap around LED tail light spanning across nearly the entire length of the trunk. Driver visibility was improved by more than 15% addressing complaints from previous years. The side and rear styling cues are reminiscent of the 1968-1970 models.

Base performance was increased, with the 3.5L 250 bhp V6 engine being replaced with a Pentastar 3.6L producing 292 bhp (218 kW; 296 PS) at 6350 rpm and 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) at 4800 rpm. The 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced with the 5-speed A580 auto.[7][8]

The SRT-8 was not produced for the 2011 model year.

The 2012 year brought a new 8-speed automatic transmission to the V-6 model. This year also saw the return of the SRT-8 to the model lineup. AWD was also added to the V6, making AWD available on all but the SRT-8 model.

2015 facelift, front 1/4

For the 2012 – 2018 years, the Super Bee platform (Later called Scat Pack 15+) was available, making use of features seen in regular SRT-8 models with accessories and badges reminiscent of the 60s and 70s muscle car. These included a 6.4L engine with 470 HP, four piston Brembo calipers, slotted rotors, paddle shifters, SRT launch features (such as 0-60 timing, Live G-Force readings, and ¼ and ⅛ mile drag timers), custom seat embroidery, and more.

The 2014 Pursuit model no longer has chrome exhaust tip extensions, as they often scraped during manuevers over medians.

The 2017 model had an upgrade to the 8.4 nav/display system and was restyled due to issues with the previous system.

For 2015, the Charger received significant exterior styling updates. Most notably, the new front end which featured new LED lights and a more aerodynamic nose that was less angled and featured a noticeable curve around the headlight housing. Suspensions, interior, and brakes were also redesigned.

All models, except for Charger Pursuit (through 2019), came standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission. In January 2014, the AWD Charger Pursuit appeared, and the V8 R/T AWD model disappeared. Sales of the AWD Pursuit have since skyrocketed.

For 2020, the Charger Hellcat comes standard with the "widebody" to accommodate an improved tire/suspension package. The 2020 Charger Pursuit is only available in the RWD V6 and AWD V8 models, with the RWD V8 model being discontinued. Both Pursuit models now feature the eight-speed automatics.

Other models
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See also

References
  1. "1964 Dodge Hemi Charger Concept Car". Supercars.net. April 15, 2016. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  2. Auto Editors of Consumer Guide (August 20, 2007). "1964 Dodge Charger". HowStuffWorks.com. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  3. Ernst, Kurt (December 16, 2015). "The (original) Dodge Charger marks its golden anniversary". Hemmings. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  4. "Vehicle Profile: 1968 Dodge Charger". The ClassicCars.com Journal. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  5. Palmer, Jamie (May 2, 2019). "One Of 906! 1968 Slant-Six Dodge Charger". Barn Finds. Retrieved July 7, 2020.
  6. "Dodge Charger History - Sixth Generation: 2006 to Present". Edmunds. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  7. "All-new 3.6-litre V-6 Technical Specifications". Chrysler LLC. June 20, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2010.
  8. "3.6-litre V-6 General Specifications" (PDF). Chrysler LLC. February 15, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 8, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
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