GFerg

GFerg

GFerg

After a 27-year hiatus, Dodge Charger returns to the Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Speedweeks this week with the introduction of a new limited-production 2006 Charger Daytona R/T model amidst the sounds of the track, cheers of the fans and the roar of the legendary HEMI® engine.

"The legendary Dodge Charger nameplate returns on a modern, high-performance, rear-wheel-drive vehicle that combines bold design with four-door functionality,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President -- Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group. “To celebrate Dodge Charger's return to NASCAR, we’re introducing a limited-production Daytona R/T model that offers a little slice of history with all the performance and handling characteristics to satisfy modern muscle car enthusiasts.”

Legendary Colors for Legendary Car

Daytona race fans yelling “Go man, go!” will not only be cheering on the new Dodge Charger in its return to NASCAR Nextel Cup racing, but also will be describing the paint scheme on the first-available, limited-production 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model. Go ManGo!, a high-impact paint name initially used for the 1970 Dodge Charger, returns in an updated metallic orange paint on the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.

Following the limited-production run of Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in Go ManGo! will be a Dodge Charger Daytona R/T offered in Top Banana, another high-impact heritage paint name. The Top Banana Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will peel off the line in limited numbers later in 2005.

In addition to the special exterior paint colors, the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model will be distinguishable by an exclusive front fascia with a chin spoiler and black honeycomb grille, unique black "Daytona” and “HEMI” decals, signature heritage R/T badging and a black rear decklid spoiler. The Daytona model also will include large, bright, dual-exhaust tips and 18-inch polished wheels with low-gloss, jet-black painted pockets. The powerful HEMI engine will feature a HEMI-orange engine cover.

The interior of the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will feature performance front seats with suede inserts and embroidered "Daytona" logos on the front headrests. Body-color accent stitching will appear on the front and rear seats and on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Matching body-colored center stack bezel, a "Daytona Limited Edition" display on the electronic cluster and a sequentially numbered limited-edition Daytona badge on the instrument panel will complete the unique Dodge Charger Daytona R/T interior.

The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T comes equipped with standard world-class ride and handling features, including Electronic Stability Program (ESP), All-speed Traction Control and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model also will feature dual-zone automatic temperature controls, heated power front seats and power-adjustable pedals.

The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in Go ManGo! paint will be on display at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show during press days, beginning Feb. 9. Dodge Charger Daytona R/T models in Go ManGo! and Top Banana paint will be featured in the Daytona Speedway Dodge City display, Feb. 16–20.

Dodge to Boost 5.7-liter HEMI to 350 Horsepower

Just in time for the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T launch, Chrysler Group engineers have muscled out even more horsepower from the legendary HEMI engine. The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will feature a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® and a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine that offers an estimated 350 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque -- ten more horses than the previous 5.7-liter HEMI -- for even more power in this modern rear-wheel-drive muscle car.

Chrysler Group engineers developed uniquely tuned intake and exhaust systems to unleash some of the HEMI engine's untapped power for the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T. By using a less restrictive intake system and moving to a straight-through muffler from a three-pass muffler, the newly tuned 5.7-liter HEMI gets a 10-horsepower boost and a throaty, high-performance tone to match.

The HEMI engine's Multi-displacement System (MDS) provides up to 20 percent improved fuel economy, giving Dodge Charger customers the legendary HEMI power they want with fuel economy they will appreciate.

A high-performance suspension package that includes special suspension tuning, 18-inch all-season P235/55 R18 performance tires, performance-tuned 9-land steering gear and Nivomat™ self-leveling rear shock absorbers will be standard on the Charger Daytona R/T model.

2006 Dodge Charger Production

Production of the 2006 Dodge Charger SE, SXT and R/T models begins this spring at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, with vehicles available in North American markets early this summer. The Dodge Charger will join the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 vehicles built there.

Limited production of the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model in modern Go ManGo! paint will begin early this summer with vehicles available in North American markets soon after. The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model in Top Banana paint will be available after the limited production of Go ManGo! is complete.

Dodge Charger Returns to NASCAR Racing at Daytona International Speedway

Joining the celebration of the Dodge Charger’s return to NASCAR racing at this year’s Daytona International Speedway will be two Dodge Charger NASCAR Nextel Cup race cars painted in the same special colors of Go ManGo! and Top Banana.

On Friday, Feb. 11, the Evernham Motorsports team will unveil the new Bud Shootout paint schemes on Dodge Charger race cars at the Daytona International Speedway, alongside the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T production vehicles.

The original Dodge Charger race car debuted during the 1966 Speedweeks at Daytona. In its 11 years of racing, the Charger won 124 NASCAR Cup races and took three drivers to five championships. Richard Petty won three of his seven titles behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger and was behind the wheel of Charger’s last victory at Daytona in the 1977 Firecracker 400.

In 1970, a Dodge Charger Daytona made history at Talladega Speedway when Buddy Baker became the first driver to be clocked at more than 200 mph for a lap on a closed course.

GFerg

I'm not sure if I like it or not. I like it because the black paint brings something different to the car.(Hood, Spoiler, Grill, rear panel, etc) If I am mistaken, I believe it has a retro thing going on with the paint job. Its eye catchy and almost looks like a custom paint job. The downside is that some might think that it is ricey(and I do at times also). The overall design of the car doesnt catch my eye as say the 300C, but it still is a nice design and a great effort by Dodge. They will more than likely sell plenty of these further increasing Dodges sales and hopefully giving them more recognition. However, the Hemi is becoming played out like Nissan's VQ engine(Enough is enough already) But hey if it aint broke why fix it I guess.

FireCode

iTrader: (1)

that looks very similar to what the new mustang would look like with four doors!! NASTY

videcormeum

I like it better than the 300C - but probably only because the 300C is so played out.

The paint makes it looks better than it is probably going to be.

The front end is nicely styled. 4-doors + Charger =

I'd probably still buy it. I wonder how Dodge is going to price it.

M.

Koma

iTrader: (3)

Needs to be a coupe...

CleanSC

The same retrogurgitation that the new Mustang has.



The domestics need to STOP LIVING IN THE PAST.

mmarshall

Stop living in the past, my a - -. Over my dead body . I LOVE the colors and trim ....just like the Dodges and Plymouths I went to high school with....... with only with decent engineering..

Now....just toss those two abominable rear doors in the trash and I'll be there tomorrow morning with my checkbook.....once I get over my attraction to the 2005 Legacy / Outback.

CleanSC

hehe "decent" engineering. Okay fine for the nostalgic types this might work. But it's still 4 doors (strange-looking) and it's still milking the "good old days" for everything they are worth.

I personally, don't like it. JMO.

Thank god Toyota doesn't sell their Corollas with flip up lights, side view mirrors on the front fenders and 70's brown and avocado colors.

Toyota, Moving Forward.

Ain't that the truth.

Dodge and Ford, Livin' in the 60's.

Bleh.

You have a point tho, Marshall. If I grew up with these cars I'd most likely feel different. But I didn't so...

SupraCoup3

I'm with everyone else -- four doors is a travesty

fireballs gs400

don't like it.
don't put a hemi sticker on it if its not a 427 ci.
don't give it four doors.

mmarshall

Like I said in my post...they can toss those rear doors. I guess they figured all us Baby Boomers would have kids. They figured wrong in my case.
As far as 70's colors go.....if my memory is correct, silver with a red interior, not brown / avocado, was the most popular non-fleet sales color combo. Just about everybody had it. Dark green / black and dark green / tan combos were also popular....as was silver / black toward the end of the decade.
Imports are buying into the retro thing, too, not just American nameplates. Witness the Mazda Miata bringing back the 50's / 60's British roadsters, the New VW Beetle, and the upcoming BMW 1-series bringing back the spirit of the old 2002. The VW Microbus.....a modern copy of the old pot-smoking hippie flower-power bus of the 60's......is being considered for production but the last I heard is on hold while VW gauges potential demand..

jet864

Interesting looking cars, I would actually like them if they weren't sedans. Plain and simple, they'd be dynamite IMO. I saw a new Mustang up close and the styling is much better than I thought, maybe all retro isn't bad. However, if the rear doors were removed I worry this would look too much like the Mustang and be a horrible move by Chrysler...oh the dilemma.

James

LexFather

1. Needs to be a coupe. 2
2. This was designed by the same guy behind the 300C
3. It does have the powertrains and RWD to match the heritage. Unlike the still lame Impala, Monte Carlo

I think it will do well b/c for a 4 door it is very different from the avg sedan at a pretty cheap price.