Introducing The All-new 2011 Dodge Charger, World-class Performance And Precision With An Iconic Soul

With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand's flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.

The efficient and aerodynamic exterior of the 2011 Dodge Charger is spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, featuring a design that is sure to strike an emotional chord with Dodge performance enthusiasts of all generations.

With its sinister 'ready to attack the road' face, the all-new Dodge Charger puts the world's best E-segment sedan competitors between its new 'split crosshair' signature grille. Its sculpted all-new body is a conscious nod to its deep heritage and muscle-car roots. The Charger's profile is also a modern affair, a result of countless hours in the wind tunnel, from its lower hood line, faster windshield and radically raked back headlights to its tighter wheel openings, lower sill and race-car-like flat underbody, the Charger effortlessly cuts thought the air with its attitude intact. The aluminum hood features dual 'scallops' that bring a sculptured, performance look to the front end, while large body-side scallops deliver a striking undulating A-line across the doors. Running front to rear is the iconic horizontal 'coke bottle' or 'double-diamond' body-side styling that creates a tapering silhouette accented with muscular front and rear fenders and gives the Dodge Charger one of the most distinct profiles on the road. Defining the fastback's wide stance is an all-new signature taillamp design that incorporates 164 illuminating LEDs to form its signature 'racetrack' graphic and gives the new Charger its unmistakable character from blocks away.

The 2011 Dodge Charger's interior cockpit is meant to be an enthusiast office. The all new design feature premium materials throughout. Transmitting the performance chassis' world-class feel of the road, the all-new Charger features a new thick-rimmed three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for enhanced performance feel and grip. Crafted in world-class materials, Charger's passengers are surrounded with comfort, craftsmanship and style, thanks to premium soft-touch materials and four available distinct interior color combinations. The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger's state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected, comfortable and secure. From segment-leading Garmin® navigation, to dual-zone climate controls and the ability to check fuel prices with the integration of available SIRIUS Travel Link, Uconnect Touch delivers an excellent experience for Charger's driver and passengers.

Maximizing its unibody's world-class structural stiffness, Dodge Charger engineers were able to tune the cabin for sound quality (rather than sound level) by isolating powertrain, road and wind noise. In addition, Charger's unibody packages material and structural design improvements, including dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush roll-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin. Combined, these design improvements place the all-new Dodge Charger's interior sound quality among the best in the E-segment.

As the Dodge brand's flagship, the chassis of the all-new 2011 Charger is designed, engineered and fine-tuned to deliver a level of quality, capability and refinement that rivals the very best European, Asian and North American E-segment sedans. With its new second-generation E-segment rear-wheel drive (RWD) architecture, Dodge Charger features world-class suspension-tunings with re-designed geometry making for a nimble, balanced chassis that will build the Charger's legend as one of the best driving sedans in the world.

Engineered to perform against the best E-segment sport sedans, the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger SE and Charger Rallye feature the new 3.6-liter Pentastar engine for world-class levels of power, refinement, technology and fuel efficiency. For maximum thrills, efficiency and best-in-class power, the new Dodge Charger R/T lineup features the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI™ V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode FuelSaver Technology.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger R/T with all-wheel-drive (AWD) features a re-thought stance and 19-inch wheels to make it much more appealing than ever before. The AWD preserves the Charger's character and deepens its performance envelope in the most treacherous conditions. The Charger AWD features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system to improve fuel economy by up to 5 percent. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Dodge Charger's innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between RWD and AWD with no driver intervention. When all-wheel drive is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel drive vehicles.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger features more than 65 safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready-alert Braking and Rainy Day Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance both on and off the track. Safety and security features available for the first time on the Dodge Charger include adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with forward-collision warning (FCW), blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross path (RCP) detection and ParkView™ rear back-up camera with grid lines, all designed to provide the driver with added confidence while behind the wheel.

Built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ont. (Canada), the 2011 Dodge Charger arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.

by Dodge

ALL-NEW 2011 CHARGER R/T — THE DODGE BRAND'S WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCE FLAGSHIP SEDAN WITH POWER, PRECISION AND AN ICONIC SOUL

With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, 370 best-in-class horsepower, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger R/T is the Dodge brand's flagship, and it proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.

The efficient and aerodynamic exterior of the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T is heavily inspired by the classic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, featuring a design that is sure to strike the emotional chords of Dodge performance enthusiasts of all generations. With its sinister ready to attack the road 'split crosshair' face, four-door fastback coupe proportions, muscular bodyside scallops featuring a striking A-line across the doors and an all-new signature taillamp design that incorporates 164 illuminating LEDs to form its signature 'racetrack' graphic, the new Dodge Charger R/T delivers unmistakable character from blocks away.

The Dodge Charger R/T's all-new interior cockpit is meant to be an enthusiast office with premium materials throughout. Transmitting the performance chassis' world-class feel of the road, the all-new 2011 Charger R/T features a new leather-wrapped thick-rimmed three-spoke Dodge steering wheel for enhanced performance feel and grip. Crafted in world-class materials, Charger's passengers are surrounded with comfort, craftsmanship and style, thanks to premium soft-touch materials and four available distinct interior color combinations. At the center of the aluminum driver's bezel is the state-of-the-art Uconnect® Touch, which integrates world-class infotainment and convenience technologies to keep passengers connected.

For maximum thrills and best-in-class power, the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T's legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology delivers 370 horsepower, world-class technology and fuel efficiency, an unforgettable throaty exhaust note and 0-60 mph performance in less than 6 seconds.

With its new second-generation E-segment rear-wheel drive (RWD) architecture, Dodge Charger R/T features world-class suspension-tunings with re-designed geometry making for a nimble, balanced chassis that will build the Charger's legend as one of the best driving sedans in the world. In addition, Dodge Charger's unibody packages material and structural design improvements, including dual-pane acoustic windshield and front-door side glass, body-cavity silencing foam, under-flush roll-framed doors with triple seals and acoustic wheel-well liners to absorb road noise and quiet the cabin to sound levels among the best in the E-segment.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger R/T with all-wheel-drive (AWD) features a re-thought stance and 19-inch wheels to make it much more appealing than ever before. The Charger R/T AWD features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect system to improve fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. When AWD is not needed, this innovative system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger features more than 65 safety and security features, many of which are first time active safety systems and include adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection and ParkView® rear back-up camera with grid lines, all designed to provide the driver with added confidence while behind the wheel.

With more standard equipment than its direct standard full-size segment competitors, the 2011 Dodge Charger is well-equipped for the individual who is looking for standout styling, efficient performance, precision handling, comfort and refinement at an extraordinary value.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T is $30,170 (excluding an $825 destination charge).

The all-new 2011 Dodge Charger R/T is available in the United States in two models: Dodge Charger R/T and Dodge Charger R/T AWD. In addition, Dodge offers distinct lifestyle packages (R/T Plus, R/T Road & Track and R/T Max) designed to give Charger customers high-value content for their specific needs.

• R/T Plus package — For customers who want added curb appeal with interior comfort, convenience and technology features, this Dodge Charger R/T package includes 18-inch five-spoke chrome-clad aluminum wheels, P235/55R18 Michelin MXM4 all-season performance tires, premium leather seating, 12-way power front-passenger seat with 4-way power lumbar, heated/cooled cupholders, vehicle security alarm, LED-illuminated, front-row overhead lighting and LED-illuminated footwells. MSRP of the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T Plus is $32,995, while the Charger R/T Plus AWD is $35,145 (including $825 destination)

• R/T Road & Track package — Designed for hard-core enthusiasts who demand more performance and heritage from their Dodge Charger R/T, this package includes the feature of the R/T Plus package and adds a black honeycomb-style grille with matte back surround and heritage 'R/T' badge, rear differential with 3.06 axle ratio, performance front seats with suede insert, performance engine and transmission calibration, and high-speed engine controller. MSRP of the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T Road & Track is $33,995 (including $825 destination)

• For maximum performance, the available Super Track Pak adds unique performance-steering gear, high-performance brake linings, high-performance monotube shock absorbers, 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires, larger front- and rear-stabilizer bars and three-mode ESC with 'full off' to the Charger R/T Road & Track package (Not available on Charger R/T AWD)

• R/T Max package — For customers who want performance, state-of-the-art technology and maximum comfort and convenience features from their Dodge Charger R/T, this package includes the features of the R/T Plus package and adds Uconnect Touch 8.4N with Garmin® navigation, SIRIUS Travel Link, adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection, ParkSense® rear park assist, ParkView® rear back-up camera, Alpine® premium audio system with nine speakers and 506-watt 12-channel DSP amplifier for 7.1 Matrix surround sound, SmartBeam® headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, power-adjustable heated mirrors with memory and courtesy lamps, heated steering wheel with power tilt, telescoping and memory. MSRP of the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T Max is $35,995, while the Charger R/T Max AWD is $38,145 (including $825 destination)

Built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ont. (Canada), the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T is now available at Dodge dealerships nationwide.

by Dodge

The Dodge Charger was produced from 1966 through 1978, 1983 through 1987, and again beginning in 2006. Since its inception, the impressive performance and stylish bodies made the Charger an instant success. During its introductory year, 37,344 examples were produced.

The Dodge Charger was based on the Dodge Coronet platform, but with a fastback roofline. The headlights were retractable which resulted in a sportier appearance for the vehicle. The interior had four bucket seats with the rear seats able to be folded down that provided ample space for cargo. Under the hood was a 318 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine that produced 230 horsepower. Optional was the 361 and 426 cubic-inch Hemi, available in various configurations. The 426 Hemi produced 425 horsepower and would set the buyer back $1000, a considerable cost considering the base price was $3122. Only 468 of the Hemi option were purchased.

In 1967 Dodge added the 440 cubic-inch Magnum to the Charger model line. With 375 horsepower, it was a cheaper option than the Hemi, easy to tune, and came standard with the R/T package. The 318 cubic-inch was still the standard option with the 426 Hemi the top-of-the-line producing 45 horsepower and 490 foot-pounds of torque. The production total for the Charger in 1967 was around 15,000 with 118 of those selecting the Hemi engine.

The 1968 Charger was redesigned, now with hidden headlights and a curvy body. The design was a success and sales soared to over 92,000 units. The Hemi option was available, with around 470 buyers opting for the option. The R/T package was a popular option with 17,665 buyers. The standard on the R/T performance package was the 440 Magnum engine producing 375 horsepower. Many argue that 1968 was the most appealing muscle car of all 1960's era.

For 1969, Dodge decided to make only minor improvements to the Charger. The grille now had a chrome center divider. Two new Charger models were available. The Charger 500 was a performance machine with some styling cues similar to the Dodge Coronet. The big news was the Dodge charger Daytona which is easily identified by its larger vertical tail stabilizer and front nose extension. With just over 500 examples of the Daytona produced, the $4000 vehicle was available with either the Hemi or the 440 engine.

The Charger was redesigned in 1970 and became available in new colors. The SE version added leather seats and an electric sliding sunroof. Dodge introduced the 440 Six Pack which featured three Holley two-barrel carburetors and produced 390 horsepower. In total, there were just over 10,300 Chargers sold in 1970 with 42 of those sales including the 440 Six Pack and 116 opting for the Hemi.

The muscle car era was coming to a close. Government safety regulations, emission controls, and insurance premiums were beginning to force manufacturers into detuning their engines. This was the last year for the mighty Hemi engine, which retained its 425 horsepower rating. The 440 cubic-inch engine was now rated at 370, down by 5 horsepower. The 440 Six Pack also lost five horsepower. The Charger was redesigned and lost a few inches at the wheelbase. Available in SE and R/T trim, it now shared a body with the Super Bee. This body-style design lasted until 1974.

The Rallye was the performance model for the Dodge Charger for the years 1972 through 1974. The Rallye was equipped with the detuned 440 cubic-inch engine with four-barrel carburetors, hydraulic lifters, and five main bearings. The result was 280 horsepower for the years 1972 through 1973. In 1974 the horsepower dipped to 275.

For 1973, Dodge offered the base 318 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine, now rated at 255 horsepower. The 440 was producing 255 horsepower while the 440 Six-Pack produced 330 horsepower. The decrease in horsepower was due to the detuning to comply with government safety and emission regulations and because horsepower was no longer being quoted in terms of gross output but rather in terms of net output. The suspension was reworked resulted in a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The Charger's appearance became sportier in 1974, with minor aesthetic changes and larger quarter windows. The 318 V8 was rated at 175, the 440 V8 produced 280, and the 440 Six Pack produced 330 horsepower. The engine choices remained the same for 1974 but it would be the final year for its sporty persona. In 1975, Dodge repositioned the Charger as a luxury vehicle. They introduced the Charger SE, a near-clone of the Chrysler Cordoba. The SE came equipped with lots of standard equipment and a 360 cubic-inch engine producing 180 horsepower. The slant-six 318 and 400 were available in various configurations. The 360 fitted with a four-barrel, instead of the standard two-barrel carburetor, would increase the horsepower to 200.

In 1978, Dodge replaced the Charger with the Magnum which was basically a name change because the Magnum was identical to the Charger SE. The Charger name has reappeared in recent times, a tribute to the muscle-car phenomenon of the 1960's. The name was also used in the 1980's on the Dodge Omni.

L-Body

The Charger was brought back in 1981 as a performance package on the Omni 024 (and Plymouth Horizon TC3), called the Charger 2.2. The Charger 2.2 option may have improved the styling and performance of the Omni, but it was nothing like the Charger of the 1960's. The Charger 2.2 was given a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 85 horsepower. A hood scoop and a rear spoiler added to the performance look but did little to improve the overall performance. The aesthetics were updated in 1982, improving upon the performance persona with the addition of side scoops mounted behind the front wheels.

The base engine, a 1.7-liter unit that produced 70 horsepower, was produced by Volkswagen. In 1983, Volkswagen ceased the production of the engine. A new engine was found at Peugeot. Upon the addition of the new engine, Chrysler renamed the Omni 024 to Charger.

In 1984, quad headlights were added to the Charger making it easier to distinguish from its sibling, the Omni.

In 1987 production ceased for the Charger, Turismo, Omni, and Horizon.

Shelby Charger

In 1983 Carroll Shelby made modifications to the Charger that included both mechanical and aesthetic improvements, increasing the performance of the vehicle. All major aspects of the vehicle were updated, including the suspension, brakes, steering, engine, and transmission. The front-end was modified and racing stripes traversed the entire length of the vehicle. In its first year, over 8200 examples were sold.

In 1984 the engine was again addressed, this time horsepower improved by around 5. An automatic transmission became available, as did a new red exterior paint color. The other colors available were black with silver stripes, blue with silver stripes, and silver with blue stripes.

In 1985 an MPFI turbo-charged was installed, raising horsepower to nearly 150. Little was changed in the following years with production ceasing in 1987 after nearly 16400 examples of the turbo-version produced. 1,000 of the last Dodge Shelby Chargers were purchased by Carroll Shelby and converted them into the Shelby Charger CLHS. The vehicles were rebadged with the Shelby logo replacing the Dodge logo. Using Knoi adjustable shocks and struts, the suspension was greatly improved. The tires were improved Z-tires and the intercooler and components of the Turbo II engine were installed. All were painted in black.

2005 Charger

source: Dodge

One of the biggest names from the muscle car era – powered its way out of its storied past and onto the stage at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Charger coming off the line and out of garages create a new reputation for the Dodge legend, featuring a modern design to back up its 21st-century muscle car power, sports car handling, and cutting-edge technology.

With a 250-horsepower High Output V-6 engine or the optional 340-horsepower HEMI® engine powering large 18-inch rear wheels, the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger races into the car market with bold, provocative styling and substance without losing the convenience of a modern sedan.

The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger features rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution and advanced technologies that offer a superb ride and responsive handling in all surface and traction conditions.

The Multiple Displacement System (MDS) on the Dodge Charger's HEMI engine seamlessly deactivates four cylinders in just 40 milliseconds – quicker than a blink of an eye – when full V-8 power is not needed, improving fuel economy by up to 20 percent. The HEMI engine with MDS completed more than 6.5 million customer-equivalent miles through the Chrysler Group's development and durability testing.

After a 30-year absence, Charger returns to the track beginning in February 2005. The historic Dodge Charger nameplate returns to NASCAR Nextel Cup competition as the successor to the race-winning Dodge Intrepid race cars of 2001- 2004, and to the storied Dodge Charger race cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s that earned several national championships.

Following the adage that 'racing improves the breed,' motorsports competition has long been part of the Dodge heritage. From engineering labs in Auburn Hills, Mich., to shop floors in Charlotte, N.C., Dodge, its teams and its dealers live the philosophy it takes to be successful in the ultra-competitive world of racing.

by Dan Vaughan