Dodge offers an expansive lineup of the all-new 2006 Charger, ranging from an affordable and stylish SE model to a raging, performance-tuned SRT-8 edition. At $22,995, the base SE model comes with standard power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, 17-inch steel wheels, traction control, stability control, ABS, and a CD player.

The mid-grade $25,995 SXT adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, a chrome grille, fog lights, an eight-way power driver's seat, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an upgraded audio system. Both the SE and the SXT models feature Dodge's 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque in front of a well-geared five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual control.

Chargers with Road/Track (R/T) badging breathe even more fire thanks to a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine that puts out 340 horsepower and a substantial 390 lb.-ft. of torque. For this application, the AutoStick feature on the five-speed automatic transmission has been enhanced for quicker, crisper gear changes. This engine utilizes Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology, a feature that cuts fuel to some cylinders while cruising or decelerating. Combined with the five-gear transmission, R/T models still manage a respectable 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Other R/T upgrades include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, heated and folding side mirrors, leather seats, and performance-tuned ABS with all-speed traction control. Pricing starts at $29,995, and although competitors offer lower entry fees, their horsepower and twist ratings do not match up.

The limited-production 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, starting at $32,495, raises the stakes even further, boasting a modified Hemi V8 with an output of 350 horses but no boost in torque. Standard Daytona elements include a unique black honeycomb grille, revised front fascia, a black decklid spoiler, polished 18-inch aluminum wheels, more conspicuous dual exhaust pipes, performance tuned suspension, heated front seats, power adjustable pedals, body-color interior accents, and "Daytona" badges for extra cachet. Sport seats with suede inserts get embroidered “Daytona” logos and body-colored stitching, along with a sequentially numbered dashboard plaque. Boastful and bright, the Daytona R/T’s only two paint colors are “Top Banana” yellow and “Go Man Go” metallic orange, to set off its flat-black hood.

Available 2006 Dodge Charger options, although not offered on some trim levels, include power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, an air filtration system, a six-disc CD changer, automatic dual-zone temperature control, a power sunroof, rear DVD entertainment, Sirius satellite radio, and a Road/Track Performance Group that includes the retuned, 350-horse Hemi V8.

A much-anticipated and more potent Charger SRT-8 (Street and Racing Technology) version will follow the current quartet this fall. Under the hood will be a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi V8 that will carry it from 0-60 mph in about five seconds, and from 0-100-0 mph in about 16 seconds. Also joining the fray will be a new pursuit model, the 2006 Dodge Charger Police Edition, outfitted with many of the same elements of the SRT-8, with the exception of the 6.1-liter Hemi.