2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona Road & Track Test

Under the black rear decklid spoiler are large, chrome, dual-exhaust tips that thump out a thunderous rumble during open

The wheel wells are stuffed with 18-inch polished alloy rims with low-gloss, jet-black painted pockets, wrapped in all-season P235/55 R18 performance tires. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

throttle, a sound Harley riders will no doubt appreciate. The wheel wells are stuffed with 18-inch polished alloy rims with low-gloss, jet-black painted pockets, wrapped in all-season P235/55 R18 performance tires.

Inside, distinctive performance-oriented front seats that feature suede inserts and embroidered "Daytona" logos on the front headrests also get body-colour accent stitching, mirroring the stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

A matching body-coloured centre stack bezel, plus a "Daytona Limited edition" inscription on the electronic cluster join a sequentially numbered limited-edition Daytona badge on the instrument panel to complete the unique Daytona R/T interior.

The entire look, inside and out, is racy, but it's what can't be seen that shows Dodge wasn't merely fabricating a styling exercise to wow onlookers. The

Distinctive performance-oriented front seats feature suede inserts and embroidered "Daytona" logos. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

already competent fully-independent suspension system features Nivomat self-leveling rear shock absorbers, plus a performance-tuned 9-land steering gear is added for enhanced directional response.

Under the HEMI-decaled hood is nothing less than the 5.7-litre beast itself, upgraded by 10-horsepower to 350, while torque remains an already overwhelming 390 lb-ft. The engine shroud is accented in body-colour matching paint; either "Go Man Go!" metallic orange, which is more copper-coloured than orange; or "Top Banana" yellow. This side of a modern-day Bentley it's one of the coolest looking engine bays around.