Dodge Shows Rendering of New Chrysler 300-Based Charger and NASCAR Variant

New Dodge Charger Will Succeed in the Showroom No Matter How It Does on the Track

While an important announcement for NASCAR fans, a recent artist's rendering of the upcoming Dodge Charger, the third LX car to be

A new artist's rendering is the first glimpse of what the upcoming Dodge Charger will look like. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

based on the popular new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, is probably equally as intriguing to Canada's new car buyers. After all, the photo is a first glimpse of what may be the most important new LX to surface yet considering that it will be the automaker's most affordable.

Expected to enter the market with three engine options, much like its sport wagon counterpart, including a 190 horsepower 2.7-liter V6, a 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a 340 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8, an SRT-8 version is also expected with something close to the 425

On top of the three standard engine choices, an SRT-8 version is also expected with something close to 425 horsepower on tap. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI as first shown in the Chrysler 300 SRT8.

The NASCAR version will make even more power than the SRT-8, of course, and no doubt will be capable of a more commanding top speed.

Dodge has a history of racing NASCAR in Chargers from 1966 to 1977, albeit the sporty two-door coupe version that also saw popularity in the muscle car scene during much of the same period. The Charger racked up 124 wins over the years, six of which were taken by Charger Daytonas, the legendary model that featured a tall rear wing and hidden headlamps under a raked nose. King Richard (Petty) took the most wins at 37, while Bobby Isaac came in a close second with 36 and David Pearson still respectable at 17 checkered flags.