  What's New for the 2006 Dodge Charger?
Old name, new car. The Charger nameplate dates back more than 30 years and, if one applies selective memory loss to some unloved Charger-badged cars from the late '70s and '80s, represents muscle-car era performance. In most regards, the new Charger does live up to the name. It's based on the same platform used for the Dodge Magnum wagon, which is itself based on the Chrysler 300 sedan. Like these two cars, the Charger is rear-drive, has four doors and seats five. Ah, but weren't the old Chargers two-door coupes? Erm, well, yes. In an attempt to keep the heritage intact, Dodge has styled the new car to look more like a coupe. At introduction, there are three trim levels available: SE, SXT and R/T. The SE and SXT come standard with a 250-horsepower V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The SE and SXT have a similar features list, as well, which includes 17-inch wheels, antilock brakes, stability control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, cruise control and a CD player. Above this, the SXT has alloy wheels, an upgraded audio system, a power driver's seat and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. For the R/T, Dodge replaces the V6 with a "Hemi" 5.7-liter V8 that makes 340 hp and 375 lb.-ft. of torque. The R/T also gains 18-inch wheels, heated outside mirrors, leather seats and a Boston Acoustics audio system. There's also a reasonably impressive options list for the Charger. Depending on what trim, buyers can add heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, a sunroof, a DVD-based navigation system, a rear seat video entertainment system, dual-zone climate control and a six-disc CD player with MP3 capability. If the R/T isn't enough for you, consider that Dodge will introduce two extra performance-oriented trim levels later in the year. The first is Daytona R/T, which takes the R/T trim and adds a bit more power to the V8, a firmer suspension tune, quicker steering, wider tires and thicker bolstering for the front seats. Even faster will be the Charger SRT-8. This version packs a 425-hp V8, supporting mechanical upgrades and a hood scoop. According to Dodge, the Charger SRT-8 will do zero-to-60 mph in about five seconds. Advantages of the 2006 Dodge Charger:
- Fast acceleration from V8-powered models
- Comfortable front seating
- Reasonably well equipped as standard and plenty of available options
Objections to the 2006 Dodge Charger: - Four doors but limited headroom for rear passengers
- Large size and high curb weight blunts handling
- No manual transmission available
Editor's Advice:
Hard-core Dodge fans will likely lament that this latest car isn't a real Charger because it's a sedan. Maybe. So issue one demerit to Dodge's marketing wonks for unimaginative naming. But to dismiss the car outright would be a mistake. The Charger shares many positive attributes with its sibling, the Magnum. It's comfortable, has plenty of features and offers a high level of performance for not a whole lot of money. Our main concern is the Charger's size and heft, both of which prevent the car from being as nimble as sports sedans like the Subaru WRX or true sport coupes like the Ford Mustang and Pontiac GTO.
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