Unlike the Magnum or Chrysler 300C, no all-wheel-drive Charger will be offered. And unlike the GTO or Mustang, there's no manual transmission in any Charger. What Dodge's family sedan does get is the same, excellent Mercedes-designed five-speed manumatic that allows immediate downshifts when held to the right side of the gate. The Charger R/T's slushbox is much quicker and firmer than the Magnum's or 300C's in
getting to the right gear during upshifts, but hesitates like a petulant child when downshifts are asked for. Of course, the power of the HEMI helps move this car quickly, but the tranny is well matched.
The Charger R/T's ride is firm and well controlled around town and the big car never feels floaty at elevated highway speeds; you'll feel like you're driving a car worth twice as much. However, like its Stuttgart siblings, sharp pavement creases are felt, and having already driven the Magnum R/T and 300C, I expected the Charger to be the more aggressive of the trio when I took it on some backroads, but my car lacked the R &T package, and it showed.
Turn in was quick, and the steering was fingertip light, but there's little on-center feel. Near 50/50 weight distribution means that the car is easy to control mid-turn, but the when pushed hard in those corners, the Charger R/T heels over too easily. Without the performance sports seats that come with the R & T package, you're left gripping the steering wheel to keep yourself in place. At 1860 kilograms, the Charger is lighter than the Magnum or 300C, but you still feel that weight at the car's limits. And with no way to disengage the Mercedes-sourced stability control, it's always "on". Of course, the Charger R/T's driving experience is unique. Translation: it stills blows the doors off of anything in its price range.
With current events making every driver mindful of fuel consumption, the HEMI's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down four cylinders under a light load, helped the car achieve a 11.5 L/100 km consumption number during the week with the car. And the big mill also accepts regular fuel to boot.
Whatever you think of "two-doors versus four", the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T is a tonne of car for the money. For under $40,000, you get a
good-looking, roomy, powerful car that's not short on performance. And if you want a Charger R/T that handles, go for the R & T package and thank me later.
Demoting the Charger to "just-a-Magnum-sedan" status would get any TV judge's neck veins a popping. Yeah, they share the same cabin, but compared to the heavier wagon, or the more luxury oriented Chrysler 300, the Charger R/T is here to remind those who can remember that Dodge used to be the performance division at old Chryco before it became a minivan shop. And for those magazine editors craving splashy headlines, Dodge is working on a rear-drive, Hemi-powered two-door muscle car of their own.
Finally, to the majority of those who can afford this type of car, familial dependents are usually part of what little lifestyle you have left after chauffeuring offspring to theatre and swim classes. Rest assured, the Charger R/T can haul the kids, there stuff, and as a bonus, a considerable amount of ass.
- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com
Just the facts...
Build quality 3/6
Features 4/6
Performance 6/6
Fun-to-drive 4/6
Overall value 4/6
Vehicle Type Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Engine OHV, 5.7-litre V-8
Transmission 5-speed automanual
Horsepower 340 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque 390 lb.-ft.@ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight 1,860 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr 5.9 seconds
Wheels & Tires 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R18 touring
Base price $37,550
Optional Equipment Sound Group II ($695), Smoker's Package ($50)
Price As Tested $38,295
photo:John LeBlanc
 |
| 2006 Dodge Charger R/T (Photo: John LeBlanc, straight-six.com) |
The Charger R/T's ride is firm and well controlled around town and the big car never feels floaty at elevated highway speeds; you'll feel like you're driving a car worth twice as much. However, like its Stuttgart siblings, sharp pavement creases are felt, and having already driven the Magnum R/T and 300C, I expected the Charger to be the more aggressive of the trio when I took it on some backroads, but my car lacked the R &T package, and it showed.
Turn in was quick, and the steering was fingertip light, but there's little on-center feel. Near 50/50 weight distribution means that the car is easy to control mid-turn, but the when pushed hard in those corners, the Charger R/T heels over too easily. Without the performance sports seats that come with the R & T package, you're left gripping the steering wheel to keep yourself in place. At 1860 kilograms, the Charger is lighter than the Magnum or 300C, but you still feel that weight at the car's limits. And with no way to disengage the Mercedes-sourced stability control, it's always "on". Of course, the Charger R/T's driving experience is unique. Translation: it stills blows the doors off of anything in its price range.
With current events making every driver mindful of fuel consumption, the HEMI's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down four cylinders under a light load, helped the car achieve a 11.5 L/100 km consumption number during the week with the car. And the big mill also accepts regular fuel to boot.
Whatever you think of "two-doors versus four", the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T is a tonne of car for the money. For under $40,000, you get a
 |
| 2006 Dodge Charger R/T (Photo: John LeBlanc, straight-six.com) |
Demoting the Charger to "just-a-Magnum-sedan" status would get any TV judge's neck veins a popping. Yeah, they share the same cabin, but compared to the heavier wagon, or the more luxury oriented Chrysler 300, the Charger R/T is here to remind those who can remember that Dodge used to be the performance division at old Chryco before it became a minivan shop. And for those magazine editors craving splashy headlines, Dodge is working on a rear-drive, Hemi-powered two-door muscle car of their own.
Finally, to the majority of those who can afford this type of car, familial dependents are usually part of what little lifestyle you have left after chauffeuring offspring to theatre and swim classes. Rest assured, the Charger R/T can haul the kids, there stuff, and as a bonus, a considerable amount of ass.
- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com
Just the facts...
Build quality 3/6
Features 4/6
Performance 6/6
Fun-to-drive 4/6
Overall value 4/6
Vehicle Type Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Engine OHV, 5.7-litre V-8
Transmission 5-speed automanual
Horsepower 340 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque 390 lb.-ft.@ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight 1,860 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr 5.9 seconds
Wheels & Tires 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R18 touring
Base price $37,550
Optional Equipment Sound Group II ($695), Smoker's Package ($50)
Price As Tested $38,295
photo:John LeBlanc
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