PROS
Ample acceleration, Good passenger and cargo space, Sure-fire collectible
CONSLackluster fuel economy, Poor outward visibility, Small trunk opening
Show and Go
Dodge revived a storied nameplate from the Sixties when it re-introduced Charger as a sedan companion to the Dodge Magnum wagon. Both the Charger and Magnum share chassis and engines with the Chrysler 300. Charger is available only with rear-wheel drive, where the 300 and Magnum are available with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
All Charger models seat five and are available in one of three trim levels. The base SE comes with a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Step-up is the R/T. It comes with Chrysler Corporation's 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which features cylinder deactivation that's designed to improve fuel economy. Depending on trim package the 5.7 makes 340 or 350 horsepower. At the top of the line is the limited-edition SRT8 with a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V8. Regardless of engine all Chargers have 5-speed automatic transmissions.
Vehicle Tested |
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 Base Price: $35,320 As-Tested Price: $43,505 Built in Canada.OptionsSRT Option Group 1 SRT Option Group 2 SRT Option Group 3 Supplemental Side Airbags Power Sunroof Gas-Guzzler Tax ($2100)
Engine: OHV 6.1-liter V8 Transmission: 5-speed automatic Drive Wheels: rear-wheel drive |
Antilock brakes and traction/stability control are optional on SE and standard on others. Optional on all are front side airbags and curtain airbags. Split-folding rear seats are standard on all but SE. Stand-alone options include power-adjustable pedals, navigation system, satellite radio, and a Bluetooth wireless cell-phone link.SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology and is a tag that's applied to only the fastest and best-handling products in the Chrysler Corporation lineup. Special equipment on the Charger SRT8 includes Brembo brakes, performance-tuned suspension, leather/suede upholstery, power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, and 245/45ZR20 front and 255/45ZR/20 rear tires.
Get up and Go
No doubt about it, Charger SRT8 is fast. How fast? Dodge claims the SRT8 will race from 0-60 mph in just about 5 seconds. After a few minutes behind the wheel, there's no reason to doubt that number.
The 6.1-liter V8 has ample power for any situation and will easily spin the rear wheels at any speed under 20 mph--as long as the traction control is turned off. In addition the V8 sports a lumpy idle and growling exhaust note that's fitting of a car with Charger's heritage.
As impressive as the SRT8's initial acceleration is its highway passing response. Two-lane passing response from 50 to 70 mph is simply mind blowing and harkens back to the days of 400+ cubic-inch V8s from the late Sixties. Simply stomp on the gas pedal and away you go.Big displacement and high horsepower don't normally translate to good fuel economy and the Charger SRT8 is no exception. Though the quick-reacting 5-speed automatic is constantly shifting to the most fuel-efficient gear, EPA estimates for Charger SRT8 are 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. In addition, Dodge says the 6.1-liter V6 requires expensive premium-grade fuel.
On the Road
When Chrysler Corporation's SRT team enhances a vehicle, it doesn't just focus on acceleration. According to Dan Knott, Director of Street and Racing Technology, "The SRT approach is multi-dimensional. For example, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 incorporates Brembo-brand brakes to stop as well as it accelerates."
Starting with the basic rear-drive chassis found under the Dodge Charger R/T, SRT engineers included specially tuned dampers, custom spring rates, firmer suspension bushings, and thicker anti-sway bars in the SRT8. Behind each of the 5-spoke 20-inch wheels sits a 4-piston Brembo caliper and vented rotor. To help high-speed stability, ride height was lowered one-half inch.
All of these enhancements create a vehicle that's fun, but not punishing, to drive. The steering has a nice heft without being overly heavy at parking speeds. The brakes have ample stopping power and seem completely resistant to any fade even in repeated hard stops. And, the suspension and tires provide a fantastic blend of road holding and ride compliance while staying perfectly matched to the car's 4100 curb weight.
When driven hard, the SRT8's front tires lose grip first--classic understeer--but that can easily be balanced with a slight application of throttle. Too much gas will result in dramatic oversteer, but that's half the fun--as long as it is intended oversteer.
It should be noted that the standard three-season tires are non intended for use on snow or in cold climates, where the tire's rubber compound becomes overly hard and provides less traction. Dodge offers all-season tires as an option.
Behind the WheelCharger's primary mission is to be an large, American-stlpe family sedan. That means it offers room for four large adults, five in a pinch--though an especially intrusive driveline hump eliminates leg room for the rear-seat middle passenger. There's head room front and rear--though taller folks will want to forget about the optional sunroof, which eats into headroom. Seats are comfortable first, supportive second. SRT8's seats are more formfitting than most and, due to the suede inserts, plenty grippy in the twistys.
Road noise and the exhaust note can grow intrusive at times. However, highway cruising is pleasently subdued and on par with other vehicles in this class. Materials and fit and finish are are about what you'd expect for the price, though there's more hard-plastic surfaces than in some competitors.
Most controls are conveniently placed and clearly marked. Though audio system operation is complicated because it shares many controls with the optional navigation system. Also, activating the Bluetooth phone link requires a long reach to the rearview mirror. Taller drivers may object to the low roofline and thick pillars which block outward visibility. Charger's interior is not as claustrophobic as a Hummer H3 or Toyota FJ Cruiser, but it's certainly going to cause concern for more than a few owners.
Interior storage and trunk space are on par for the class. The trunk has expensive-looking articulated hinges that don't intrude on cargo space and all models but the SE have split-folding rear seats. However, the trunk opening is small, which makes it difficult to load bulky objects or more than two large suitcases.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results, 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 |
Front Impact, Driver | 5 stars |
Front Impact, Passenger | 5 stars |
Side Impact, Driver | 4 stars |
Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 stars |
Rollover Resistance | 4 stars |
Bottom LineBeneath Charger SRT8's aggressive exterior and throbbing V8 lives a practical family sedan. That's a good thing for closet speed freaks because it makes this car a lot easier to justify than, say, a Dodge Viper SRT10.
The folks at Street and Racing Technologies have done a masterful job of making the Charger SRT8 fast, reasonably affordable, and fun to drive without making it unbearable to live with on a daily basis. Yes, the ride is firmer than one might expect, but it never grows harsh. Yes, the exhaust note is throaty, but it seems perfectly in tune with the car's performance.
You might be getting the picture that the Charger SRT8 is a great balance of performance, comfort, and room. What's more impressive than this car's balance, it the bottom line. With a base price just a tick over $35,000, the SRT8 is a great value for the enthusiast driver. It's hard to find V8 power, go fast goodies, room for four, and refinement for anything south of $40,000 these days.