* Click HERE to see a video on the Dodge Charger R/T *
American Bad Ass.
We have often heard that sex sells and to that I agree. I say that attitude also sells. Think for a moment about many of the recent cars (G35 Coupe, 645i, just about any new Chrysler product, the Mustang) and you would be hard pressed to say that these vehicles are not designed with an "in your face" look. Many Japanese makes are often criticised about their insipid styling however they do not require flash to sell those vehicles. At the other extreme are automobiles that force an individual to do a double take. The 2006 Dodge Charger is one such vehicle.
The name Charger is synonymous with performance in the Mopar World or any muscle car club for that matter. The first such car was launched in 1966 to contend with the likes of the Mustang which was selling faster than anyone expected. In 1968, the Charger's redesign hit pay-dirt. It quickly became very popular and 1969 ushered in the most memorable and famous Charger best known in its role as the General Lee in Dukes of Hazzard. The year before in 1968, it got its 15 minutes of fame as the bad guys car in Bullitt.
The 2006 Charger price range begins at $27,495 for a base SE. A fully equipped R/T will top out around $47,000. Our tested R/T retailed for $38,350.
Styling
Many have pointed out that the Charger has one major flaw: It is not a 2-door. Personally, I am not a big fan of large modern coupes. I vastly prefer a versatile easy-to-live with 4-door that everyone can get in and out of without flipping the seats forward. I therefore disagree that the Charger should be a 2-door vehicle. If it is a question of styling, I find that the 2006 is a correct 21st Century interpretation of the late 60's Charger.
I grew up on the Dukes of Hazzard and the 1969 Charger is one of my all-time favourite cars. When I gazed upon the first pictures of the new Charger, I was relieved; Chrysler had not turned the car into a shadow or a mockery of its former self. From certain angles, especially from the rear ¾ view, the elevated flat hump that flows over the rear wheel flare reminds me fondly of the 1969's rear quarter panels. The front fascia (grille, bumper and headlights) is an aggressively designed piece of work that fits perfectly with the car's muscle car origins and particularly with the Hemi's aura.
The passenger quarters of the Charger are very spartan. Simplicity and functionality are the best words to describe what we find when sitting behind the wheel. The instrumentation and control layout is ergonomic as commands fa
ll easily under hand. Plastics are somewhere in between half decent and half cheap. The upper portion of the dashboard is padded however do not feel your way too far down as you will find hard flimsy materials here and there. Fit and finish is on par with what we can expect from the North American manufacturers. The optional 322 Watt audio system with 6 Boston Acoustics speakers with subwoofer plays a fine tune.
The very flat old-style looking front seats provide enough comfort for a nice long drive however beware of the curves as their lack of lateral support will have you holding onto the steering wheel tightly. The wheel itself is quite large but this poses no problem as grip is good. The cabin is huge and offers generous room for five passengers. The trunk is also quite useable with a volume of 459L.
American Bad Ass.
 |
The name Charger is synonymous with performance in the Mopar World or any muscle car club for that matter. The first such car was launched in 1966 to contend with the likes of the Mustang which was selling faster than anyone expected. In 1968, the Charger's redesign hit pay-dirt. It quickly became very popular and 1969 ushered in the most memorable and famous Charger best known in its role as the General Lee in Dukes of Hazzard. The year before in 1968, it got its 15 minutes of fame as the bad guys car in Bullitt.
The 2006 Charger price range begins at $27,495 for a base SE. A fully equipped R/T will top out around $47,000. Our tested R/T retailed for $38,350.
Styling
Many have pointed out that the Charger has one major flaw: It is not a 2-door. Personally, I am not a big fan of large modern coupes. I vastly prefer a versatile easy-to-live with 4-door that everyone can get in and out of without flipping the seats forward. I therefore disagree that the Charger should be a 2-door vehicle. If it is a question of styling, I find that the 2006 is a correct 21st Century interpretation of the late 60's Charger.
I grew up on the Dukes of Hazzard and the 1969 Charger is one of my all-time favourite cars. When I gazed upon the first pictures of the new Charger, I was relieved; Chrysler had not turned the car into a shadow or a mockery of its former self. From certain angles, especially from the rear ¾ view, the elevated flat hump that flows over the rear wheel flare reminds me fondly of the 1969's rear quarter panels. The front fascia (grille, bumper and headlights) is an aggressively designed piece of work that fits perfectly with the car's muscle car origins and particularly with the Hemi's aura.
The passenger quarters of the Charger are very spartan. Simplicity and functionality are the best words to describe what we find when sitting behind the wheel. The instrumentation and control layout is ergonomic as commands fa
ll easily under hand. Plastics are somewhere in between half decent and half cheap. The upper portion of the dashboard is padded however do not feel your way too far down as you will find hard flimsy materials here and there. Fit and finish is on par with what we can expect from the North American manufacturers. The optional 322 Watt audio system with 6 Boston Acoustics speakers with subwoofer plays a fine tune.The very flat old-style looking front seats provide enough comfort for a nice long drive however beware of the curves as their lack of lateral support will have you holding onto the steering wheel tightly. The wheel itself is quite large but this poses no problem as grip is good. The cabin is huge and offers generous room for five passengers. The trunk is also quite useable with a volume of 459L.