DRIVEN: 2006 Dodge Charger RT

Story by Mark Atkinson
Photos courtesy DaimlerChrysler Canada

Let’s get this out of the way: we’ve all heard the criticism before about Dodge’s decision to build the new Charger as a four-door sedan rather than a two-door like its muscle car namesake of old. Been there, done that. Get over it. If having two extra doors prevents you from even trying to enjoy what Dodge has to offer, then that’s a real shame because the new Charger is certainly worth its badge.

The Charger is the third of the Brampton, ON-built DaimlerChrysler triplets to use the very successful LX platform. Since we’ve gone on at great length about its Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum siblings, the basic information should sound familiar: a choice of V6 or V8 engines, five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive.

However, it would be unfair to tag the Charger as nothing more than a retro-ish sedan version of the Magnum, because there’s been a huge effort made by DC to infuse it with the spirit of Bo and Luke Duke’s favourite ride.



The major change has been to shorten up the wheelbase in order to make the Charger more nimble than its larger brothers. Stiffer suspension settings on even the V6 SE models helps to differentiate the drive as well. Our HEMI-powered R/T benefited even more from the optional Road and Track package – yes, that means it was a Charger R/T R/T – that included different 18 x 7.5-in aluminum wheels, P235/55R18 BSW all-season performance tires, supporting sport seats with grippy ‘Preferred Suede’ surfaces, and even more focused steering and suspension settings.

So equipped, the 4,031-lb Charger R/T was surprisingly nimble and fun to drive. The steering is sharp, and turn-in is decent, although the all-season tires have early limits. Having summer performance tires even as an option would help even more in this regard.



The V8 really is a nice piece, proving to be super-torquey and responsive, and it truly does roar when you put your foot in it. The five-speed automatic is well matched to the HEMI, although we’ll say again that a manual transmission would be a welcome addition to the lineup. It seems obvious to say that gas mileage wasn’t the greatest over the week we had with the R/T, although most of the driving done was in-town where the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) cylinder shut-off wasn’t able to perform its magic.

While the interior shares most of its components with the Magnum, the exterior is something completely different. The office was split into the love it/hate it categories, but whichever way they fell, it’s obvious that the Charger stands out in a crowd. The squinty headlights, upright crosshair grille, rear fenders and fast-back profile hearken back to the ‘good ole days’, the touches of a modern sedan are still there in spades.



For those who have a bit more extrovert in their blood, Dodge does offer the Daytona R/T package, with lurid Go ManGo! and Top Banana paint, blacked-out grille and wheels, flat-black graphics on the hood and sides, and black spoilers front and rear. Mechanically, the Daytona R/T includes everything from the R/T R/T, and really gets the mid-life crisis blood flowing…

Pricing for the Charger R/T starts at $39,045, with the R/T package adding another $950 to that total. The Charger Daytona R/T runs for $42,045. Those who are looking for even more punch can step up to the SRT-8 for not much more money… we’ll bring you a full test once we get our hands on one.