In a retro touch, the Daytona R/T featured black "Hemi" decals on the hood and rear fender and retro high impact colors. Visual additions included a special front fascia with a chin spoiler and a black rear spoiler. 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. The 2006 Charger Daytona R/T debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. This results in a slight boost in fuel economy while retaining the same maximum power split to the front wheels. The 2009 Charger AWD utilized the BorgWarner Torque-on-Demand system which disconnects the front axles until extra traction is needed. 2008 models had seen minor revisions to the interior (a new center console and switchgear changes). This sixth generation included relocating the rear decklid's "CHARGER" badging from the left to the right, making way for "DODGE" at the left.
The AWD system is engaged all the time, routing approximately 60% of the power to the rear wheels and 40% of the power to the front wheels.Īfter three years of production, an update for 2009 models was made. AWD models also benefited from use of Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC system, including transfer case components.īoth the SXT and R/T models of the were available in rear and all-wheel drive trains starting in 2007. Later models also features a Mercedes-Benz derived laser key ignition system in place of the traditional metal key. Shared and or derived components from Mercedes-Benz included: the rear suspension cradle and 5-link independent rear suspension design derived from E-Class, the 5-Speed NAG1 (W5A580/WA580) transmission, rear differential, driveshaft, ESP & ABS systems, steering system, cabin electronics, switch gear such as the cruise control and turn signal combination stalk, seat controls, seat frames, wiring harness, and a double wish-bone front suspension design derived from the W220 S-Class. The Dodge Charger is based on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler LX platform with varying components derived from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class of the era. It was a return to a rear-wheel-drive sedan platform Dodge had not offered since the mid-size Dodge Diplomat had been discontinued in 1989. It featured a four-door sedan body design, whereas all the previous production Chargers had two doors. It took many styling cues from the 1960s Chargers, sharing their long nose and rearward cab, but was shorter at 187 in (4,750 mm), compared to 203 in (5,156 mm) for the 1966 Charger. In 1999, Dodge introduced a new Charger R/T concept car. Although the name is associated with the late-1960s performance model in the Dodge range, it was also used on personal luxury coupes during the late-1970s and on front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchbacks during the 1980s. There were several different vehicles bearing the Charger nameplate built on three different platforms and sizes, all bearing the Charger nameplate. The first production Charger, based on the Dodge Coronet, was introduced as a 1966 model. The first Charger was a 1964 show car based on the Dodge Polara and fitted with a 426 Wedge V8 engine.