Download Print Press Kit: 2006 Dodge Charger Launch All-new 2006 Dodge Charger — Out of the Past and Into the Future Auburn Hills, Mich. May 8, 2005 - Modern coupe styling with four-door functionality muscles its way back to streets and racetracks in 2005 Rear-wheel-drive and modern technologies create a new Charger for the 21st century Of course, it’s got a HEMI®! The Dodge Charger — one of the biggest, well-known names from the muscle car era — has powered its way back to streets and racetracks across America, paying homage to the muscle cars of the ’60s, and adding 21st century performance and functionality. Available with a 250 horsepower High Output V-6 engine or the legendary 340 horsepower HEMI® V-8 engine, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger races into the car market with contemporary, provocative styling and substance with all the convenience of a modern sedan. “With proven rear-wheel-drive technologies and the legendary HEMI engine, we are able to produce a modern muscle car with everyday functionality,” said Craig Love, Vice President – Rear-wheel Drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. “The all-new Dodge Charger offers the perfect blend of performance, safety and flexibility that today’s market demands.” American Car Icon With powerful world-class hardware and software beneath the Charger’s skin, Dodge designers sculpted a car that celebrates all that is good about American cars in a thoroughly modern way. The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger has a long character line that defines the front corners, runs back to the rear door and makes way for a huge rear fender that gives notice that the car is rear-wheel-drive powered. The profile of the Dodge Charger’s roofline and the sloping fastback style suggest both a coupe-like appearance and a sense of speed. The front end is strong, with a sinister sneer to it. “The new Dodge Charger is all about celebrating the American muscle car and going places in something special,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “Dodge Charger makes a statement about the owner’s zeal for life and for beautiful things.” With the longest wheelbase in its class, the Dodge Charger offers a spacious and refined interior and a no-nonsense driver cockpit. It is ergonomically sound and provides world-class attention to fit and finish. The Charger’s seating position is more than two inches higher than the previous generation Dodge sedan and offers a comfortable command-of-the-road view for both driver and passenger. New Option in Passenger Car Market Pulling into the newest spot in the Dodge garage, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger offers a bold, powerful and exciting choice in the passenger car market. The Charger features comfortable room for five adults and enough trunk space to meet the demands of their active, modern lifestyles. And make room in that garage for more than one. The 2006 Dodge Charger is offered in several versions designed specifically for all levels and desires of modern muscle-car enthusiasts. The Dodge Charger SE, SXT, R/T, R/T with Road/Track Performance Group and the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T are all available in the first year of production. All these options add even more Dodge muscle to mainstream America. “Charger brings performance and attitude to the car side that America expects from Dodge — big, bold and expressive,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President – Dodge Marketing. Dodge Charger features the clever use of interior space that has become a trademark of the Dodge brand and adds the convenience of four doors. The Charger features an exciting, modern and unique design, both inside and out, that stands out from the crowd. “Similar to HEMI, the Charger name is powerful and draws from the Dodge brand’s proud performance heritage,” said Jackson. “We have a tremendous amount of equity and name recognition for both of these entities. Combined, today’s all-new Dodge Charger and HEMI engine effectively mark the return of modern American muscle.” Unique Suspension Characteristics to Match Dodge Charger’s Personality The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger features outstanding rear-wheel-drive performance and handling, near 50/50 weight distribution and unique suspension offerings that provide just the right level of driving characteristics for all Charger customers. A Road/Track Performance Group option is available on Dodge Charger’s R/T models and is tuned specifically for firm steering and handling to provide a glued-to-the-road feeling best suited for the most passionate driving enthusiast. In addition to firm steering and handling, the package offers wider 18-inch performance tires, 9-land performance steering gear and Nivomat™ self-leveling shock absorbers. The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T comes standard with these suspension components in addition to other performance-specific elements. The standard suspension offered on the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T model includes 18-inch touring tires and wheels and specially tuned dampers for added performance and spirited driving. Seventeen-inch tires and a firm suspension tuned to match the Dodge Charger’s personality are standard on the Charger SE and Charger SXT. This tuning offers athletic and nimble steering and handling characteristics. Modern Muscle-car Power The 2006 Dodge Charger R/T features Chrysler Group’s modern 340 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine, which provides 390 lb.-ft. of torque. The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on the Dodge Charger’s HEMI engine seamlessly deactivates four cylinders in just 40 milliseconds — quicker than the blink of an eye — when full V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy by as much as 20 percent. The HEMI engine, mated to a fully automatic five-speed transmission with advanced AutoStick®, offers Dodge Charger R/T customers the legendary HEMI power they want with fuel economy they will appreciate. The 2006 Dodge Charger SE and SXT feature Chrysler Group’s 3.5-liter High Output V-6 engine that provides 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, offering an outstanding blend of performance and fuel economy. The five-speed transmission with AutoStick, which gives the driver a choice of a fully automatic or manually selected gear range, is mated to this engine. Advanced Technologies Provide Outstanding Ride, Handling and Safety All models in the 2006 Dodge Charger lineup are equipped with standard world-class ride and handling features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and All-speed Traction Control System (TCS). The Dodge Charger’s standard ESP is designed to electronically detect and assist in critical driving situations. It automatically enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability in adverse driving conditions. ESP constantly compares the driver’s intended path with the vehicle’s actual path and compensates for any differences. The Charger’s ABS keeps the car straight and retains steering capability when braking on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel lock-up. All-speed TCS enhances mobility and prevents wheel slip when accelerating on slippery surfaces. Combined, ESP with Brake Assist, ABS and All-speed TCS improve the Dodge Charger’s traction, maneuverability and stability in all weather and surface conditions. “Modern technologies allow us to bring a 21st century muscle car to market with all the enhanced ride and handling characteristics inherent in rear-wheel drive,” said Love. “This new Dodge Charger rides securely on the road, stays planted through corners and stops with assurance.” All-new 2006 Dodge Charger Standard Features Dodge Charger SE 3.5-liter High Output 250 hp V-6 Engine 5-speed fully automatic transmission with AutoStick 17-inch tires and steel wheels with bolt-on covers 18-gallon fuel tank Accessory power delay Advanced multi-stage front air bag system with Occupant Classification System (OCS) Air conditioning All-speed Traction Control System (TCS) AM/FM/CD radio system with auxiliary audio input jack and four speakers Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Bodyside moldings Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH) Driver and passenger lumbar support seating Electric rear window defroster Electroluminescent cluster technology Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Brake Assist Enhanced battery saver Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) Manual-tilt and telescoping-steering column Outside temperature display Power door locks with driver selectable “rolling” automatic locking Power mirrors Power trunk lid release Power windows (driver one-touch-down) and locks Remote keyless/illuminated entry Seat BeltAlert Sentry Key® engine immobilizer — theft deterrent system Speed control with instrument panel indicator light Dodge Charger SXT Package Adds the following standard features: 17-inch tires and machined-face aluminum wheels 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat Boston Acoustics speakers (six) with 276-watt digital amplifier Cargo net Chrome grille surround with bright grille crosshairs Fog lamps Illuminated visor mirrors Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob Power mirrors (body color) Dodge Charger R/T Adds the following standard features: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with MDS and enhanced AutoStick 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and all-season touring tires 19-gallon fuel tank Bright silver lower steering wheel spokes Center console cupholder door with bright accent Dual-exhaust pipes Heated fold-away mirrors Leather seats Performance Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with All-speed Traction Control System (TCS) Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Package The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T package is available in limited numbers on the Charger R/T model. In addition to the standard features available on the Dodge Charger R/T, the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model adds/replaces the following standard equipment: “Daytona Limited Edition” display on the electronic cluster (when equipped) 18-inch polished aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets 8-way power passenger seat Automatic temperature control Black honeycomb grille Black rear decklid spoiler Body-color accent stitching on leather-wrapped steering wheel Body-color accent stitching on the front and rear seats Body-color center stack and shifter bezels Exclusive front fascia with a chin spoiler HEMI-orange engine cover Large, bright, dual-exhaust tips Load leveling and height control shock absorbers (Nivomat) P235/55 R18 all-season performance tire Performance 9-land steering gear Performance heated front seats with perforated suede inserts and embroidered “Daytona” logos on front headrests Performance suspension Power adjustable pedals Sequentially numbered limited-edition Daytona badge on the instrument panel Signature red and black heritage R/T badging Special exterior paint colors — “Go ManGo!” and “Top Banana” Unique black “Daytona” and “HEMI” decals Unique high-performance exhaust system with distinctive throaty exhaust note Optional features available on the 2006 Dodge Charger models include: (not available on all models) Road/Track Performance Group (includes a uniquely tuned HEMI engine that provides an additional 10 horsepower for 350 total hp) 18-inch polished aluminum wheels 6-way power adjustable passenger seat 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat Air filtration system AM/FM/6-CD radio with MP3 capability and DVD-based Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation AM/FM/Cassette/6-CD radio with MP3 capability Automatic temperature control, dual-zone with infrared sensing Boston Acoustics sound system with six speakers plus sub-woofer and 322-watt digital amplifier Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with steering wheel audio controls Heated driver and front passenger seats HomeLink® universal garage door opener Power adjustable pedals Power sun roof with express open and close Rear-seat DVD Video Entertainment System (VES™) with 7-inch screen integrated into center console Self-sealing tires with four-year road hazard warranty SIRIUS Satellite Radio with one-year subscription Steering wheel and column-mounted controls UConnect™ hands-free communication system Dodge Charger SRT8 The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 builds on the Dodge formula. It starts with a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI engine and continues with a powerful dose of renowned Street and Racing Technology performance. The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 provides exactly what performance enthusiasts want in their American muscle sedan: more power, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking, functional and aggressive-looking exterior enhancements and a race-inspired interior. 2006 Dodge Charger Production Production of the 2006 Dodge Charger began this spring at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada with availability in North American markets in early summer, 2005. The Dodge Charger joins the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 vehicles, which also are built there. The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T package will be available in the summer of 2005, and the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 will be available later in the fall. The Dodge Charger will be available in select Latin American and Middle Eastern markets in late 2005. Yeah, It’s Got a HEMI! Across the entire Chrysler Group product portfolio, the total HEMI engine take-rate is approximately 45 percent on vehicles offering the engine. More than 500,000 HEMI-equipped Chrysler Group vehicles have been sold since the new HEMI engine was introduced for the 2003 model year. Other products currently available with the HEMI engine include: Dodge Ram Pickup, Dodge Durango, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300 and Jeep® Grand Cherokee.