2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 and Charger Police Edition Preview

When Dodge launched the all-new Charger at the North American International Auto Show this year, the reception from the public was only luke warm. Plenty of people loved the design of the car, but an equal number felt that this contemporary sedan wasn't worthy of the haloed Charger name. With the release of the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8, those naysayers have effectively been told to shut up. It's true that nobody at Dodge's press conference actually used those words, or any that could actually be interpreted in that way. But, if the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 could speak, we're pretty sure that "shut up" is the FCC-approved version of what it would say. Carried over from the regular Charger are all of the exterior design cues, meaning that the furrowed-brow headlights remain and, unfortunately, so does the rear end that looks like it was peeled off of an old Dodge Intrepid. But the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) team has attacked every angle of the Charger, adding a sizeable hood scoop, a revised front fascia with added air vents and a honeycomb insert in the lower airdam, stylish five-spoke alloys, a rear decklid spoiler, and a revised rear fascia that includes a lower diffuser. Inside are sport buckets with suede inserts and fake carbon fiber trim accents for the dashboard. Of course, Dodge does its best work behind the scenes, and that's where the 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter Hemi comes into play, backed up by larger brakes and a retuned and lowered suspension. For those who openly question the new Charger's worthiness, the intimidating scowl of the SRT-8 may have you quickly recanting any unflattering statements you might have mistakenly made. At the very least, you'll afford it plenty of breathing room when encountering it on the highway. But, if you just can't give it up for the Dodge Charger SRT-8, you really won't have any choice when encountering the other version of the Charger that was unveiled at the 2005 New York International Auto Show - the 2006 Dodge Charger Police Vehicle that can be outfitted with, you guessed it, a 5.7-liter Hemi. Now law enforcement can get in on the fun, too.

Neither pricing nor production numbers have been released for the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8. Sales will start during the last few months of 2005.

What it is

In an effort to keep momentum moving, DaimlerChrysler unveiled two new SRT-badged vehicles at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The first was the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, and the second was the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8. As with the Jeep (and the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 and the Dodge Magnum SRT-8), the Charger SRT-8 is powered by the new 6.1-liter Hemi V8 motor, and should offer impressive handling and stability due to its beefier brakes and SRT-tuned suspension. The 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is basically a Chrysler 300C SRT-8 wearing Dodge attire.

Why it matters

Out of what is considered the domestic Big 3, DaimlerChrysler (DC) is effectively finding shoppers' "buy" button and is aggressively milking this appeal for all it's worth. Products like the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 are meant to keep the wave rolling. DC's formula has been to release new vehicles with distinctive styling, and more often than not, the option of a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The follow-up punch has come in the form of an SRT badge and usually a brute of an engine, the 6.1-liter Hemi. DC has discovered that, at least right now, buyers want performance and individuality, both of which the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 can deliver.

When you can buy it

Consumers interested in checking out a 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 should see them arriving on dealers' lots during the last few months of 2005.

How much it costs

Pricing has not been released for the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8, though Dodge executives promise that when the vehicle goes on sale later this year it will represent a tremendous performance value.

How quick it is

Powering the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is a 6.1-liter, Hemi V8 that produces 425 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. Premium fuel is recommended. Mated to the cast iron block is a five-speed automatic transmission that includes the Autostick manual shift feature. Collectively, this powertrain propels the Charger SRT-8 from 0-60 mph in about five seconds, and from 0-100-0 mph in about 16 seconds. Obviously, with that kind of potential for speed, brakes and stability are very important. To address stopping concerns, the SRT team has bolted on 360-mm vented discs up front and 350-mm vented discs out back. Also aiding the effort are antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and electronic brake assistance. Slowing the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 from 60-0 mph takes only 110 feet. Suspension enhancements include unique spring rates, special suspension bushings and larger stabilizer bars.

What it looks like

Every auto show has at least a few underlying themes, and the 2005 New York International Auto Show is no exception. More than a few of the vehicles we've seen look like automotive versions of NFL linemen - they're big, they're powerful - you really don't wanna mess with 'em. That should be expected, considering how so many consumers are clamoring for horsepower. But, they also want a car that looks powerful, and the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 delivers (aside from the wimpy tail end). Thanks to the SRT suspension, the ride height has been lowered by half of an inch. Residing over the Hemi is a functional hood scoop, and the front fascia includes additional air outlets for cooling the front brakes. Connecting the Charger SRT-8 to the road are 20-inch Goodyear tires that wrap five-spoke alloy wheels, and the rear end has been altered a bit with the addition of a decklid spoiler and a lower diffuser.

What it does best

Dodge's 2006 Charger SRT-8 is a hot rod family car in a way that the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 can't be. Sure, they are more or less the same car underneath, but Chrysler is a premium brand, and the 300 is more suitable for the suits in your office who are looking for a refined image and lots of power. The Chrysler 300C SRT-8 tells you they've climbed a few rungs on the ladder, but still want to know they can let the tail hang out once in awhile. The Charger SRT-8, on the other hand, suggests that you want all of the power now while you continue plugging away at that upward climb. Or, better yet, to hell with climbing - you want a car that will make them gawk at NASCAR events, cause dogs to curl their tails between their legs in fear, and make you the talk of the workplace on Monday morning.

Police Vehicle

Twenty years have elapsed since Dodge has been in the police cruiser game. Occasionally, the odd Intrepid can be seen outfitted in the livery of state or local law enforcement, but not since Dodge retired the creaky old Diplomat in the early 1980s have thousands of cop cars worn a gunsight grille.That changes with the 2006 Dodge Charger Police Edition. Company engineers consulted officers from around the country when developing this new pursuit vehicle and, in fact, the police version has been part of the Charger plan since the vehicle's inception. What may be most appealing about the Charger Police Vehicle are its rear-wheel-drive platform and its spacious interior. Many of the heavy-duty components found on the new Charger SRT-8 are shared with the Police Vehicle. Also on the Police unit is an upgraded electrical system that will accommodate all of the officers' equipment, and the standard 3.5-liter V6 (ha-ha, puh-leeze!) can be upgraded to a 340-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 Hemi that twists out 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Front seats are cloth, while the rear bench is vinyl; 18-inch steel wheels wear V-rated tires; the shifter for the automatic transmission has been moved to the column to allow room for gear in the center console; and police equipment mounting brackets and an interface module are standard. Interestingly, the 6.1-liter Hemi is not available in the Police Vehicle, but is standard fare on the Dodge Charger SRT-8 that it may someday be pursuing…

What we think

DaimlerChrysler continues to reap the benefits of its success with the Chrysler 300, and the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 won't detract from that. For the most part, this SRT-8 has attractive styling and definitely has the motor and underpinnings required of a true performance sedan. Our only concern is that the company may be drinking from the SRT spigot too frequently. SRT products are successful not only because of their performance, but also because of their exclusivity, and with the release of each new SRT vehicle that exclusivity becomes further diminished. It seems to us that there is enough distinction between the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 and the Dodge Charger SRT-8, for example, but it's a very fine line that wouldn't take much to blur and cause consumers looking for something special to take their business elsewhere.

Photos by Erik Hanson