Limited-edition Charger and Challenger Models Commemorate 100 Years of Dodge Performance and Heritage

•Dodge Charger and Challenger 100th Anniversary Editions celebrate the brand's centennial with unique style, technology and commemorative features, including an exclusive owner's kit

•As the world's only four-door muscle car, the 2014 Charger 100th Anniversary Edition celebrates Dodge brand's arsenal of world-class power, handling and technology

•New 2014 Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition pays homage to Dodge brand's muscle-car roots, legendary power and head-turning American design

•Dodge Charger and Challenger 100th Anniversary Editions arrive at dealerships in the first quarter of 2014

November 19, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - When John and Horace Dodge developed America's first mass-produced all-steel-bodied cars in 1914, the brothers set a new record for the most first-model-year automobiles ever produced (45,033 cars). One-hundred years later, the Dodge Brother's legacy is thriving as Dodge has become America's youngest and fastest-growing brand – powered by the performance of the legendary Charger and Challenger, the new Durango, the ultimate 'no compromise SUV,' the world-class new Dart, the ever-versatile Grand Caravan, America's best-selling minivan, and the innovation, ingenuity and efficiency of Journey and Avenger.

Now, to celebrate 100 years of Dodge performance and heritage, the brand is offering special editions of two of its most iconic vehicles. New 2014 Dodge Charger and Challenger 100th Anniversary Editions will arrive at dealerships in the first quarter of 2014 with world-class power and performance, innovative technology features and bold muscle-car styling with commemorative design details inspired by the brand's heritage.

'The Dodge Charger and Challenger are the perfect foundation to celebrate 100 years of Dodge style and performance,' said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO — Dodge Brand. 'Over the last century, the Dodge brand has seen its biggest success when we've combined head-turning designs with ingenious engineering and world-class performance. These two iconic muscle cars do all of that and more. They represent the Dodge brand's heart and soul.'

The new 2014 Charger and Challenger 100th Anniversary Editions are loaded with unique style, technology and commemorative features. They deliver up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) with the standard Pentastar V-6 engine and sprints to 60 miles per hour in under 6 seconds, thanks to the available legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that produces 375 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. They also feature world-renowned innovations like Uconnect and the segment-exclusive ZF

eight-speed automatic transmission.

Both of these limited production vehicles will share several unique visual elements, both outside and in, including exclusive availability of a new 'High Octane' red pearl coat paint, all-new 20-inch aluminum wheels, commemorative badging, unique key fob and a special limited-edition owner's kit and a commemorative book that celebrates 100 years of Dodge heritage.

Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition models

With the Charger, Dodge delivers the world's only four-door muscle car, and the 2014 Charger 100th Anniversary Edition celebrates the brand's centennial with uniquely designed appointments to complement the sedan's world-class power, handling, technology and iconic style.

For a bold look, the 2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Editions are available in Pitch Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Ivory Tri-Coat, Phantom Black Tri-Coat, Header Orange, and for this special occasion, all-new and exclusive High Octane Red Pearl Coat paint. With any of the colors, all-new 20 x 8-inch polished five-spoke aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets and a matching Granite Crystal Dodge split-crosshair grille provide a striking look to the classic Coke-bottle shape. Stylistic appointments to commemorate the brand's century include 'Dodge Est. 1914' bar-style front-fender badges and special Dodge '100' logo on the center caps. Additional exterior appointments include a body-color rear spoiler and on models with the legendary HEMI and a red 'R/T' heritage

grille badge.

Exclusive interior appointments are designed to make the 2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition stand out. Dodge designers were inspired by the rich history of Dodge and sought to outfit the interior with premium attributes that reflect the patina and machinist legacy of John and Horace Dodge. All-new Molten Red or Foundry Black Nappa leather with a custom cloud overprint wraps the sport seats, center console armrest and door armrests. A unique three-spoke flat-bottom performance steering wheel features die-cast paddle shifters for added driver control. For an industrial appearance, leather-wrapped surfaces are sewn together with brass-colored accent stitching. Dark Brushed Graphite center console bezels and Liquid Graphite steering-wheel accents provide a premium look. Interior appointments designed to commemorate the brand's centenary include die-cast 'Dodge Est. 1914' circular badges on front seatbacks and an embroidered anniversary logo on premium floor mats. All-new instrument panel cluster graphics feature unique black-face gauges with white indication and stand-out red '100' mph indication for this special occasion. And to play up that this is no ordinary Charger, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center and Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen feature a unique startup image, evoking the industrious nature of Detroit.

Paired with the award-winning Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen is Beats by Dr. Dre audio technology, standard on 2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition models. This segment-exclusive sound experience includes 10-speakers and a 12-channel 552 watt amplifier that integrates Beats proprietary equalizer algorithm, all to create the high-definition sound quality required in professional recording studios.

And it wouldn't be a Dodge without world-class performance and efficiency. The Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition based on the 2014 Dodge Charger SXT Plus features the award-winning 300 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with state-of-the-art eight-speed transmission and active intake manifold and sport mode, delivering best-in-class rear-wheel-drive fuel economy, up to 31 mpg, and a 0-60 mph time in the low 6-second range. For customers who demand even more power, the Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition based on the 2014 Dodge Charger R/T Plus adds the more powerful 370 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology and up to 25 mpg on the highway. All 100th Anniversary Editions include sport mode calibration, performance-tuned suspension and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters for added driver control.

Completing this special model are two unique key fobs, which include a 100th Anniversary Edition jeweled logo on the back side, a customized owner's kit and a special commemorative book celebrating the 100 years of Dodge heritage.

Available in limited quantities, the 2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition package is available for a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $2,200 more than the SXT Plus or R/T Plus trim levels, offering tremendous value for all of the unique attributes, including 20-inch aluminum wheels, exclusive Foundry Black or Molten Red 'cloud print' heated Nappa leather, flat-bottom steering wheel, rear spoiler, Beats Audio, performance suspension and steering, die-cast paddle shifters and commemorative jewelry.

For more about the 2014 Dodge Charger, visit: www.media.chrysler.com

Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition models

There is no vehicle more iconic than the head-turning Challenger, which serves as the perfect foundation to celebrate 100 years of Dodge style and performance. Based on the 2014 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus and R/T Plus models, the new 100th Anniversary Edition pays tribute to the brand's history in contemporary Dodge style.

Similar to the Charger, the Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition includes all-new 20 x 8-inch polished five-spoke aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets and matching Granite Crystal grille surround with script 'Challenger' badge. To provide contrast, Pitch Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Ivory Tri-Coat, Phantom Black Tri-Coat, Header Orange and an exclusive High Octane Red pearl coat paint are available. For added detail, commemorative bar style 'Dodge Est. 1914' front-fender badges and Dodge '100' wheel center caps mark this special edition.

The interior has all-new and exclusive Molten Red or Foundry Black heated Nappa leather sport seats featuring a custom 'cloud overprint.' Brass colored accent stitching and die-cast 'Dodge Est. 1914' circular badges provide the 2014 Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Editions with an exclusive, high-end appearance that also draws inspiration from the machinist heritage of John and Horace Dodge. Adding contrast to armrests trimmed in matching Molten Red or Foundry Black premium

leather are Liquid Graphite center console bezels, steering wheel accents and door handle pulls.

Interior appointments designed to commemorate the brand's centenary include die-cast 'Dodge Est. 1914' circular badges on front seatbacks and an embroidered anniversary logo on premium floor mats. For a touch of style, new bright white gauge faces feature a surprising detail element as the '100' mph indication is marked appropriately in red. Adding even more detail is the Uconnect system's startup image, evoking the industrious nature of Detroit. Finishing out the interior is a seven speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with 368-watt amplifier, along with Mopar 'Challenger' sill plates and bright pedals.

Performance and Challenger are synonymous. The Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition based on the 2014 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus model features a 305 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, delivering up to 27 mpg on the highway. Available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, the Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition based on the 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus offers up to 375 horsepower, 25 mpg highway and 0-60 mph under 6 seconds. Both V-6 and V-8 models include sport mode calibration, performance-tuned suspension and three-spoke flat-bottom performance steering-wheel.

Available in limited quantities, the 2014 Dodge Challenger 100th Anniversary Edition package is available for a U.S. MSRP of $2,500 more than the Challenger SXT Plus or R/T Plus trim levels, offering tremendous value for all of the unique attributes, including 20-inch aluminum wheels, exclusive Foundry Black or Molten Red 'cloud print' heated Nappa leather, flat-bottom steering wheel, Premium Boston Acoustics audio, performance suspension and steering, die-cast paddle shifters and commemorative jewelry.

About Dodge

The Dodge brand is tearing into its centennial year with a keen eye focused on the future and a desire to create vehicles customers can't wait to drive and are proud to park in their driveways. With 100 years of history, Dodge is building on the technological advancements of the '30s and '40s, design evolution of the '50s, the racing heritage of the '60s, the horsepower of the '70s, the efficiency of the '80s and unbelievable styling of the '90s as it paves the road to its future. New for 2014, the Dodge Durango 'is kind of a big deal,' with a new eight-speed transmission that delivers up to 25 miles per gallon on the highway, a new 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment center and best-in-class power, towing, and fuel economy, in addition to its class exclusive technology. The new Durango joins the new 2014 Dodge Dart with its new 2.4-liter 184 hp Tigershark engine, as well as the 2014 Avenger, Challenger, Charger, Journey and a 30th Anniversary Grand Caravan. This 2014 Dodge lineup includes five Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety picks and two Top Safety Pick +, five vehicles with best-in-class power, seven vehicles that deliver 25 mpg or higher, three vehicles that deliver 31 mpg or higher and three vehicles that offer seating for seven.

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