Dodge adds hotter-rod model to Charger

2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 (photo : DaimlerChrysler)

The rear fascia features integrated lower strakes to direct air flow and cutouts to handle dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A decklid spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for stability and traction in the kind of high-speed driving that would get you charged with reckless driving if you got caught doing it on the road.

Three exterior colors are available: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat.

Race-inspired interior appointments in the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 start with power-adjustable, sculpted and highly bolstered buckets in the front fitted with performance suede inserts to hold occupants during maneuvering. Rear seats have matching performance suede inserts, and all seats have contrasting red stitching.

Other sporting touches include ''carbon fiber'' technical leather trim on the steering wheel for better grip, and special finishing on the center stack.

A 300 kmh speedometer, a tachometer and temperature gauge feature dark faces unique to the Charger SRT8, and an LED display within the gauge cluster is driver-configurable for oil temperature, oil pressure and tire pressure readouts.

Available options on the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include power sunroof, Kicker® audio system with six-disc CD changer, DVD-based Navigation system with turn-by directions and voice prompts, automatic temperature control, heated front seats and side air bags.

Also available are SIRIUS Satellite Radio (if the CRTC approves it for sale in Canada) and a UConnect hands-free communications system with Bluetooth technology. This system recognizes up to seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice commands, utilizing a microphone in the rear-view mirror and the stereo system's speakers for hands-free conversations.

The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 interior is offered in Dark Slate Grey/Light Graystone.

Dodge HEMI 6.1L V8 (photo : DaimlerChrysler)

As for that Hemi engine, in this application it delivers 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, and it's attached to a five-speed automatic with Chrysler's venerable AutoStick feature, which lets the driver chose (within reason) the shift points.

Several features of the new 6.1-liter SRT HEMI recall the legendary Hemi engines of previous decades, says Knott, including the orange-painted cylinder block, and black valve covers.

To create the 6.1-liter version of the Chrysler Group's Hemi, SRT powertrain engineers applied tried-and-true engine-building tricks honed by generations of hot-rodders.

They created 85 more horsepower by adding more displacement, increasing the compression ratio, redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust systems for increased flow, and increasing engine speed.

For that extra displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to go from 5.7 to 6.1 liters.

Compression ratio was also increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, says Knott, increasing engine efficiency and power.