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| Dodge Charger (LX) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dodge Charger (LX) |
| Manufacturer | Dodge |
| Production | 2005–2010 |
| Assembly | Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada |
| Class | Full-size car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout / All-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler LX platform |
| Predecessor | Dodge Charger (1999–2000) |
Dodge Charger (LX) is a full-size four-door sedan introduced by Dodge as a modern revival of the classic fastback nameplate. Launched for the 2006 model year on the Chrysler LX platform, it combined retro-inspired styling with contemporary corporate engineering drawn from Chrysler Group. The LX Charger competed in the marketplace against rivals such as the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Five Hundred, and Toyota Avalon while invoking heritage from the original 1966–1978 Dodge Charger.
The Charger (LX) program was driven by executives and designers including leadership from Dodge, Chrysler Group CEOs and the design team at Dodge's Pacifica Studio under guidance similar to efforts seen in projects at FIAT after the 2009 Fiat–Chrysler Automobiles merger. Styling cues referenced the 1968 Dodge Charger (second generation) and echoed elements present in concept presentations at events such as the North American International Auto Show and the Detroit Auto Show. Engineering work leveraged the Chrysler LX platform shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, enabling features like a long hood and short deck profile seen in retro-styled vehicles such as the Ford Mustang reborn chassis work. The body utilized unibody construction, with suspension geometry tuned by teams experienced from programs including the Dodge Viper and collaborations with suppliers like Brembo for high-performance braking variants. Interior packaging reflected ergonomics standards influenced by safety regulations formulated by agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Engine development for the Charger (LX) integrated families from Chrysler and partners, including the 2.7L and 3.5L V6 engines and multiple generations of the Hemi V8 such as the 5.7L and 6.1L used in performance models. Transmissions included TorqueFlite automatic transmission variants and options for All-wheel drive systems reminiscent of setups by suppliers like BorgWarner. Performance tuning drew on expertise from teams with backgrounds at Mopar, SRT (Street & Racing Technology), and collaborations with parts makers like Koni and Monroe. Top-trim configurations achieved 0–60 mph times competitive with rivals such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, while chassis dynamics were benchmarked against sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz to balance ride and handling for North American road conditions.
The Charger (LX) lineup included base, R/T, SRT8, and special-package variants, with trim packages and option groups analogous to those offered across Chrysler Group marques. Fleet and law enforcement derivatives were developed for agencies including municipal police departments and federal fleets, leveraging partnerships with upfitters familiar from work with Smith & Wesson vehicle programs (police vehicle specialists) and companies such as Vanguard. Special collaborations produced limited editions tied to motorsport events like the NASCAR series and cultural tie-ins promoted at venues such as the Sema Show. Equipment levels mirrored strategies employed by competitors like Pontiac and Buick to cover luxury and performance buyer segments.
Safety features in the Charger (LX) incorporated airbag systems developed to meet standards from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety protocols, along with stability control systems supplied by electronics firms similar to Bosch and Continental AG. Available technology included infotainment and navigation systems integrating components from suppliers like Harman International and Delphi Automotive, while telematics options paralleled industry services exemplified by OnStar. Structural crash performance and occupant protection were refined through testing at facilities such as the Transportation Research Center and validated against programs run by IIHS and NHTSA.
Dodge positioned the Charger (LX) with advertising campaigns across outlets including Super Bowl spots and sponsorships at events like the Sema Show and Woodward Dream Cruise. Media reviews in outlets such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Edmunds, and Autocar highlighted styling, V8 performance, and rear-seat accommodation relative to Ford and General Motors competitors. The Charger earned cultural presence via appearances in films and television series produced by studios like Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures, contributing to brand visibility alongside motorsport marketing in series such as NASCAR and promotional partnerships with organizations like SRT.
Production took place at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario with supply chains involving Tier 1 suppliers like Magna International and Faurecia. Sales performance varied across markets, with notable uptake in North America against competitors such as the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Taurus. Fleet sales, including law enforcement procurement, contributed to volumes, with procurement influenced by agencies following standards similar to those applied by the General Services Administration for federal purchases. Export distribution reached markets where left-hand-drive full-size sedans were in demand, coordinated through FCA US LLC dealer networks.
SRT and Dodge Motorsport programs translated Charger hardware into track-focused and homologation variants, drawing on expertise from teams with histories in IMSA, Grand-Am, and NASCAR development programs. Special editions and commemorative models were released, often featuring performance hardware from suppliers such as Brembo and aesthetic treatments showcased at the Sema Show and promotional events run by organizations like Mopar. The Charger platform also served as the basis for pace cars and promotional vehicles at motorsport venues including Daytona International Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Category:Dodge vehicles Category:Full-size cars