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

No doubt Dodge will win with its street-tuned Charger when it comes available, if early sales of the Chrysler 300 are any

The Charger will be less expensive than the wildly popular Chrysler 300, but still feature a similarly high-quality interior. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

indication. The Dodge will be less expensive, and feature a similar high-quality interior with Mercedes-Benz derived switchgear, plus M-B sourced chassis architecture, 5-speed automatic transmission, steering rack, and more. Its German engineering mixed with North American brawn makes for a highly refined, yet brutally quick sports sedan in 300C trim, attributes that should transfer over to the new Charger as easily as they have to the superb Dodge Magnum sport wagon.

Whether or not the sales success of the new LX cars will transfer to wins at the track is impossible to speculate, but there's a lot riding on the automaker doing well

There's a lot riding on Dodge's success on the track, and only time will tell if the Charger can put Mopar in the winners circle on a regular basis. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

on the series' many ovals and few road courses. GM, Ford and soon some Asian competitors will be duking it out at high speed, and seeing victories goes a long way to developing brand loyalties, despite the race cars having little in common with anything that will ever be allowed on city streets.

In the end, however, whether the Charger sees the checkered flag first or last on race day most likely won't make a great deal of difference on how well it performs in the showroom, as it seems destined for sales success due to bold styling, expected top-tier driving dynamics, available HEMI power, and an assuredly competitive price point. But a four-door Charger? That's going to be a hard pill to swallow for some Mopar fans.