2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 Review

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

A muscle car the whole family will love, the high-performance 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is a testament to all that Dodge can do well.

Pros

Explosive 425-horsepower Hemi V8, quick steering, tight suspension, strong brakes, chiseled good looks, plenty of performance and luxury for the price.

Cons

Stiff ride, lousy fuel economy, limited visibility, intrusive stability control system.

What's New for 2006

A high-performance version of the regular Dodge Charger, the SRT-8 is new for 2006.

2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 Overview

Introduction

The Dodge Charger SRT-8, a performance version of the new Charger, offers a roomy interior and smooth ride. The SRT-8's larger 6.1-liter Hemi V8 is the highest specific output engine ever offered in a Dodge car. In a fitting nod to the original (and legendary) Hemi of the '60s, the SRT-8 even features an orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.

Backing up the powerful V8 are other SRT performance-enhancing features like bigger stabilizer bars, a lowered ride height, more powerful brakes and an improved rear deck spoiler for more downforce. A modified front fascia not only helps to set the SRT-8 apart from regular Chargers but also helps with brake cooling by directing air over the discs. The regular Charger is certainly no slouch, but with 85 additional horsepower and upgraded chassis components, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is set to dominate as the ultimate hot-rod sedan. Think of it as a muscle car the whole family can enjoy.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The rear-drive Dodge Charger SRT-8 is available only as a four-door sedan in one trim level. Standard equipment includes sport seats with perforated suede inserts and power adjustments, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a CD player, a trip computer, cruise control and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The SRT-8 rolls on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels shod with high-performance Goodyear F1 tires (all-season tires are an available option). Tire dimensions are a beefy 245/45R20 in the front and 255/45R20 in the rear. Options include an upgraded Kicker audio system with an in-dash CD changer, automatic climate control, satellite radio and a DVD-based navigation system.

Powertrains and Performance

The Dodge Charger SRT-8 sports a massaged 6.1-liter V8 that pumps out 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with a specially calibrated AutoStick automanual mode is standard. Dodge says that the SRT-8 will accelerate to 60 mph in a shade over 5 seconds.

Safety

The Charger SRT-8 offers standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes and stability control. While stability control is standard on all Chargers, the SRT-8 uses a modified version to give enthusiast drivers more leeway when hustling the car through corners. Full-length side curtain airbags are optional. In NHTSA crash testing, the Charger earned a perfect five stars for frontal-impact protection. In side-impact tests, it earned four stars for front-occupant safety and five stars for the rear. It was named a "Best Pick" in IIHS frontal-offset crash testing.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside, the Charger's long wheelbase opens up plenty of room for passengers, particularly in the backseat where the Dodge car leads its peers in legroom. Interior styling isn't revolutionary and looks a lot like the Magnum's, but a two-tone color scheme, faux aluminum accents, bolstered sport seats with suede inserts and contrasting red stitching set the Charger SRT-8 apart from its siblings.

Driving Impressions

A rear-wheel-drive V8 family sedan is exactly what American automakers have needed for years to inspire renewed interest in their products. And with plenty of Mercedes technology in this one, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 offers a great deal more refinement than its 1960s ancestors. The regular Charger R/T is already a blast to drive, and the SRT treatment takes this visceral experience to a whole new level. Outstanding power under the hood is matched with powerful Brembo brakes and a tightened suspension system.