|
2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 and Charger Police Edition Preview
|
|
Good cop, bad cop
by Thom Blackett
|
| Introduction |
|
|
 |
|
When Dodge launched the all-new Charger at the North American International Auto Show this year, the reception from the public was only luke warm. Plenty of people loved the design of the car, but an equal number felt that this contemporary sedan wasn't worthy of the haloed Charger name. With the release of the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8, those naysayers have effectively been told to shut up. It's true that nobody at Dodge's press conference actually used those words, or any that could actually be interpreted in that way. But, if the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 could speak, we're pretty sure that "shut up" is the FCC-approved version of what it would say.
Carried over from the regular Charger are all of the exterior design cues, meaning that the furrowed-brow headlights remain and, unfortunately, so does the rear end that looks like it was peeled off of an old Dodge Intrepid. But the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) team has attacked every angle of the Charger, adding a sizeable hood scoop, a revised front fascia with added air vents and a honeycomb insert in the lower airdam, stylish five-spoke alloys, a rear decklid spoiler, and a revised rear fascia that includes a lower diffuser. Inside are sport buckets with suede inserts and fake carbon fiber trim accents for the dashboard. Of course, Dodge does its best work behind the scenes, and that's where the 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter Hemi comes into play, backed up by larger brakes and a retuned and lowered suspension. For those who openly question the new Charger's worthiness, the intimidating scowl of the SRT-8 may have you quickly recanting any unflattering statements you might have mistakenly made. At the very least, you'll afford it plenty of breathing room when encountering it on the highway. But, if you just can't give it up for the Dodge Charger SRT-8, you really won't have any choice when encountering the other version of the Charger that was unveiled at the 2005 New York International Auto Show - the 2006 Dodge Charger Police Vehicle that can be outfitted with, you guessed it, a 5.7-liter Hemi. Now law enforcement can get in on the fun, too.
Neither pricing nor production numbers have been released for the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8. Sales will start during the last few months of 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
| |
|
|