The Dodge Charger is an American automobile manufactured by Chrysler, under the Dodge brand name. There have been several different Dodge vehicles, on three different platforms, bearing the Charger nameplate. The name is generally associated with a performance model in the Dodge range; however, it has also adorned a hatchback, a sedan, and a personal luxury coupe. The name was also carried by a 1999 concept car that differed substantially from the Charger eventually placed into production for the 2006 model year. A similar name, the Ramcharger, was used for the truck-based vehicle.
In 1999 Dodge debuted a new Dodge Charger R/T concept car. It took many styling cues from the 1960s Chargers (most notably the second generation) but also had four doors. The designers attempted to blend the rear doors into the design so they would not be noticed very easily. Compressed natural gas was purported as being in the lineup for a possible fuel source.
The concept Charger R/T, while sharing the long nose and rearward cab of the original, was a good deal shorter. It was 187 in (4750 mm) in overall length compared to 203 in (5156 mm) for the 1966 Charger. It was also lighter; 3,000 lb versus 3,650 lb.
While making an important statement for CNG technology, the Charger R/T was equally appealing to the design community. It had functional side scoops, as does the Dodge Viper, and the chrome plated, central mounted exhaust was somewhat reminiscent of the Viper. It even has functional air exhausters sculpted into its rear fascia.
The Charger R/T was equally important for what it said about CNG technology. The concept car showcased a new storage tank system that one day might deliver 300 miles (480 km) range in a CNG-powered passenger car and not compromise storage space in the trunk.
The Dodge Charger's heritage runs deep. First introduced as a 1966 model, this Coronet-based coupe had a unique look, with a sweeping fastback and concealed headlights. But it's the second generation of the Charger that was most popular. This was the one that served as the basis for the winged and race-wining Charger Daytona of 1969 and, later, the bright orange "General Lee" from the 1980s television show, "The Dukes of Hazzard."
Less popular were three successive generations of Chargers. Third- and fourth-generation models from the 1970s were emasculated by new emissions regulations. A fifth generation, made available from 1982-'87, was a variation of the front-drive Dodge Omni 024 economy hatchback. Near the end of its production, there were sporty, turbocharged versions modified by Carroll Shelby that culminated in the Shelby Charger GLH-S. For more info on the current model Charger visit the official Dodge Charger page on Dodge.com
The current Dodge Charger debuted for the 2006 model year. For its first two years in production, the Charger featured a lesser-quality interior that was greatly improved for 2008. The SXT trim level was also new for that year. A slight power bump for the R/T (from 340 to 368 hp) and a Super Bee package for the SRT8 were the big news items in 2009.
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