2006-12-12 06:24:16Mike O’Lee
DODGE Charger
We were excited when Dodge invited us to North Carolina’s Virginia International Raceway to test drive the new Charger. Although it’s a sister car to the critically acclaimed Chrysler 300, and they both shared their DNA with the Mercedes’ previous generation E class, but they don’t look quite alike. The Chrysler 300 looks smart and sophisticated while the Charger looks mean and strong.
The new Charger with its aggressive front leaning headlights, huge wheel arches wrapped around the large 18” wheels, and slightly upward curving rear end, has a perfect rear wheel drive muscle car lay out. Dual tone silver and black interior color scheme is cool and business like. Driver is greeted by highly bolstered sport bucket seat, leather wrapped four spoke steering wheel, and white faced analog gauges.
Dodge provided 6 Chargers for the press to test drive at the track. The most popular one was the Daytona R/T Performance group in the eye catching “Go! Man Go!” color scheme. Performance Group has race tuned intake and exhaust system that bumped the horsepower from the standard 340 HP to 350 HP. Torque remained at the astounding 390 lb-ft.
Flying through the tough Virginia International Raceway’s road course, with its tightly wound hairpins, and elevation changing sharp turns, we grew to appreciate this new Charger’s ability. Although it is a big car with four doors; but it behaves nimble and predictable through the road course. With the help of the big Hemi V8, we have power slide on demand.
The new Charger is also affordable. Starting at only $22,995 for a base 3.5 LV6 with 5 speed automatic transmission, a well equipped Hemi V8 R/T costs only $29,995. Imaging, a 340 HP, rear wheel drive sedan for under $30,000! For performance fans, the factory tuned Daytona R/T Performance Group only costs $32,495.
Charger is back!
The new Charger with its aggressive front leaning headlights, huge wheel arches wrapped around the large 18” wheels, and slightly upward curving rear end, has a perfect rear wheel drive muscle car lay out. Dual tone silver and black interior color scheme is cool and business like. Driver is greeted by highly bolstered sport bucket seat, leather wrapped four spoke steering wheel, and white faced analog gauges.
Dodge provided 6 Chargers for the press to test drive at the track. The most popular one was the Daytona R/T Performance group in the eye catching “Go! Man Go!” color scheme. Performance Group has race tuned intake and exhaust system that bumped the horsepower from the standard 340 HP to 350 HP. Torque remained at the astounding 390 lb-ft.
Flying through the tough Virginia International Raceway’s road course, with its tightly wound hairpins, and elevation changing sharp turns, we grew to appreciate this new Charger’s ability. Although it is a big car with four doors; but it behaves nimble and predictable through the road course. With the help of the big Hemi V8, we have power slide on demand.
The new Charger is also affordable. Starting at only $22,995 for a base 3.5 LV6 with 5 speed automatic transmission, a well equipped Hemi V8 R/T costs only $29,995. Imaging, a 340 HP, rear wheel drive sedan for under $30,000! For performance fans, the factory tuned Daytona R/T Performance Group only costs $32,495.
Charger is back!