Brief History of the Dodge Charger pt. 1
There have been several distinct production variants of Chargers, built on three different platforms and sizes. In the United States, the Charger nameplate has been used on subcompact hatchbacks, full-size sedans, muscle cars, and personal luxury coupes. The present version is a four-door sedan.
The Charger was redesigned for 1968, and 35,000 units were scheduled for production. The demand was ultimately much higher and 96,100 Dodge Chargers were produced. Based on the Chrysler B platform, the model years received various cosmetic changes to the exterior and interior including: an undivided grill, rounded tail lights, and hidden headlights. The powertrains were the same as the ones used in the 1967 Charger. However, the model was not adept to stock car racing such as NASCAR. A more aerodynamic shape forged the Charger 500 design that became the basis for the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona.
The third generation Charger was introduced for the 1971 model year. Chrysler's B platform was modified to meet new emissions and safety regulations. Available in six different packages with cosmetic changes that include: a split grill, semi fastback rear window, and a ducktail spoiler. The 1973 and 1974 Chargers were very similar to the 1971 with minor differences in the grill and headlamps. The increase in sales was mostly due to the elimination of the Dodge Coronet, which meant Dodge offered the two-door intermediate-size body style only as the Charger.
Dodge reintroduced the Charger in 2005 for the 2006 model year in a new design. This generation was available only as a four-door sedan using the Chrysler LX platform The form was intended to be reminiscent of the Chargers of the 1960's and 1970's and the taillights revert back to that era, as did the re-designed stamped hood and side panels. This generation was available with a V6 and V8 engine options coupled to automatic transmissions, as well as all-wheel drive (AWD).
For the 2012 – 2018 years, the Super Bee platform (Later called Scat Pack 15+) was available, utilizing features seen in regular SRT-8 models with accessories and badges reminiscent of the 60's and 70's muscle car. These included a 6.4L engine with 470 HP, four piston Brembo calipers, slotted rotors, paddle shifters, SRT introduction features (such as 0-60 timing, Live G-Force readings, and ¼ and ⅛ mile drag timers), custom seat embroidery, and more.
For 2015, the Charger received important exterior styling updates. Most notably, the new front end which featured LED lights and a more streamlined nose that was less angled and featured a observable curve around the headlight housing. Suspensions, interior, and brakes were also redesigned.
For the past 50 years, since the first Dodge Charger took to the streets in 1966, Mopar enthusiasts have enjoyed an obsession with power, performance and style. The ‘66 Dodge Charger was a flat-out threat on the asphalt, and a game-changer in a hyper-competitive segment and era. With the groundwork firmly in place, Dodge Charger continued to grow in size and stature, year after year, always striving for cutting-edge design, awe-inspiring interiors, and performance and capability that broke boundaries with each new iteration of the iconic vehicle.
The Dodge Charger has been making headlines again with the introduction of the 6.2-litre Supercharged HEMI V8 engine that offers drivers the opportunity to flex their driving muscles with thanks to an incredible access to 707 horsepower. That said, the Charger has a fame and history that reaches as far back as 1964, where it was displayed at shows, and while based on the Polara, the first edition of the Charger carried a 426 Wedge engine. Bottom line is the Dodge Charger is iconic and most of all a beloved member of the Mopar Family.