The late 1970s and early 1980s were rather dismal for most automobile enthusiasts as the only cars available were emissions-choked lackluster vehicles. CARB, EPA, and the fuel crisis were to blame as the market shifted towards economical and cleaner-breathing automobiles. Just a decade prior, the horsepower wars had introduced tire-shredding, high-displacement cars from nearly every American manufacturer. In the early 1980s, Carroll Shelby re-entered the production automotive field in an attempt to spark new life into the industry. He introduced a series of front-wheel-drive cars built for sale through Dodge dealerships. The first to be available to the public, in mid-1983, was the Dodge Shelby Charger. Based on the Dodge Omni, the Charger made its debut as the Omni 024 for 1981. They had distinctive styling and a comfortable interior but failed most enthusiast definition of a sports car. In 1982, Dodge resurrected the Charger nameplate, applying it to the highest-output Omni 024 in the lineup. With the 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine offering 94 horsepower, it had very little in common with the legendary Chargers of the late 1960s. The Chrysler Shelby California Development Center in Santa Fe Springs, California increased compression of the 2.2-liter engine up to 9.6:1. They changed the camshaft, opened up the exhaust, and retarded cam timing in an effort to boost performance. Horsepower rose to 107 hp. With the help of a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, the Dodge Shelby Charger could accomplish a 0-to-60 mph run in 9.0 seconds and had a top speed of 117 mph.
Modifications were not just reserved to the mechanical aspects of the car; Shelby gave the Charger a front air dam, side skirts, C-pillar covers and a subtle rear deck spoiler. Color options included either Santa Fe Blue with silver striping or Radiant Silver with blue stripes. Inside, CS logos were added to the front seats.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015
Shelby also gave the Charger a quick-ratio power steering system, 50-series Goodyear Eagle GT radials on lightweight aluminum wheels, vented front disc brakes, and larger diameter rear drum brakes to promote cooling and combat brake fade at speed. In the front was a suspension comprised of McPherson struts and coil springs that were shorter and 30-percent stiffer than other Charger models. In the back, Shelby used a beam axle, integral anti-roll bar, MacPherson struts, and shorter coil springs that were 15-percent stiffer.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015
Related Reading : Dodge Charger History
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....
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Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1984
Dodge Monthly Sales Volume
March 2023
50,975
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
$10,225
Charger Fifth Generation Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
56,557
96.50 in.
4 cyl., 97.30 CID., 64.00hp
4 cyl., 135.00 CID., 96.00hp
4 cyl., 135.00 CID., 110.00hp
4 cyl., 135.00 CID., 146.00hp
4 cyl., 135.00 CID., 96.00hp
4 cyl., 135.00 CID., 110.00hp
4 cyl., 135.00 CID., 146.00hp
$6,585 - $9,550
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