Green Means Go
Even run of the mill Chargers manage to grab attention from nearby pedestrians and motorists. It's partly because of their sheet-metal-musculature, partly for their controversial extra pair of doors, and partly from the curiosity of those looking for the fabled HEMI badge fixed to the fenders.
Yes, the standard Charger model grabs stares, but the Daytona R/T will suck the eyeballs clean out of anyone within a few hundred yards.
While completing a recent road test on number 116 of 150 of this years Sub-Lime green models, I made many new friends. There's no other car for anywhere near this price that's ever had me so bombarded with curious crowds of onlookers checking out the ride and asking questions.
Here are answers to the most common.
That thing got a HEMI?
Yes.
Is that the big HEMI? The 426?
No and no. This one's got the 5.7 litre (or about 350 cubic inch) V8. The "big" HEMI is a 6.1 litre. That's not 426 cubic inches, it's only about 406. But it's got 425 horsepower- or around 75 on top of the "little" HEMI in the Daytona.
How does it go?
Very well. It's a big heavy car, especially since sprouting an extra pair of doors and a functional backseat, but the award winning engine doesn't seem to mind. It really starts breathing over about 3000 revs, and quarter mile passes come up in around 14 seconds- not bad for a family sedan.
Handle nice?
Yes, but the steering and brakes both feel dull and disconnected- as if they're not actually attached to anything. There's plenty of stopping power and plenty of handling to be had, but it's a hands-off experience.
 |
Yes, the standard Charger model grabs stares, but the Daytona R/T will suck the eyeballs clean out of anyone within a few hundred yards.
 |
| The Charger Daytona packs more attitude than a raging bull regardless of the colour. |
While completing a recent road test on number 116 of 150 of this years Sub-Lime green models, I made many new friends. There's no other car for anywhere near this price that's ever had me so bombarded with curious crowds of onlookers checking out the ride and asking questions.
Here are answers to the most common.
That thing got a HEMI?
Yes.
Is that the big HEMI? The 426?
No and no. This one's got the 5.7 litre (or about 350 cubic inch) V8. The "big" HEMI is a 6.1 litre. That's not 426 cubic inches, it's only about 406. But it's got 425 horsepower- or around 75 on top of the "little" HEMI in the Daytona.
How does it go?
Very well. It's a big heavy car, especially since sprouting an extra pair of doors and a functional backseat, but the award winning engine doesn't seem to mind. It really starts breathing over about 3000 revs, and quarter mile passes come up in around 14 seconds- not bad for a family sedan.
Handle nice?
Yes, but the steering and brakes both feel dull and disconnected- as if they're not actually attached to anything. There's plenty of stopping power and plenty of handling to be had, but it's a hands-off experience.
 |