The Dodge Charger has a long history as a high-displacement, track-focused machine. While the current four-door sedan is markedly distinct from the decades-old smaller predecessors, the aggressive styling and available 6.2L V-8 workhorse keeps a smile on any muscle car enthusiast’s face. Most impressive, the jaw-dropping Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody is in a class of its own as the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world. Its popularity is no secret as it leaves the competition in the dust and looks great while doing so.
The Birth of Dodge Chargers
Chrysler first introduced the Dodge Charger in 1966 as a two-door fastback featuring a 5.2L V-8 engine and a three-speed manual on a Chrysler B platform. It quickly caught the market by storm, selling more than 95,000 units in 1968 alone. A split grill and ducktail spoiler matched the classic 60s and 70s muscle car looks. Five generations of the Dodge Charger were produced between 1966 and 1987. However, modifications to meet new emissions and safety standards resulted in a slow creep away from the characteristic high-displacement V-8 powerhouse. In 1987, the Charger was built as a sub-compact, front-wheel-drive hatchback driven by a 2.2L engine. A turbo-charged option still produced a respectable 142 horsepower, but the Charger had lost its identity and was discontinued.
Modern Reintroduction
After almost 20 years of silence, Chrysler reintroduced the Dodge Charger in 2006. It traded the smaller two-door design to come back as a powerful four-door sedan available in seven trim levels, including options for all-wheel drive and a more-economical V-6 engine. The performance-focused SRT8 Charger brought back the high displacement V-8 with a 6.1L HEMI engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission utilizing AutoStick manual shifting. Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, power locks/windows/mirrors, and remote keyless entry incorporated modern tech to the classic design. Finally, the muscle car enthusiasts could return to the Dodge badge. In 2011, the seventh generation Dodge Charger began production with updated interior and exterior styling including multiple scoops, a more aerodynamic shape, and increased driver visibility. The aggressive styling and wrap-around LED tail light quickly became the Dodge Charger’s defining characteristics. The Super Bee package, offered from 2012 to 2014, brought back even more accessories and badges from the muscle car era. Its 6.4L 470 horsepower engine and SRT launch features meant this Charger is back at home on the track.
Current Dodge Charger Lineup
With seven different models to choose from, starting at $31,125, there’s a Dodge Charger for nearly any taste and price level. All Chargers feature the characteristic aggressive exterior design, plus an interior with driver and passenger comfort in mind, complete with hands-free Apple CarPlay support and Android Auto integration through a 8.4-inch touchscreen. The SXT and GT models with their 3.6L V-6 engines provide excellent fuel mileage. They are the only Chargers available with an all-wheel drive option for those who want unparalleled traction. Those looking for the ultimate value for performance should look toward the Scat Pack model. Its reasonable $42,800 starting MSRP goes a long way, providing you with a 485-horsepower V-8 HEMI and luxury features like heated seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Most Powerful and Fastest Mass-Produced Sedan
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody has set a new standard as the world’s most powerful production sedan with the highest top-speed of any mass-produced four-door sedan. The Hellcat Redeye’s Supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine cranks out a G-force inducing 797 horsepower. The 11-inch wide tires, 20-inch wheels, and Brembo brakes keep all that power firmly planted on the ground. The fenders are an 3.5 inches wider than the standard Charger, offering impressive stability at speed and an intimidating stance.