2018 Dodge Charger SRT

Auburn Hills, Mich. Sep 1, 2017 - With the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world to efficient V-6 power and all-wheel-drive capability, the Dodge Charger lineup is designed and engineered to provide the ultimate in high-performance comfort and road-ready confidence as America's only four-door muscle car. Dodge Charger's rear-wheel-drive architecture enables a model lineup highlighted by extensive performance-driven powertrains with the latest technology under the hood and behind the wheel – further building on the Dodge brand's promise to deliver American performance machines with world-class power, efficiency, technology, authentic materials and standout styling.

For 2018, Dodge repositions its Charger model lineup on vehicles equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, now offering the SXT, SXT Plus, which is available with and without leather seating, and the GT and GT Plus equipped with the segment's most advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Offering a sleek and aggressive look on all models, the performance exterior is now available on the SXT Plus with Super Track Pak, which includes Nappa/Alcantara performance seats, while the GT AWD comes standard with a Gloss Black fascia applique and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Dodge Charger offers a full range of fuel-efficient and powerful engine options. Standard on every Charger model is the innovative TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine delivers up to 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on SXT models and up to 27 mpg on GT models.

The legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 on the R/T and Daytona models delivers 370 horsepower. The 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 punches out a best-in-class, naturally aspirated 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque in the R/T Scat Pack, Daytona 392 and SRT 392 models.

As quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world, the 6.2-liter supercharged Charger SRT Hellcat delivers 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque and for 2018 adds new grille and fender badges, a new Matte Vapor wheel finish option, optional black, orange and gunmetal Brembo brake calipers, new Demonic Red Laguna seating and a new red IP badge.

New for 2018

•Repositioned Charger model lineup on vehicles equipped with the award-winning Pentastar V-6 engine V-6, now offering SXT, SXT Plus (available with and without leather seating), GT and GT Plus (with a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle disconnect all-wheel drive system)

•Available performance look on SXT Plus with Super Track Pak, including Nappa/Alcantara performance seats when packaged with Leather seating

•Charger GT AWD comes standard with 300 horsepower, Dodge Performance Pages, Gloss Black fascia applique and 19-inch aluminum wheels

•SRT updates for 2018: •Charger SRT Hellcat model receives new grille and fender badges

•New Matte Vapor wheel finish option on Charger SRT Hellcat

•Optional black, orange and gunmetal Brembo Brake calipers on Charger SRT Hellcat

•New Demonic Red Laguna Leather interior available on Charger SRT Hellcat

•Charger SRT Hellcat receives new red IP badge

•Brass Monkey wheels now available on Charger SRT 392

•Low Gloss Black '5Deep' lightweight aluminum wheels standard on Charger SRT 392 save 16 lbs. per vehicle

•Dual Gunmetal Grey stripes optional Charger SRT Hellcat

•Optional red Brembo brake calipers available on Charger R/T Scat Pack and Daytona 392

•Standard 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 4 system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Charger SXT

•Standard Parkview rear back-up camera and Parksense rear park assist on all models

•New F8 Green and IndiGO Blue exterior paint options added to the lineup, B5 Blue and Plum Crazy return (all late availability)

Highlights

•Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat model with supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat engine produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque and a top speed of 204 mph, making it the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world

•Charger SRT 392 model, powered by standard 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V-8 engine, delivers best-in-class, naturally aspirated 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque with SRT Performance Pages, six-piston Brembo brakes and standard 20 x 9.5-inch aluminum wheels

•Active Exhaust is standard on all HEMI V-8 models. All 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 Charger models, including Daytona, feature a 2.75-inch electronically controlled active exhaust system to deliver a signature Dodge muscle-car sound

•Charger SRT 392, SRT Hellcat and Daytona 392 models feature 390-mm (15.4-inch) Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers for outstanding heat management, thermal capacity and longevity

•SRT Drive Modes allow the driver to tailor their driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering, paddle shifters, traction and suspension. Drive Modes are pre-configured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while Custom mode lets the driver customize their settings

•Charger SRT models feature three-mode Bilstein adaptive damping suspension, featuring Auto, Sport and Track modes

•Charger R/T Scat Pack model offers the most horsepower under $40,000 starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), featuring a 392 HEMI V-8, which punches out a best-in-class, naturally aspirated 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque and features Dodge Performance Pages, Brembo brakes and 20 x 9-inch aluminum wheels

•Dodge brand's popular Blacktop Appearance Group enhances the Charger SXT, GT and R/T models' sinister appearance with a 'blacked out' look

•Charger GT and GT Plus AWD models include the segment's most technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system with a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy

•Efficient TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission is standard on all models and enables 30 mpg best-in-class V-6 highway fuel economy, 27 mpg AWD V-6 fuel economy and maximum performance with 160 millisecond shifts and rev-matching on Charger SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat

•Super Track Pak delivers a full complement of race-bred chassis upgrades that include Bilstein shock absorbers, 3.07 rear axle ratio (V-6), performance hood with air induction, performance front and rear fascias, sculpted side sills and Dodge Performance Pages, which provide visible performance information, such as programmable shift light indicator, reaction time, 0-60 mph times, G-force indicator and lap times

•Charger offers more than 80 available safety and security features, including Full-speed Forward Collision Warning – Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control – Plus with Full Stop, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist

•Charger's available segment-exclusive BeatsAudio system immerses passengers in the ultimate audio experience with 552-watt amplifier and trunk-mounted subwoofer

Model Lineup

For 2018, the Dodge Charger lineup consists of 10 models:

•Charger SXT

•Charger GT (AWD)

•Charger SXT Plus

•Charger GT Plus (AWD)

•Charger R/T

•Charger Daytona

•Charger R/T Scat Pack

•Charger Daytona 392

•Charger SRT 392

•Charger SRT Hellcat

Exterior Colors

•B5 Blue (late availability)

•Billet Silver Metallic

•Destroyer Grey

•F8 Green (NEW) (late availability)

•Go Mango

•Granite Crystal Metallic

•IndiGo Blue (NEW) (late availability)

•Maximum Steel Metallic

•Octane Red

•Pitch Black

•Plum Crazy (late availability)

•Redline Tri-Coat

•TorRed

•White Knuckle

•Yellow Jacket

Interior Colors

•Black

•Black/Brazen Gold

•Black/Demonic Red

•Black/Houndstooth

•Black/Pearl

•Black/Ruby Red

•Black/Sepia

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