Dodge Charger

2011 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is an American automobile manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler. First used on a show car in 1964, there have been several different production vehicles, built on three different platforms and sizes, all bearing the Charger nameplate. Sometimes associated with a performance model in the Dodge range; the Charger nameplate has also adorned subcompact hatchbacks, full-sized sedans, and personal luxury coupes.

Charger models

The three main iterations of Dodge Chargers were a mid-sized (B-body) two-door car from 1966 to 1978, a subcompact (L-body) car from 1983 to 1987, and the (LX and LD) full-sized platform four-door sedans built since 2006.

The name was also carried by a 1999 concept car that differed substantially from the Charger eventually placed into production for the 2006 model year. A similar name, the Ramcharger, was used for the truck-based vehicle.

The name Charger was also used in Brazil as performance model based on the Dart (A-Body) between 1970 and 1980.

Model years of Chargers

• 1964 Dodge Charger (concept): a roadster-style show car based on the Dodge Polara
• 1965 Dodge Charger 273: a limited production option package for the Dart GT
• 1966–1978 Dodge Charger (B-body): a rear wheel drive coupe
• 1970–1980 Dodge Charger: Brazilian version based on the Dodge Dart, with a higher-compression 318 V8 engine
• 1983–1987 Dodge Charger (L-body): a front wheel drive subcompact hatchback
• 1999 Dodge Charger (concept): a rear wheel drive concept car
• 2006–present: Dodge Charger (LX): several model and trim versions of a rear wheel drive four-door sedan

First generation: 1966–1967

1966 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger was introduced in the fall of 1965. The new Charger was a two-door fastback version Coronet built on Chrysler B platform. The base engine was a 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 with a three-speed floor shifter. Larger and more powerful engines were also available. Sales were low.

Second generation: 1968–1970

1969 Dodge Charger

The Charger was redesigned for 1968, and sales increased. Based on the Chrysler B platform, the model years received various cosmetic changes to the exterior and interior including: an undivided grill, rounded tail lights, and hidden headlights. The powertrains were the same as the ones used in the 1967 Charger. The model was not successful in stock car racing such as NASCAR. A more aerodynamic shape formed the Charger 500 model that became the basis for the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona.

Third generation: 1971–1974

1971 Dodge Charger

The third generation Charger was introduced for the 1971 model year. Chrysler's B platform was modified to meet new emissions and safety regulations. Available in six different packages with cosmetic changes that include: a split grill, semi fastback rear window, and a ducktail spoiler. The 1973 and 1974 Chargers were very similar to the 1971 with minor differences in the grill and headlamps. The increase in sales was mostly due to the elimination of the Dodge Coronet, which meant Dodge offered the two-door intermediate-size body style only as the Charger.

Fourth generation: 1975–1977

1975 Dodge Charger

The 1975 model year Charger was a badge engineered version of the Chrysler Cordoba coupe with a different grille and other small changes. Still using Chrysler's B platform, the new Charger was Dodge's attempt at moving the model into the growing personal luxury car market segment, and as consumer demand increased for smaller-sized vehicles after the 1973 oil crisis.

Fifth generation: 1982–1987

1987 Dodge Charger "Shelby Edition"

The Charger returned in 1982 as a subcompact hatchback coupe with front-wheel-drive, and a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. This economy-type model was similar to the Dodge Omni 024, but with a slightly larger engine. The Charger was available with the NA 2.2l SOHC or a turbocharged 2.2l SOHC engine. Both engines could be specified with either transmission. A Shelby Charger was offered starting in 1983, with a turbo version available in 1984 producing 148 horsepower (110 kW) at 5600 rpm and 160 pound-feet (220 N·m) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine was not intercooled and used a small t3 Garrett turbo. In 1985, the electronics were updated but power output was the same. In 1986, the electronics were further updated.

Sixth generation: 2006–2010

2006 Dodge Charger

After 19 years, Dodge reintroduced the Charger in 2006 in a new form. This generation is available only as a four-door sedan with a 5 speed automatic transmission. For 2006, the Dodge Charger is available in SE, SXT, R/T, R/T with Road/Track Performance Group, and Daytona R/T versions.

The Charger SE has the V-6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with "AutoStick" manual shifting feature, 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, all-speed traction control, as well as ABS and electronic stability control, a CD player, tilt and telescoping steering column, power locks/mirrors/windows, and remote keyless entry.

The Charger SXT (3.5L V6) adds machined-face aluminum wheels, a 60/40-split folding rear seat with center armrest, eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, a 276-watt Boston Acoustics audio system, cargo net, chrome grille surround, fog lamps, power mirrors, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Charger R/T features the 5.7L Hemi V8 with a multiple-displacement system that allows it to save fuel by running on only four cylinders when cruising. It also comes with 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual exhaust pipes, heated mirrors, leather seats, and what Dodge calls a performance braking system.

The Charger Daytona R/T with a 6.1L Hemi adds an eight-way power front passenger seat, automatic climate control, special grille and rear spoiler, body-color interior trim, special front fascia and engine cover, larger exhaust tips, performance steering gear, heated front seats with perforated suede inserts, power-adjustable pedals, and special colors and exterior trim. Optional features include a Road/Track package with 10 additional horsepower from the Hemi engine, GPS navigation system, 322-watt audio system, sunroof, and rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Seventh generation: 2011-present

2011 Dodge Charger

The Charger was redesigned for the 2011 model year, and still using the Chrysler LX platform. The taillights harken back to the 1968-70 Charger and the design was intended to be reminiscent of the Chargers of the 1960s and 70s. This generation is available with all wheel drive. In 2013 the Charger is available with the 3.6 pentstar v6 and an 8 speed automatic which, in combination, allow the charger to get 31 mpg hwy.

Other models

• Dodge Charger Daytona – the name given to three different modified Dodge Chargers built on the B-body and LX platforms.
• Super Bee
• Shelby Charger

See also

• 1971–1976 Chrysler Valiant Charger – short wheelbase Valiant coupe produced by Chrysler Australia
• The General Lee – Dodge Charger used in the television series The Dukes of Hazzard

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dodge Charger.

• A history of the pre-2000s Dodge Charger
• A history of Dodge Chargers by Edmunds.com

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