2006 Dodge Charger SXT Road Test

The new Charger doesn't look a whole lot like the original '60s model. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

But as far as four-door sedans go, the new Charger is a downright sinister looking machine, with a snarling nose and taut rear haunches. It is by far the most aggressive looking LX, with its chrome-plated, crosshair grille, and angled dual-beam headlamps. Only would the addition of a push-bar and roof-top sirens from the police-ready Enforcer package make highway traffic part faster.

As was mentioned earlier, the new Charger doesn't look a whole lot like the original '60s model. Absent is the legendary black-out grille with retractable headlamps, as are the pillarless door frames. In fact, the only styling queues that could pay remote homage are the rear windows that cant slightly inwards and the quad round tail lamps, but even then square red lenses mask them. Nevertheless this monster conveys an impressive presence, like nothing else on the market. Ford Five Hundred? Chevy Impala SS? Nothing comes close. The only cars that come across anywhere near as intimidating as the Charger are its next of kin Chrysler

Visually, the SXT is a twin of the V8-powered HEMI R/T, other than the black-plastic side mirrors, single chrome exhaust tip and 3.5L High-Output badges on each front fender. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

300 and Dodge Magnum sport wagon, spawned at the same Brampton, Ontario assembly plant.

My Midnight Blue tester, in SXT-trim, was middle field in the Charger range, blending thrust with a decent standard specification. It's expected to make up the majority of fleet and private sales. Visually, it is also a twin of the V8-powered HEMI R/T, made in part by larger optional 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and fog lamps. Only narrow '3.5L High Output' fender badges, black-plastic side mirrors and a single chrome exhaust tip reveal its true six-cylinder identity.