Dodge Charger Priced to Take On Midsize Imports

HEMI V8 aside, the Charger R/T delivers uprated performance brakes with two-piston calipers, plus suspension upgrades

The Charger R/T starts at $37,550, which is $5,545 less than the $43,095 2005 Chrysler 300C. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

capped off with a set of 18-inch aluminum wheels and performance touring tires. Dual-bright exhaust tips are also included, as are power heated/folding mirrors, leather-faced seats with heated cushions up front, power adjustable pedals, satin silver interior accents and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Charger R/T starts at $37,550, which is $5,545 less than the $43,095 2005 Chrysler 300C, and $45 less than the $37,595 Magnum R/T.

While GM is starting to offer its mid- and full-size front-drive sedans with conservatively-tuned V8-power, at least when compared to the Chrysler Group's HEMI, what's most important to Mopar fans is that the Charger's imported rivals don't even offer eight-cylinder variants, giving all Chrysler Group LX cars a competitive advantage. While rising fuel prices might eventually slow down the domestic automaker's roll, the popularity of HEMI-equipped Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles doesn't look to be fading for the time being. Possibly the time and expense

Chrysler Group, parent company of Dodge, is the only member of the original Big-3 to be gaining market share. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

the automaker put into developing its state-of-the-art cylinder-deactivation system has paid off.

Why compare a domestic sedan to the imports? Because Chrysler Group, parent company of Dodge, is the only member of the original Big-3 to be gaining market share; exactly what the imports are doing. That the DaimlerChrysler division's recent inroads aren't necessarily at the expense of Asian imports hardly matters, as its Michigan-based rivals are feeling the pressure to measure up from a product and profitability standpoint - Chrysler Group was the only domestic automaker to sustain a profit on the back of its vehicle division last year.