TriShield

Dodge dealers hoping Hemis aplenty for new Charger; sedan generating 'hate mail'


The 2006 Dodge Charger will have Hemi power as an option.

MARY CONNELLY | Automotive News
Posted Date: 12/1/04

Dodge dealers want to launch the 2006 Dodge Charger with a heavy mix of Hemi engines.

Dealers had too few Hemis to meet demand during the 2005 Dodge Magnum launch, says Jon Myers, vice chairman of the Dodge National Dealer Council and owner of Naples Dodge in Naples, Fla.

At launch, about 35 percent of Magnum wagons were equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi, says Kevin McCormick, Chrysler group spokesman. Today's running rate is about 45 percent, he says.

Dodge begins building the sporty Charger sedan in January. McCormick would not comment on launch plans, but he says the Hemi installation rate will mirror that of other Hemi-equipped vehicles.

The combined Hemi mix on the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and Ram pickup averages about 50 percent, McCormick says. The company's Saltillo, Mexico, engine plant can meet anticipated Hemi demand, he says.

Chrysler will not provide details, but the Charger is expected to be available with at least one of the six-cylinder engines that power its platform mates, the 300 and Magnum. Those vehicles are offered with 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter V6 engines. However, given the Charger's performance reputation, the smaller 2.7-liter V6 is unlikely.

The Chrysler group's revival of the Charger name for the new sedan is also generating "hate mail," says a senior executive. Correspondence is voluminous opposing the name on a four-door, says Trevor Creed, Chrysler senior vice president of design.

The naysayers, writing primarily via e-mail, champion various Charger coupes that ran from 1966 through 1978 and from 1982 through 1987, Creed says. "They all think their Charger is the real thing."

Racehead

That car is homely

badjuju342

iTrader: (3)

It is quite the smear on the nameplate . Of course so were the '82-'87 models What in the hell were they thinking?

Gloveperson

iTrader: (9)

I think it will sell very well. I think a bigger travesty is the rumored dodge baracuda.

Shinkaze

Looks and name aside, I think a 300C with a Sporting Chassis an Hi-Po engine will sell like hot-cakes, ....especially if it is a 4-Door. I have to admit though I would be rather torqued off if GM brought back the Camaro or Firbird as a Sedan so I do feel their (Charger Fans) pain.

y2k_ta

iTrader: (80)

Not building a tudor Charger is a slap-in-the-face to the name....

30th TA 0219

saw on C&D TV that the Magnum, 300c and the New Grand Cherokee are all testing the new 6.1L Hemi with up to 420 hp. Hopfully that 420 is in the 300C, which I think is the best looking 4 door car out there!

badjuju342

iTrader: (3)

Barracuda? God only knows what horrible styling cues it will get. This current styling on the Chrysler lineup is just so.... generic. It doesn't reach and grab you.

bruddah_man_matt

PT Crusier, 300, Crossfire... uhhh where have you been? There's no mistaking any of these products for anything but a Chrysler and while you may not like the designs, they definitely reach out there and grab you. I don't here anyone referring to a 300 as a Sebring a la GM's RWD Pontiac Grand Am Coupe, I mean GTO.

BAD2000TA

iTrader: (6)

It's just ugly. I'm sorry, but it is. I loved the old Chargers (1968-1974). They screwed up in the eighties bringing that front-wheel drive thing out as a Charger, but this is just plain ugly. Looks like modern-day AMC Matador or Rambler. Ugh!

jdustu

iTrader: (2)

I agree.....but i want to see it up close in person at the auto show before i get too mad.........and the 6.1 will be going into all the lx cars and the jeep....hopefully it'll hide out in a truck as well.....

Shinkaze

TriShield

That's the first Chrysler to get it. Does the Hemi have much of an aftermarket yet, will it ever?

jdustu

iTrader: (2)

yeah, there are dynomaxx headers and borla exhaust kits on tbyrne's website, obviously nitrous, and the running joke with the superchargers should be coming to a head soon.....i've seen the new hemi in a street rod with a supercharger, and now that they have a crate 5.7 with wiring harnesses so i'm guessing some of the pcm stuff should be good to go......

Edit: i was looking at an lx site and it's comical cuz it's the same stuff being argued about from when the ram first got the hemi: one company says they cracked it, another says that it just won't happen, others say they are in final testing for a supercharger friendly pcm......mopar is gonna come out with a performance chip soon, but who knows how much you can do with it....i would venture to say that with the hemi coming out in "performance" vehicles now, there will be some more pressure to get the thing hacked.....

Gloveperson

iTrader: (9)

There are really long waiting lists for CAI's, too. The suspension aftermarket
is basically get used E55 parts. There is also a magnaflow exhaust. Car has been out
for a year, but it time

WILWAXU

iTrader: (6)

I'm not a Chysler fan.. but I like the Magnum wagon. If this car is in the same vein as as it... I bet it'll be a big hit.

Shinkaze

Oh I'm sure it will be....personally I think thy should have called it the "Magnum Sedan" then made a Short Wheelbase Coupe and called THAT the charger. This car looks to big and chunky to be a performance car. Heck even the CTS-V looks Chunky, but it at least looks fast too