Dodge Charger

## Dodge Charger 1° Generation

### Engine

318 cu in (5.2 L) 2bbl A V8 (1966)318 cu in (5.2 L) 2bbl LA V8 (1967)361 cu in (5.9 L) 2bbl B V8 (1966)383 cu in (6.3 L) 2bbl B V8 (1967)383 cu in (6.3 L) 4bbl B V8426 cu in (7.0 L) 2×4bbl Hemi RB V8440 cu in (7.2 L) 4bbl RB V8 (1967)

### HorsePower

230 HP

The Charger made its debut in mid-1966. Sharing its chassis and front-end sheet-metal with the mid-sized Coronet, the Charger was positioned to take on AMC's conceptually similar Rambler Marlin. It was better looking, but somewhat more expensive, $2,850 to $3,100 ($25,706 in 2022 dollars ) to ($27,960 in 2022 dollars ).

Significantly, the Charger's interior was different from all other cars, with a full-length center console and "all bucket seating" front and rear, inspired by the 1960-1962 Chrysler 300, and was similar to the 1964 Pontiac 2+2. The rear's pseudo-buckets could be folded down to create interior space accessible via the rear hatch. The Charger was not intended to compete head-to-head in performancy with pony cars, but was available with Chrysler's famed 426 Hemi V8.

On January 1, 1966, viewers of the Rose Bowl were first introduced to the new "Leader of the Dodge Rebellion", the 1966 Charger. The Charger's debut also followed by a half model year the introduction of a new street version of the 426 cu in (7.0 L) Chrysler Hemi engine. With the Charger, Dodge had a new model to build a performance image to go along with this engine.

Designed by Carl "CAM" Cameron, the Charger introduced a fastback roofline and pot-metal "electric shaver" grille, complete with fully rotating headlights, a feature not seen on a Chrysler product since the 1942 DeSoto. In the rear, the fastback design ended over a full-width six-lamp taillight with chromed "CHARGER" lettering.

Inside, the standard Charger featured a simulated wood-grain steering wheel, four individual bucket seats with a full-length console from front to rear. The rear seats and rear center armrest pad also folded forward while the trunk divider dropped back, which allowed for cargo room. Numerous interior features were exclusive to the Charger including door panels, courtesy lights, as well as premium trim and vinyl upholstery. The instrument panel did not use regular bulbs to light the gauges, but rather electroluminescence lit the four chrome-ringed circular dash pods, needles, radio, shifter-position indicator in the console, as well as clock and air conditioning controls if equipped. The dash housed a 0 to 6000 rpm tachometer, a 0 to 150 mph (240 km/h) speedometer, as well as alternator, fuel, and temperature gauges as standard equipment.

Engine selections consisted of only V8s. 1966 transmissions included a three-speed steering-column mounted manual with the base engine, a console mounted four-speed manual, or three-speed automatic. In 1966, four engines were offered: the base-model 318 cu in (5.2 L) 2-barrel, the 361 cu in (5.9 L) 2-barrel, the 383 cu in (6.3 L) 4-barrel, and the new 426 Street Hemi. Only 468 Chargers were built with the 426.

Total production in 1966 came to 37,344 units for the mid-model year introduction.

In 1966, Dodge took the Charger into NASCAR in hopes that the fastback would make their car a winner on the high-banks. However, the c

ar proved difficult to handle on the faster tracks because its body generated lift. Drivers would later claim that "it was like driving on ice." To solve this problem Dodge installed a small lip spoiler on the trunk lid that improved traction at speeds above 150 mph (240 km/h). This was made a dealer-installed option in late-1966 and in 1967, because of NASCAR rules, made the 1966 Charger the first U.S. production vehicle to offer a spoiler. (Small quarter panel extensions were added in 1967.) The addition of the spoiler helped David Pearson, driving the #6 Cotton Owens-prepared Dodge cars, to win the NASCAR Grand National championship in 1966 with 15 first-place finishes, though only one, the Capital City 300 in Richmond, VA, was achieved using the Charger.

## Configuration

### Engine

225 cu in (3.7 L) 1bbl I6318 cu in (5.2 L) 2bbl LA V8383 cu in (6.3 L) 2bbl B V8383 cu in (6.3 L) 4bbl B V8426 cu in (7.0 L) 2×4bbl Hemi V8440 cu in (7.2 L) 4bbl RB V8440 cu in (7.2 L) 2×3 RB (1970)

### HorsePower

145 HP

The entire B-body lineup for the 1968 model year was redesigned and the Charger was further differentiated from the Dodge Coronet models. Less upscale than the first generation, the new model featured coke bottle styling by Richard Sias, with curves around the front fenders and rear quarter panels. Front and rear end sheet metal was designed by Harvey J. Winn. The rear end featured a "kick up" spoiler appearance, inspired by Group 7 racing vehicles. The fastback roof was gone, in favor of a "flying buttress" similar to that of the 1966-67 Pontiac GTO. The Charger retained its full-width hidden headlight grille, but a vacuum-operated cover replaced the electric motor powered rotating headlights. The previous full-width taillights were replaced with dual circular units at the direction of Styling Vice President, Elwood P. Engel. Dual scallops were added to the doors and hood.

Inside, numerous "downscalings" were evident. A conventional fixed rear bench seat replaced the folding bucket seat design. The conventional trunk area included a vinyl mat, rather than the previous model's carpeted cargo area. The center console in the front remained, but there was no center armrest. The tachometer was now optional and the electroluminescent gauges were replaced with a conventional design.

Even the model's engine options ended up reduced midyear, when the standard 318 cu in (5.2 L) 2-bbl V8, was replaced with Chrysler's basic 225 cu in (3.7 L) slant-six. The 383-2 and 383-4 remained unchanged.

### R/T

A new high-performance package was added, the R/T ("Road/Track", not to be confused with the *Road & Track)* magazine). The R/T came standard with the previous year's 440 "Magnum", with the 426 Hemi optional. With either, the Charger had evolved into possibly the top Chrysler-made muscle car.

In 1968, Chrysler Corporation began a marketing campaign featuring a cartoon bee with an engine on its back promoting models called the "Scat Pack". The Coronet R/T, Super Bee, Dart GTS, and Charger R/T received bumble-bee stripes (of two thin stripes framing two thick ones). The stripes were standard on the R/Ts and came in red, white, or black, but could be deleted at no extra cost.

The 1968 film *Bullitt* helped popularize the Charger R/T for its notable car chase sequence alongside the titular character's 1968 Ford Mustang GT through the streets of San Francisco, which has been regarded as one of the most influential car chase scenes in movie history. In the film, a black Charger R/T 440 is chased by Steve McQueen's Ford Mustang GT, jumping on the San Francisco slopes. The 1968 model year Charger sales increased to 96,100, including over 17,000 Charger R/Ts.

### Charger Daytona

Dodge was not satisfied with the results of the Charger 500. The car was not enough to beat the other aerocars on the NASCAR circuit. After months of research and development, including at the aftermarket shop, Creative Industries, the Charger Daytona was introduced on April 13, 1969. It quickly received over 1,000 orders.

Chrysler made many attempts at improving the aerodynamics of the 500 by adding noses rumored to be up to 23 in (580 mm) long. The Charger Daytona finally received an 18 in (460 mm) nose. The full-size Charger Daytona was tested with an 18 in (460 mm) nose at the Lockheed-Martin Georgia facility. The test was a success and the project was greenlighted. The nose piece was only part of the innovation. The Charger Daytona also received a 23 in (580 mm) tall wing in rear. This wing was bolted through the rear quarter panels and into the rear subframe. Although proven to be less effective than shorter wing designs, the engineer responsible for the development of the wing, John Pointer, chose the tall design so the wing would be in "clean air" to help increase the car's overall speed. That the tall wing prevents interference with the operation of the trunk lid can be considered a fortunate coincidence. The tall wing also helped in an unintended way, by giving the car directional stability due to its deeply splinted sides.

The Charger Daytona engineering model was tested on the Chelsea, Michigan Chrysler Proving Grounds on July 20, 1969. Driven by Charlie Glotzbach and Buddy Baker, it was clocked at 205 mph (330 km/h) with a small 4-bbl. carb. The Charger Daytona's nose made 1,200 pounds of downforce and the wing made 600 pounds of downforce. The Dodge styling department wanted to make changes to the Charger Daytona as soon as they saw it, but was told by Bob McCurry to back off; he wanted function over finesse.

The Charger Daytona introduced to the public had a fiberglass nose without real headlamps and a wing without streamlined fairings. The media and public loved the car, but were mystified by the reverse scoops on the front fenders. The PR representatives claimed it was for tire clearance. Actually, they reduced drag by 3% by ventilating trapped air out of the wheel wells.

The Charger Daytona came standard with the 440 Magnum Engine with 375 hp (280 kW) and 480 lb⋅ft (650 N⋅m) of torque, A727 Torqueflite Automatic Transmission, and a 3.23 489 Case 8 3/4 Chrysler Differential. Optional was the 426 Hemi with 425 hp (317 kW) and 490 lb⋅ft (660 N⋅m). The 426 Hemi was also available with the no cost option of the A833 4-Speed Manual. Only 503 Charger Daytona's were produced as U.S. cars. (An additional 40 were for Canada), Of the 503 U.S. cars produced, 433 were 440 Magnum, 139 4-Speed and 294 Torqueflite; 70 were 426 Hemi power, 22 4-Speed and 48 Torqueflite.

In the end, the Daytona was brought down by the decision to make the 1970 Plymouth Superbird the only Chrysler winged car for the model year. While Daytonas were raced through the 1970 season, only one Daytona was raced until 1971 (in the 1971 Daytona 500) when NASCAR decreed that engine displacement of wing cars would be limited to 305 cu in (5.0 L). That particular car, driven by Dick Brooks, finished in seventh place. The very first 1969 Charger Daytona was hand-built by Chrysler engineers and was on display at the 1969 World fair in New York.

## Configuration

### Engine

225 cu in (3.7 L) I6318 cu in (5.2 L) V8340 cu in (5.6 L) V8360 cu in (5.9 L) V8383 cu in (6.3 L) V8400 cu in (6.6 L) V8426 cu in (7.0 L) V8 (1971 only)440 cu in (7.2 L) V8

### HorsePower

425 HP

The third generation Charger made its debut for the 1971 model year, with all new "fuselage" sheetmetal and a new split grille. The interiors were like those of the E-body and were now shared by the Plymouth B-body, the Plymouth Satellite Sebring, and Road Runner. The hidden headlights were now optional. A rear spoiler and a "Ramcharger" hood were new options. This hood featured a pop-up scoop mounted above the air cleaner controlled by a vacuum switch under the dash. On Plymouth Road Runners it was called the "Air Grabber" hood, and it was previously used on the Coronet R/T and Super Bee.

Dodge also merged its Coronet and Charger lines. From 1971, all four-door B-bodies were badged as Coronets and all two-door B-bodies as Chargers. Thus for one year only, the Super Bee became part of the Charger lineup, after which it was discontinued. From 1971 to 1974, Charger models used the Coronet's VIN prefix of "W".

Several other models were carried over from 1970, including the 500, R/T, and SE. Sales of the R/T declined due in part to higher insurance costs and gasoline prices. A total of 63 Hemi RTs were built that year, marking its last appearance in any production car, and 2,659 with other engines. The 1971 model year was also the last for the 440 Six-Pack engine, which could still be mated to a 4-speed manual transmission with an optional Hurst shifter, as well as the automatic. In the Super Bee's final year, the 340 became a $44 option over the standard, low-compression 383 V8.

The "Hi-Impact" colors were discontinued after the 1971 model year; with a 1971-only "Citron Yella".

### 1973

For the 1973 model year, Chargers received new sheet metal and were longer, wider, and slightly taller than the 1971-72 cars. Also new were vertically slatted taillights and new grilles. Hidden headlights were dropped, even as an option.

The 318 was still standard, with the 340 (available only on the Rallye), 360 (2-barrel only), 400 (low power 2-barrel/single exhaust and high-performance 4-barrel/dual exhaust), and 440 remaining as options.

The SE models had a new roof treatment that had a "triple opera window" surrounded by a canopy-style vinyl roof. All other models had a new quarter window treatment, discontinuing its AMC Gremlin-style window in favor of a more conventional design.

Total sales this year were around 108,000 units, the highest ever for the 1971-74 Charger generation, though more than 60 percent of the cars had non-high performance engines. The 1973 Chargers, and all Chrysler products, were equipped with 5 mph bumpers, front and rear.

### NASCAR

    The 1971-74 Charger based cars were campaigned in NASCAR, with Buddy Baker, Bobby Isaac, Dave Marcis, and Richard Petty scoring several wins. Richard Petty won 35 races with this body style between 1972 and 1977 as NASCAR allowed the Chargers to run a few years longer than normal because Chrysler did not have a replacement car. A 1974 bodied Charger driven by Neil Bonnett scored Dodge's last NASCAR victory (until 2001) at the December 1977 Los Angeles Times 500. Richard Petty has proclaimed this body style as his favorite car that he ran during his career because it was balanced.

## Configuration

### Engine

225 in³ (3.7 L) Slant-690° V8 318 to 400 in³ (5.2 to 6.6 L)

### HorsePower

240 HP

The 1975 model year Charger picked up on the sales increase seen in 1974's move towards positioning it as a personal luxury car. Both the Charger and the new Chrysler Cordoba sibling shared the same body based on the B platform.

The Charger SE (Special Edition) was the only model offered. It was available with the 318 cu in (5.2 L) "LA" series small block V8 and three versions of 400 cu in (6.6 L) big-block V8. The standard engine was the 360 cu in (5.9 L) 2-bbl small block. The code E58 4-bbl and dual exhaust high performance version (225 hp) were optional. Sales in 1975 totaled 30,812.

Because of the extreme squareness of the body design, NASCAR teams were forced to rely on the previous years (1974) sheet metal for race-spec cars. In order for Dodge to be represented, NASCAR allowed the 1974 sheet metal to be used until January 1978, when the new Dodge Magnum was ready for race use. In 1976 a Charger was one of two NASCAR stock cars to compete in the 24hrs at LeMans, having been modified with head-lamps, tail-lamps, and windshield wipers. It was driven by Herschel and Doug McGriff and sponsored by Olympia Beer, earning the nickname "Oly Express"

### 1976

The 1976 model year Charger range was expanded to four models; base, Charger Sport (formerly the Dodge Coronet 2-door model, which appeared for just the previous model year only), Charger SE, and the Charger Daytona. The base and Sport models used a different body than the SE and Daytona, and were essentially a re-badging of what had been the 1975 Dodge Coronet 2-door models — and available with a 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant Six, which was not offered on the SE and Daytona. The Charger Daytona was introduced as an appearance package and was offered with either the 360 or 400 engine. Sales for 1976 increased slightly to 65,900 units.

## Configuration

### Engine

1.6 L Peugeot 6J I41.7 L VW EA827 I42.2 L K I42.2 L Turbo I I42.2 L Turbo II I4

### HorsePower

174 HP

For 1983, Carroll Shelby modified the Dodge Charger, to be sold at Dodge dealers as the **Dodge Shelby Charger**. Rather than focusing on speed, Shelby modified the suspension and styling. The engine compression was raised for 107 hp (80 kW), and the manual transmission had revised ratios. Shorter springs, special wheels, and tires complemented stronger brakes and a quicker, 14:1, power steering rack. Outside, a new nose and racing stripes accented the performance image. The car received a free-flowing exhaust system, making for a more aggressive sound. The body kits, among other parts, were often shipped to dealerships along with the car to be put on after delivery. The reasoning behind this varied, but was said to speed delivery and compensate for ground clearance issues that the cars faced on many car carriers. Production was 8,251 for that first year.

For 1984, the Shelby Charger could be ordered with an optional automatic transmission. There were 7,552 Shelby Chargers sold this model year. The high-output engine (now up to 110 hp (82 kW)) was also available in baseline Chargers and Turismos. These vehicles came in "Charger 2.2" and "Turismo 2.2" schemes, which included Shelby Charger side ground effects, an additional, skinnier, front ground effect (different from the Shelby Charger's due to the quad-headlight fascia), "2.2" decals, and an optional hood scoop.

The MPFI/Turbocharged Turbo I engine, commonly known as a 'T1' was added for Dodge's 1985 **Shelby Charger**. This engine produced 146 hp (109 kW) and was changed from its first appearance in the Dodge Daytona Turbo during the previous year. A Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger and Chrysler/Bosch multiple-point fuel injection enabled the 2.2 L engine to produce the additional horsepower. A total of 7,709 Shelby Chargers were made for the 1985 model year, and 7,669 in 1986. 1987 was the final year, with just 1,011 produced, plus 1,000 more Shelby Chargers that were sent to Shelby's Whittier Plant in CA, at which time they were modified as the 1987 Shelby GLHS. Dodge Shelby Chargers were available in four different color combinations: Black w/silver skunk stripe (1984–87), Santa Fe Blue w/silver skunk stripe (1983–86), Silver w/Santa Fe Blue skunk stripe (1983–86), and Garnett Red w/silver skunk stripe (1984–87).

## Configuration

### Engine

2.7 L (167 cu in) EER V63.5 L (215 cu in) EGG V65.7 L (345 cu in) EZB/EZD HEMI V86.1 L (370 cu in) ESF HEMI V8

### HorsePower

425 HP

After a 20-year absence, Dodge reintroduced the Charger in 2005 for the 2006 model year as a Chrysler LX platform-based four-door sedan. Although the 1999 Charger concept car also featured four doors, it otherwise shared little with the 2006 production model.

Initially, the Charger was available in SE, SXT, R/T, R/T with Road/Track Performance Group, Police, and Daytona R/T versions. For the first time, a V6 engine was available, as was all-wheel drive (AWD). All-wheel drive was first only available on the R/T package. However, from 2009 onwards, all-wheel drive was also an option for the SE and SXT versions.

The basic SE model included a 2.7 L V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission. 3.5 L V6 has "AutoStick" manual shifting feature, 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, all-speed traction control, as well as ABS and electronic stability control, a CD player, tilt and telescoping steering column, power locks/mirrors/windows, and remote keyless entry. Additional features and trims were available, including the Charger R/T with a 5.7 L Hemi V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. A multiple-displacement system that allowed it to save fuel by running on only four cylinders when cruising was also featured in the V8.

Performance was the focus of the Charger SRT8 equipped with a 6.1 L Hemi engine mated to a 5-speed automatic, as well as conveniences such as an eight-way power front passenger seat, automatic climate control, unique grille and rear spoiler, body-color interior trim, special front fascia and engine cover, larger exhaust tips, performance steering gear, heated front seats with perforated suede inserts, power-adjustable pedals, and unique colors and exterior trim. An optional Road/Track package offered ten additional horsepower, a GPS navigation system, a 322-watt audio system, a sunroof, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and radio.

### Special Editions

#### Daytona R/T

The 2006 **Charger Daytona R/T** debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. It featured a high output 350 hp (261 kW) version of the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi as well as an updated suspension and tires. Visual additions included a special front fascia with a chin spoiler and a black rear spoiler. In a retro touch, the Daytona R/T featured black "Hemi" decals on the hood and rear fender and retro high impact colors.

The 2006 Dodge Charger R/T Daytona Limited colors were "Go ManGo!" (orange with black decals and spoiler (punctuation in the name is correct, as displayed on the dashboard), "Top Banana" (yellow with black decals and spoiler)), "Tor Red” (red with black decals and spoiler (punctuation in the name is correct, as displayed on the dashboard)). The U.S. production release was limited to 4,000 cars each for orange and yellow, 2,000 for the red, and they had a badge with a production number placed under the far-right dash vent.

In 2007, larger 20-inch chrome-clad wheels were introduced, now being produced only in two new colors, Sub Lime Green and Plum Crazy Purple. In 2008, a revised stripe package was adopted, and the color for this year was HEMI Orange. In 2009, horsepower was increased to 372 hp (277 kW) by the addition of Variable Camshaft Timing. The color for this year was Stone White. There was no Daytona R/T for the 2010 model year.

#### Super Bee

A new **Super Bee** version of the Charger debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show for the 2007 model year. It shared the SRT-8's 425 hp (317 kW) 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi engine, but was available in a special "Detonator Yellow" paint with black decals. It was a limited edition with only 1,000 being produced. A B5 Blue version of the Super Bee was shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and went on sale in early 2008, also with a limited run of 1,000. A total of 425 Hemi Orange Super Bees were built in 2009.

#### DUB Edition

Developed in collaboration with DUB Magazine, this version is based on the Charger SXT. It features a body-color spoiler and fog lamps, 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/45R20 tires, MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System with 13-speaker Puncher surround-sound system, and a 322w Kicker amplifier, a 100-watt Kicker subwoofer, and upgraded brakes from the R/T models that use dual-piston calipers in the front. Exterior colors are red, black, silver, cool vanilla, and dark titanium.

A total of 2,180 Charger DUB Edition cars were produced for the U.S. market.

## Configuration

### Engine

3.6 L (220 cu in) Pentastar V65.7 L (345 cu in) Eagle EZD HEMI V86.2 L (376 cu in) Hellcat supercharged V86.4 L (391 cu in) ESG HEMI V8

### HorsePower

370 HP

The 2011 LD Charger seventh generation underwent both exterior and interior changes, taking some styling cues from the 1968–1970 models. A new body featured a redesigned fascia and hood section, modified "racetrack" vintage-style taillights, and a new dashboard. Silver aluminum wheels became standard equipment replacing the previous plastic hubcaps. However, the core foundation of the car was still based on the original LX platform, derived from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211). While the suspension was tweaked, the front suspension is still derived from the design of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) and the 5-link rear design from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211).

### Powertrain

The new 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine replaced the 2.7 L V6 engine as well as the 3.5 L High Output V6 engine. The 3.6 L Pentastar has variable valve timing, which is a technology that adjusts the timing of the intake and/or exhaust valves. The engine uses a timing chain instead of a belt. The exhaust manifold is cast directly into the cylinder head.

The Charger was built alongside the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 and Chrysler 300C. Engines are available with both the 5-speed and 8-speed automatic transmissions.