2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
Charging Forward: Dodge Charger SRT8 adds to the SRT line
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $35,995
POWERTRAIN: 6.1-liter, 425-hp, 420-lb-ft V8; rwd, five-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4180 lbs
0 TO 60 MPH: 5.2 seconds (mfr.)
FUEL MILEAGE (EPA combined) : 16.7 mpg
Along with the Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe, the latest offering from Chrysler’s SRT group is the Dodge Charger SRT8. Powered by a 6.1-liter Hemi making 425 hp and 420 lb-ft, it goes from 0 to 60 mph in a shade more than five seconds, Dodge claims. No mean feat considering the four-door sedan weighs 4180 pounds. The engine makes 85 more hp than the 5.7-liter Hemi in the standard Charger.
SRT upgrades include stiffer springs and suspension bushings, specially tuned dampers and larger antiroll bars. The suspension is lowered one-half inch from the base Charger, and the car rides on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels fitted with Goodyear F1 three-season tires, 245/45R-20 in front, 255/45R-20 in the back. Four-piston Brembo brakes are standard all around.
Charger joins SRT versions of the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum using the 6.1-liter Hemi and is the most aggressive of the bunch. We sampled all three at Laguna Seca, and the stiffer-sprung Charger, with the ability to completely switch off the car’s ESP (Electronic Stability Program), felt the fastest around the track. The Charger’s ESP has three levels: all on, which cuts the engine when it detects wheelspin; partially on, which allows wheelspin but will kick in to cut the engine and apply brakes when yaw sensors detect too much sideways movement; and all off, which also increases the throttle response and triggers more aggressive shift points from the five-speed automatic transmission. The unit is fitted with autostick, which keeps the gear you select, even if you bang up against the rev limiter.
On the smooth roads leading up to Laguna, we found the ride and handling to be fine, the heavily bolstered seats to be firm and comfortable, and the loud exhaust note a real joy to listen to. At cruising speed, the exhaust note goes away to a steady purr. Get back on the throttle, and all the meanness returns.
While the aggressive stance, big wheels and tires, and SRT badges give away what lies beneath the hood, the car is very well mannered until you trounce the throttle.
The Charger name harks back to Dodge’s muscle car prowess during the 1960s and ’70s. This new version has all the right muscle-car DNA, and even if it does have four doors, it’s still a blast to drive.
Brought to you by: Autoweek
-Matt-
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
