What Is It?
2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8
What's Special About It?
Dodge set the stage for the Charger SRT-8 unveiling with purported live news footage of Chrysler Group COO Tom LaSorda introducing both SRT-8 and police versions of the car to a Captain O'Callaghan of the NYPD. Before LaSorda could properly acquaint the officers with the vehicles, however, the SRT-8 version of the car was "stolen" from the scene and quickly pursued by both the COO and assembled police.
After footage of a chase mockup, which was interspersed with stock film of the O.J. Simpson pursuit, the Charger SRT-8 and its police equivalent zoomed onto the stage at the Javitts Center, whereby the car thief was revealed to be none other than Jason Vines, the Chrysler Group's vice president of communications.
The sight of Vines being led away in handcuffs gave Chrysler Group Executive Vice President Eric Ridenour the opportunity to state that "in the wrong hands, good cars can go bad."
The main difference between the SRT-8 and the standard version of the Charger, which was introduced in Los Angeles earlier this year, is horsepower. The Charger SRT-8 is powered by the same 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter Hemi V8 found on the SRT-8 versions of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Dodge has also improved the Charger's handling with SRT-tuned dampers, anti-sway bars and a compatible version of Chrysler's Electronic Stability Program.
Other features unique to the SRT-8 version of the Charger include a revised front fascia; a hood scoop; a rear fascia that incorporates dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips; five-spoke, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels; a spoiler on the deck lid; sculpted sport seats; and the requisite SRT badge.
As mentioned previously, Dodge also introduced a police-ready version of the Charger called the Charger cruiser. It's powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi that makes 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Despite 50 Cent's die-hard enthusiasm, the reconstituted Charger hasn't received quite the rave reviews that Dodge was hoping for. Much of this could change, though, with the addition of the larger Hemi and the other SRT-inspired changes. The injection of SRT into the equation definitely seems like a step in the right direction in rekindling the vehicle's past legacy, harkening back to its late-'60s/early-'70s glory days. — Phil Lienert
2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8
What's Special About It?
Dodge set the stage for the Charger SRT-8 unveiling with purported live news footage of Chrysler Group COO Tom LaSorda introducing both SRT-8 and police versions of the car to a Captain O'Callaghan of the NYPD. Before LaSorda could properly acquaint the officers with the vehicles, however, the SRT-8 version of the car was "stolen" from the scene and quickly pursued by both the COO and assembled police.
After footage of a chase mockup, which was interspersed with stock film of the O.J. Simpson pursuit, the Charger SRT-8 and its police equivalent zoomed onto the stage at the Javitts Center, whereby the car thief was revealed to be none other than Jason Vines, the Chrysler Group's vice president of communications.
The sight of Vines being led away in handcuffs gave Chrysler Group Executive Vice President Eric Ridenour the opportunity to state that "in the wrong hands, good cars can go bad."
The main difference between the SRT-8 and the standard version of the Charger, which was introduced in Los Angeles earlier this year, is horsepower. The Charger SRT-8 is powered by the same 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter Hemi V8 found on the SRT-8 versions of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Dodge has also improved the Charger's handling with SRT-tuned dampers, anti-sway bars and a compatible version of Chrysler's Electronic Stability Program.
Other features unique to the SRT-8 version of the Charger include a revised front fascia; a hood scoop; a rear fascia that incorporates dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips; five-spoke, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels; a spoiler on the deck lid; sculpted sport seats; and the requisite SRT badge.
As mentioned previously, Dodge also introduced a police-ready version of the Charger called the Charger cruiser. It's powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi that makes 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Despite 50 Cent's die-hard enthusiasm, the reconstituted Charger hasn't received quite the rave reviews that Dodge was hoping for. Much of this could change, though, with the addition of the larger Hemi and the other SRT-inspired changes. The injection of SRT into the equation definitely seems like a step in the right direction in rekindling the vehicle's past legacy, harkening back to its late-'60s/early-'70s glory days. — Phil Lienert
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