TO THE POINTWhat’s New? A 425-horsepower, 6.1-liter Hemi V-8; beefed-up drivetrain components; sport-tuned suspension; 20-inch alloy wheels with performance tires; front sport seats; special bodywork and interior trim. Selling Points: Raw horsepower; exclusivity; room for the family; serious performance at a reasonable price. Deal Breakers: Poor fuel economy; coming up with a reason for why you need one. Our Advice: If you can’t lose the itch to light up your tires yet need to haul kids and clients, the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8 is a dream come true.
SpecificationsThe 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8’s main competitors include the Audi S4, Cadillac CTS-V, Infiniti M45 Sport, and Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG.
Test Vehicle: 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8
Base Price: $35,995 (including $675 destination charge)
Gas Guzzler Tax: $2,100
Engine Size and Type: 6.1-liter Hemi V8
Engine Horsepower: 425 at 6,200 rpm
Engine Torque: 420 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic with AutoStick manual shift feature
Curb Weight, lbs.: 4,160
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 14/20 mpg
Length: 200.1 inches
Width: 74.5 inches
Wheelbase: 120 inches
Height: 58.2 inches
Legroom (front/rear): 41.8/40.2 inches
Headroom (front/rear): 38.7/36.2 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 16.2 cu.-ft.
Competitors: Audi S4, BMW M3, BMW M5, Cadillac CTS-V, Cadillac STS-V, Chevrolet Impala SS, Chrysler 300C SRT-8, Dodge Magnum SRT-8, Infiniti M45 Sport, Jaguar S-Type R, Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Volvo S60 R
Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler
About Alan Rider Alan Rider is a contributing editor for Autobytel.com and two of the country¹s largest AAA magazine publishing groups, where his automotive reviews and feature stories are read by more than 7 million members. He is also a contributing editor to the AAA Buyer¹s Guide to New Cars & Trucks and an award judge for the organization¹s annual Top Car awards. He lives with his wife and son in Northern California.