Dodge Charger (LX)

History

The first Charger was a 1964 show car, based on the Dodge Polara and fitted with a 426 Wedge V8 engine. The first production Charger, based on the Dodge Coronet, was introduced as a 1966 model. There were several different vehicles bearing the Charger nameplate built on three different platforms and sizes, all bearing the Charger nameplate. Although the name is associated with the late-1960s performance model in the Dodge range, it was also used on personal luxury coupes during the late-1970s and on front-wheel drive subcompact hatchbacks during the 1980s.

In 1999, Dodge introduced a new Charger R/T concept car. It took many styling cues from the 1960s Chargers, sharing their long nose and rearward cab, but was shorter at 187 in (4,750 mm), compared to 203 in (5,156 mm) for the 1966 Charger. It was also 650 lb (295 kg) lighter. It featured a four-door sedan body design, whereas all the previous production Chargers had two doors.

It was a return to a rear wheel drive platform Dodge had not offered since the Dodge St. Regis which stopped production in 1981. The smaller Dodge Diplomat continued to be a rear wheel drive sedan, until front wheel drive was the only platform offered with the Dodge Monaco of 1990.

First generation (2006–2010)

Both the SXT and R/T models were also available as AWD (All Wheel Drive) starting in 2007. The All-Wheel Drive system is derived from the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC technology. From 2007 to 2008, the AWD system is engaged all the time, routing approximately 60% of the power to the rear wheels and 40% of the power to the front wheels. The 2009 Charger AWD utilized the Torque-on-Demand system manufactured by Borg Warner which disconnects the front axles until extra traction is needed. This results in a slight boost in fuel economy while retaining the same maximum power split to the front wheels.

After three years of production, an update for 2009 models was made. This included moving the decklid's "CHARGER" badge from the left to the right, making way for "DODGE" at the left. Tail lamps were also revised. 2008 models had seen minor revisions to the interior (a new center console and switchgear changes).

Daytona R/T

The 2006 Charger Daytona R/T debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. It featured a high output 350 hp (261 kW) version of the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi as well as an updated suspension and tires. Visual additions included a special front fascia with a chin spoiler and a black rear spoiler. In a retro touch, the Daytona R/T featured black "Hemi" decals on the hood and rear fender and retro high impact colors.

In 2007, larger 20-inch chrome-clad wheels were introduced. In 2008, a revised stripe package was adopted. In 2009, horsepower was increased to 372 hp (277 kW) by the addition of Variable Camshaft Timing.

SRT-8

An SRT-8 version of the Charger debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Powered by a 425 hp (317 kW) version of the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi, it also featured upgraded Brembo brakes, and interior and exterior updates. The engine produces 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque. The 425 net horsepower of the modern 6.1L Hemi makes it even more powerful than the legendary Chrysler Hemi engines of the muscle car era, the biggest of which was rated at 425 gross horsepower. This made the 6.1L Hemi engine the most powerful V8 engine that Chrysler had ever put in a production vehicle up to that point. Its best published sprint from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) has been 4.8 seconds (5.0 average).

Super Bee

A new Super Bee version of the Charger debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show for the 2007 model year. It shared the SRT-8's 425 hp (317 kW) 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi engine, but was available in a special "Detonator Yellow" paint with black decals. It is a limited edition with only 1,000 being produced. A B5 Blue version of the Super Bee was shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in early 2008, also with a limited run of 1,000. A total of 425 Hemi Orange Super Bees were built in 2009. In 2011, it was announced that the Super Bee will be returning as a 2012 model on the redesigned Dodge Charger with the 392 HEMI engine in "Stinger Yellow" and "Pitch Black"

DUB Edition

Created with DUB Magazine, this version is based on the Charger SXT. It includes a body-colour spoiler and fog lamps, 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R20 tires, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 13-speaker PUNCHER surround-sound system, a 322w KICKER amplifier, a 100w KICKER subwoofer, and upgraded brakes from an R/T that use dual piston calipers in the front. Exterior colors are red, black, silver, cool vanilla, and dark titanium.

A total of 2,180 Charger DUB Edition cars were produced for the U.S. market. They carried a MSRP of $30,999.

NASCAR

Racecars based on the Charger were campaigned by several NASCAR Sprint Cup teams starting in 2005 thru to 2012. Although NASCAR stock cars bear only a slight resemblance to actual street cars, Dodge's 2005 and 2006 NASCAR entries were based on the Charger silhouette, replacing the previous Dodge Intrepid. Unlike the Intrepid, the Charger shares rear-wheel drive and a V8 engine with its NASCAR counterparts.

During the 2007 NASCAR season the Charger was used in all non Car of Tomorrow races and the Dodge Avenger was used in all Car of Tomorrow races. The Car of Tomorrow was used exclusively in 2008. However, the Avenger Car of Tomorrow was redesignated as a Charger R/T through the use of different decals. The decals have been revised again for 2011–2012 to reflect the updated nose and tail styling of the production Charger, including the full-width taillight panel.

Though the car was successful in Sprint Cup competition fewer teams were running Dodge's from 2007 and on. This would lead Dodge and Ram abandoning it's NASCAR (Sprint, Nationwide, and Camping World Truck-series) factory support efforts at the end of the 2012 season. For the 2012 NASCAR season, Penske Racing was the only full-time team champaigning Dodges (the #2 and #22 Chargers) in the Sprint Cup, and their #2 Miller Lite Dodge (driven by Brad Kesolowski) won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. Despite winning the Sprint Cup and producing the new 2013 version of the NASCAR Charger, Penske Racing switched to Ford for the 2013 season.

Engines

The Charger SE and SXT are equipped with Chrysler's 3.5 L V6. The 3.5L V6 produces 250 hp (186 kW) and 250 lb·ft (339 N·m) of torque. In Canada, the base model Charger has a 2.7L V6, which produces 178 hp (133 kW) and 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) of torque. In 2006, the 2.7L V6 was also available in the U.S. for fleet sales only. For 2007, the SE package could be had with the 2.7L engine for all buyers. The Canadian SXT model included the 3.5L V6.

The R/T version uses the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8. From 2006 to 2008, this engine produced 340 hp (254 kW) and 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) of torque. For 2009, Variable Camshaft Timing was added, raising power levels to 368 hp (274 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque respectively.

The SRT-8 model comes with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi V8. The 6.1L Hemi produces 425 hp (317 kW) and 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Charger an overall Good score in frontal crash tests. In side impacts Charger models equipped with optional side airbags are given a Marginal score overall, and models without side airbags are given the lowest overall Poor score.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the Charger five stars on passenger, driver, and rear passenger crash test ratings and four stars in regard to side impact rating.

All models come standard with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (except in 2.7L V6 cars where it is optional) with ABS and all speed traction control.

Second generation (2011–present)

The 2011 Charger underwent both exterior and interior changes, taking some styling cues from the 1968–1970 models. It features a completely new body with the most striking changes being the redesigned fascia and hood section, modified "racetrack" vintage-style taillights and a new dashboard. Chrome aluminum wheels became standard equipment over plastic hubcaps. The new 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine replaces the 2.7L V6 Engine as well as the 3.5L High-Output V6 Engine. It is built alongside the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 and 300C.

Engines are available with both the 5-speed and 8-speed automatic transmissions.

2012 update

From 2012 model year the 3.6 L engine is available with an 8-speed automatic that improves fuel economy by 4-mpg on the highway. The 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 produces 292 horsepower (218 kW) and 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) of torque, the 5.7 liter V-8 delivers 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque, and the new 6.4 liter V-8 produces 470 hp (350 kW) and 470 lb·ft (640 N·m). of torque. According to the October 2011 issue of Motor Trend, the Dodge Charger SRT-8, weighing 4,361 lb (1,978 kg), sprints from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, and clears the quarter mile (~400 m) in 12.8 seconds at 110 mph (180 km/h). It is mechanically identical to the Chrysler 300 SRT-8.

Charger SRT8

The Charger SRT8 returns as 2012 model, which was previewed at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. Chrysler began putting the Dodge logo with slanted red rectangles on the grilles of 2012.5 Charger models.

Charger Mopar Designs

In 2011 Dodge introduced the Dodge Charger R/T Mopar Designs Edition. In the Mopar Edition, there are several appearance and performance changes to set it apart from the rest of the production models that year. The Mopar edition came only in the ”Pitch Black“ exterior color with a Mopar blue driver side stripe and a Mopar grille badge instead of an "R/T" badge. The interior is finished in the same black as seen on the outside except for a splash of chrome and carbon fiber dash and center console, along with a carbon fiber pistol grip shifter. The Mopar blue stripe is carried to the interior as a part of the driver's front seat and the left side rear passenger seat. The performance of the Mopar edition Charger is improved with the Super Track Pack, a 3.92 final drive gear ratio, a 3 mode sport suspension, heavy duty brakes, larger stability bars, and a sport tuned steering rack.

Recalls

9,688 2011 and 2012 Dodge Charger police vehicles were recalled for overheated lighting harness connector causing low beams to fail, and an overheated power distribution center could result in a loss of the vehicle's anti-lock braking and stability control systems.

2013 NASCAR Dodge Charger

Penske Racing built two Sprint Cup Series race cars based on the appearance of 2013 Dodge Charger, and the cars were unveiled in Las Vegas Motor Speedway. About the time the car was unveiled, Penske Racing, the sole Dodge team in Sprint Cup announced it was switching to Ford based racecars for the 2013 season. Although the new cars received positive reviews by the Automotive press and in track testing, attempts by Dodge Motorsports to get other teams to switch to the new Charger for 2013 came to naught, and Dodge folded its NASCAR racing efforts.

Dodge Charger Juiced

Dodge Charger Juiced is based on Dodge Charger, with Viper V-10 Mopar (650hp) crate engine, Mopar cold air intake and Mopar cat-back exhaust, Mopar front chin spoiler, Mopar Performance prototype hood (with a functional forward-facing intake), roof in a darker matte version of the custom Metallic "Copperhead" body colour, unique Mopar matte black hood graphics and decklid graphics, body-color split cross hair grille with a Mopar grille badge, Mopar-exclusive 20-inch lightweight wheels trimmed in matte black with an accent "Copperhead" stripe, unique black Katzkin leather seats with touches of "Copperhead" color, "Copperhead" color stitching at the steering wheel, shifter and armrest; a "Copperhead" embroidered on the seatbacks, aluminum instrument panel bezel in matte black, Mopar logo door-sill guards, Mopar logo premium carpet floor mats, Mopar pistol-grip shifter.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 SEMA Show.

2013 Dodge Charger R/T Blacktop

Available for Charger R/T and R/T Plus, it includes a choice of 6 body colours (Pitch Black, Billet Metallic, Granite Crystal, Bright White, Redline Red Tri-coat and Phantom Black Tri-coat), Gloss Black 20-inch aluminum wheels, Gloss Black center caps, Gloss Black front grille, body-color rear spoiler, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Sport Mode, 3.06 rear axle, Beats Audio (10 speakers with subwoofer and 552-Watt amplifier). The Blacktop Package was also available in model years 2012 and 2013 for the Charger V6 model. Horsepower was increased to 300 through the use of cold air intake and less restrictive exhaust systems.

2013 Dodge Charger Daytona

The Charger Daytona a limited (2500 units) version of 2013 Charger R/T and Charger R/T Road & Track with a choice of 4 body colours (Daytona Blue, Bright White, Billet Silver, Pitch Black), dark trim, Satin Black front crosshair grille with heritage "R/T" badge, custom vinyl hood graphic, roof wrap, rear R/T spoiler; "DAYTONA" graphic on the rear quarter panels, exclusive 20-inch five-spoke polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black painted pockets, 'Daytona Blue' engine cover, performance 3.06 rear axle ratio, high-speed engine controller, paddle shifters with sport mode, performance steering and suspension, black heated and ventilated seats with Daytona Blue stitching and piping in cloth (R/T) or Nappa leather and suede (R/T Road & Track) upholstery, blue "DAYTONA" embroidery at the upper front seat backs, unique dark brushed aluminum trim surrounds the 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch screen and gauges on the instrument panel, as well as the trim around the shifter and cup holders on the center console; a Mopar bright pedal kit, a 552-watt 10-speaker Beats Audio System, a special numbered "DAYTONA" badge on the instrument panel that features the build number of that specific Charger Daytona model.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show. US models arrived at Dodge dealerships nationwide in the first quarter of 2013.

2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport

Available for Dodge Charger SXT AWD, SXT Plus AWD, Charger R/T AWD, and R/T Plus AWD, the Charger AWD Sport package includes a unique Gloss Black painted split-crosshair grille and grille surround, 19-inch polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets, all-season performance tires, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, sport mode transmission calibration, rear body-color spoiler, sport seats in black cloth (SXT and R/T) or premium black or red heated Nappa leather (SXT Plus and R/T Plus) upholstery, Beats Audio technology (a 12-channel amplifier integrating Beats proprietary equalizer algorithm, three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel, two 3.5-inch speakers located in the rear doors, two 6 x 9-inch front-door woofers, two 6 x 9-inch speakers and a center-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area), active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system.

The US model arrived at Dodge dealerships nationwide in the first quarter of 2013.

Dodge Charger SRT8 392 Appearance Package

Available for 2013 and 2014 model years, this appearance package is a limited (392 units total) version of Dodge Charger SRT8 with custom-designed gloss black "392 HEMI" fender badges with a charcoal grey metallic insert, center section of power bulge hood painted in Pitch Black, roof painted in Pitch Black, new satin black SRT lower-body side stripe with heavy band and accent tracer stretching from front fascia, through doors to rear fascias; side mirrors painted in Pitch Black, 20-inch split five-spoke Black Vapor Chrome wheels, rear spoiler painted in Pitch Black, choice of 5 body colors (Bright White Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Plum Crazy Pearl Coat, HEMI Orange Pearl Coat and TorRed Clear Coat), '392' engine beauty covers under the hood, exclusive serialized dash plaque showing production build number / 392, expanded adaptive damping suspension with three-mode selectable suspension tuning, standard launch control.

Ordering of US model began at April 2013.

2014 Dodge Charger, Dodge Charger AWD Sport

Changes for 2014 included Uconnect 8.4N with integrated Garmin navigation, 3 new body colors (Header Orange, TorRed, Plum Crazy), and re-introduction of the Blacktop and Rallye Appearance Packages.

The Redline Package is based on 2014 Dodge Charger SXT and SXT Plus models, with 20-inch Black Chrome wheels with a Redline Red lip and inner backbone, all-season performance tires, performance-tuned suspension, sport seats, rear body-color spoiler, exclusive Beats by Dre audio system, eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Sport Mode.

The 20-inch Wheel Sport Appearance Group is based on Charger SXT models, with 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, performance-tuned suspension and all-season tires, and a body-color rear spoiler.

Dodge Charger AWD Sport includes unique Gloss Black split-crosshair grille, polished 19-inch aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets; steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters with sport-mode, rear spoiler, sport seats, 300 horsepower V-6 or 370 horsepower V8 engine, Beats Audio.

The US model was set to appear in Dodge showrooms in fall 2013. Early models include SE, SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Road & Track, R/T Max.

2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit, Charger Pursuit V-8 AWD

The police car version of Dodge Charger was made available with a choice of 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 (292hp) or 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 (370hp) engine, larger 14.5-inch front brake discs, increased front-caliper swept area to 388 sq.in. from 289 sq.in., increased rear-caliper swept area to 296 sq.in. from 291 sq.in., Police-specific Secure Park (prevents idling vehicle from being driven without key fob present in the vehicle), revised rear fascia and exhaust tips, new camber link change to the rear suspension to further enhance high-speed and aggressive braking performance, upgraded fuel pump for added durability, variable-displacement air conditioner compressor for added efficiency, factory-installed Mopar horizontal or vertical vinyl graphics for customer convenience, optional ParkSense rear-park assist.

The Charger Pursuit V-8 AWD model includes segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect (late availability). The Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD became available to law enforcement customers in the Spring of 2014 through Chrysler Group's Fleet Operations.

2014 Dodge Charger Scat Packages, 2013 SEMA concept

Scat Package 1 includes Mopar cold air intake, Mopar cat-back exhaust, Scat Package 1 badge, all-new performance calibrated engine controller "optimized" to the 5.7-liter HEMI engine.

Scat Package 2 adds a customized, optimized performance calibration feature tailored for Scat Package 2, a new Mopar performance camshaft works in conjunction with the components of the Scat Package 1 kit, 'Scat Package 2' badge.

Scat Package 3 adds optimized performance calibration tailored for Scat Package 3, new Mopar performance CNC ported and polished cylinder heads, Mopar performance camshaft, Mopar hi-flow performance headers, Scat Package 3 badge.

The SEMA concept car includes 20 x 9-inch unique lightweight wheels withblack Mopar center caps and a Hyperblack II finish, a side valence, a unique new front splitter and Redline rear spoiler, a Scat Pack hard badge in the rear quarter window, Katzkin black performance leather seats, black leather door panel inserts featuring red leather Dodge stripes and red accent stitching, red seat-belt webbing, red carpet bindings, red embroidered Dodge Charger logo in the front seats, gloss-black steering-wheel spokes, black chrome on the door handles, cluster rings, instrument panel bezels, center console trim, and steering-wheel center ring; added bright pedal kit, pistol-grip shifter, door-sill guards, and a wireless charging pad.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 SEMA Show.

Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition

The 100th Anniversary Edition is a version of 2014 Dodge Charger SXT Plus with Pentastar V-6 engine or R/T Plus with HEMI V-8 engine, commemorating the 100th anniversary of brothers Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge introducing the Dodge Model 30, with choice of 8 body colors (Pitch Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Ivory Tri-Coat, Phantom Black Tri-Coat, Header Orange and an exclusive High Octane Red pearl), 20x8-inch polished five-spoke aluminum wheels, Granite Crystal pockets and a matching Granite Crystal Dodge split-crosshair grille, "Dodge Est. 1914" bar-style front-fender badges, Dodge "100" logo on the center caps, a body-color rear spoiler, a red "R/T" heritage grille badge on R/T Plus model, sport seats with all-new Molten Red or Foundry Black Nappa leather upholstery, a custom cloud overprint at sport seats, center console armrest and door armrests; a unique three-spoke flat-bottom performance steering wheel with die-cast paddle shifters, brass-colored accent stitching on leather-wrapped surfaces, Dark Brushed Graphite center console bezels, Liquid Graphite steering-wheel accents, die-cast "Dodge Est. 1914" circular badges on front seatbacks, an embroidered anniversary logo on floor mats, all-new instrument panel cluster graphics (unique black-face gauges with white indication, stand-out red "100" mph indication), Electronic Vehicle Information Center and Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen with unique startup image, Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen with Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology (10-speakers and a 12-channel 552 watt amplifier that integrates Beats proprietary equalizer algorithm), eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode (SXT Plus), sport mode calibration, performance-tuned suspension, two unique key fobs with 100th Anniversary Edition jeweled logo on the back side, a customized owner's kit, a special commemorative book celebrating the 100 years of Dodge heritage.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 LA Auto Show. The vehicle was set to appear in Dodge showrooms during the first quarter of 2014. The Canadian model was set to appear in Dodge showrooms during the first quarter of 2014.

Motorsport

2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD records fastest lap time during Michigan State Police's 2014 Vehicle Evaluation Test (1:33.85), and fastest average lap time (1:34.75) at Grattan Raceway.

Marketing

As part of 2014 Dodge Charger launch in the US, Dodge Chargers appeared as hero vehicles driven by main character Nolan (Grant Bowler) in a 2013 episode of US television series Defiance. The co-branded TV commercial, titled 'Dodge Charger | Defiance' debuted on May 20, 2013. The 30-second commercial shows the endurance of the Charger as it survives obstacles in a changing world, ending with a transformed planet Earth in the year 2046 where 'only the defiant survive.' In addition, the Dodge Defiance Arkfall Sweepstakes features fans of Dodge and Defiance competing against each other, vying for the grand prize of a trip for two to the world’s largest pop culture event taking place in California in summer 2013. Weekly prizes were awarded, including gaming systems, the “Defiance” video game and Dodge brand merchandise.

2015 facelift

Unveiled at the 2014 New York Auto Show, the 2015 Dodge Charger received a substantial makeover, the most noticeable change coming in the new front grille and rounded LED headlights. Retaining its Coke bottle styling Dodge claims to have reworked just about every panel on the car; made to look leaner and more athletic than its previous look while keeping the same dimensions.

Dodge is reported to have used the 1969 Charger as its inspiration for the remodeling. The engines include the 370 hp (276 kW; 375 PS) Chrysler 5.7 liter Hemi V8 and the 292 hp (218 kW; 296 PS) 3.6 liter V6. The V6 model is EPA-rated at 31MPG or 7.6L/100km which is claimed by the manufacturer to be the best in its class. The only transmission is the Chrysler eight-speed automatic, coupled with optional all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system will automatically remove drive to the front axle when not required, giving an improvement in fuel economy. The new electronic gearshift with optional paddle shift gives shift times of as little as 0.25 seconds in sport mode.

The reworked interior includes new materials for the door, console and dash panels, a new steering wheel and seats, and a wide range of trim packages with both leather and cloth seating. The refreshed interior also features a new instrument cluster featuring a 7-inch (180mm) TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display. The available 8.4 inch UConnect touchscreen radio with available navigation has been revised, now including UConnect Apps. Mechanically, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 5.7L/6.4L HEMI engines remained the same. All engines are now backed by the ZF 8HP 8-Speed Automatic transmissions co-produced by ZF (previously only V6 models used the ZF 8-speed). There have been revisions to the chassis components, including Electric Assist Power Steering, which replaces the previous models Electro-Hydraulic Assist Power Steering. New aluminum rear differentials now use 4 mounting bolts for rigidity. AWD is no longer available on 5.7L R/T models.

The 2015 Dodge Charger went on sale starting December 2014 in the US and Canada.

Charger SRT Hellcat

The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was revealed on 13 August 2014 prior to being shown at the Woodward Dream Cruise, and was unveiled at the 2014 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show in November, were launched by Sandra Bullock, Mizz Nina, Michelle Yeoh and Fan Bingbing. It includes the same 707 hp (527 kW; 717 PS), 650 pound force-feet (880 N·m), supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 present in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. The Charger Hellcat features a redesigned front fascia with a larger lower grille similar to the current generation Dodge Viper.

The Hellcat is claimed to be the fastest factory four-door sedan ever built.

Performance

Test results for a stock Hellcat Charger from 2014 and 2015

Test results from 2016 in Road & Track's six-car 0-to-200-mph comparison test

Charger SRT 392

The SRT 392 Hemi is a 6.4 liter V8 making 485 hp (362 kW; 492 PS) and 475 pound force-feet (644 N·m) of torque. The Charger SRT 392 also comes with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, 15.4-inch brake rotors out front, and 13.8-inch rear brake rotors.

Charger R/T Scat Pack

The Charger R/T Scat Pack essentially takes the place of the former SRT8 Super Bee in the Charger lineup. The powertrain of the SRT 392 is present, as are the front and rear bumpers, but leather upholstery is optional (as opposed to standard), the suspension uses fixed rate Bilstein shocks, the brakes are slightly smaller, and the wheel and tire package is narrower.

Police package version

In early 2006, DaimlerChrysler released a new police version of the Charger. It made its debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Unlike the civilian version, the police version features upgraded heavy-duty brakes, a severe-duty cooling system, police-performance Electronic Stability Program, police performance-tuned steering, and a gear shifter that is mounted on the steering column instead of in the center console. In place of the center console, Dodge has equipped the police edition with an aluminum plate appropriate for mounting radio equipment, computers, and controllers for lights and sirens. The vehicle's electrical system is specifically designed for integration of siren and light controls, and other police vehicle accessories. The Charger is in use with many American, Canadian, and Mexican police organizations.

The 340 hp (254 kW) Hemi V8 is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.0 seconds and to a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h). In Michigan State Police testing, the Charger V8 easily outperformed all other pursuit vehicles in acceleration, cornering, and braking (except the Dodge Magnum and V6 Charger, which stopped slightly faster in some tests) in the first five years since its introduction.

Chargers are in use with numerous police agencies in North America as both marked and unmarked patrol cars. Law enforcement agencies outside of the U.S. have also purchased the Charger, including police services in Canada, Mexico, Chile, the Czech Republic and the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. Both V6 and V8 models are being adopted, with highway patrols favoring the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi V8 engine and cities more likely to purchase the base police package with the 3.5L V6 fuel-efficient engine. The Charger is also in service with U.S. Federal and military police services.

For 2009, the base Charger police car came with the 3.5L V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The rear is slightly updated, moving the "CHARGER" badge to the right, and replacing the left with the badge reading "DODGE." The V8 version uses the Charger Daytona R/T engine, rated 368 horsepower (274 kW) and 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) of torque.

When the Charger was redesigned for 2011 the police package version was renamed Dodge Charger Pursuit. For 2015, the Dodge Charger has been refreshed like its regular version.

Recall

On May 7, 2012, a recall announcement was made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding loss of anti-lock brakes and stability control as a result of an overheated fuse in the PCD. This failure could lead to loss of vehicle control, which increases crash risk. Over 127,350 Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers were recalled.