2007 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
by Evander Klum
It was until the year 1966 when Dodge's reputation in America was considered nothing special and was treated more like an ordinary brand offering typically plain cars---in short boring. Everything changed for the brand when it introduced the Charger. The Dodge Charger signaled a new era for the brand.
In the year 1964, Chrysler---the manufacturer of various Dodge parts including Dodge Ramcharger parts--- has come out with a 7.0 liter V8 engine that was also used by Dodge. The powerplant became a huge success among street and drag racers but sadly, equipped in Dodge's square-bodied lineup it failed to stir attention. Thanks to the '66 Charger, Dodge finally was emerging from years of being mainstream. The '66 Charger's styling fitted neatly in with the muscle car craze with its V8 Hemi engine making it a part of racing history.
Customized New Generation Dodge Charger
The Charger nameplate returned last year, 2006, and was able to create the same effect for the Dodge brand today. The new Charger was built on the Chrysler 300/ Dodge Magnum platform making it look like a coupe---specifically a four-door coupe. The extra doors that the new Charger possess have been controversial from day one but Dodge seems to have gotten it right enough to attract buyers. As a matter of fact the Charger was able to sell 159,000 units since it hit dealership in July of 2005.
The Charger has also played a major part on the TV series The Dukes of Hazzard, which aired from 1979 to 1985 and was recreated in a film last year bearing the same title. Dodge has attributed the success of the Charger to the popularity of the movie. They said it must have something to do with the TV effect. Before the Charger was reintroduced in the market at least 65 percent of Americans recognized the charger name.
The Modern Charger
The modern Charger has a length of 200.1 inches and a wheelbase of 120 inches. It can accommodate five passengers although it is not roomy but what it lacks it makes up when it comes to appearance and power under the hood. Some of the distinguishing exterior features of the new Charger are its blacked-out decklid, Daytona lettering and its black rear spoiler.
But beyond the looks is the rumble of the V8 with a note that could be mistaken with that of a muscle car. Anyway this simply shows that the engineers have done a great job when it comes to sound tuning the Charger. The new Charger is equipped with an exhaust courtesy of the Customer Preferred package 28V. It also comes with an upgraded suspension with self-adjusting shock absorbers and 235/55R All Season performance Tires for the standard 18-inch aluminum wheels. Outside are trunk lid spoiler, R/T badge, a painted HEMI engine cover, and a HEMI decal on the hood. And for the new model year, 20-inch wheels with 245/445 ZR20 rubber are available for the Daytona R/T. The interior of the Daytona R/T is equipped with perforated seats with leather/suede covering, together with heated and power front seats, and power adjustable pedals.
The Engine
The engine is the primary reason why you would want a Daytona Charger in the first place. Its 340 hp, 5.7 liter HEMI V8 drives the rear wheels to a crazy, heart stopping speed. This new Charger is far more comfortable than the muscle cars of the past that is despite of its contemporarily designed cockpit.
The only drawback of the Daytona Charger is its steering since not as sharp as one would expect but again the Charger has its way of making up for what it lacks. The steering although not sharp is obedient and accurate and fast. The suspension is also finely tuned and even its five-speed automatic transmission is easy to use. Its AutoStick transmission downshifts quickly and does not need for heavy foot work.
It is also a good thing that the Daytona Charger's HEMI comes with an MDS or the famous Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System that flawlessly deactivates four cylinders in a blink of an eye and in the process improves fuel economy especially when power is not needed. The new Charger can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in matter of 5.6 seconds and burning only more than 25 mpg of gas. Anti-lock brakes enhance braking ability of the Daytona Charger.
About the Author: Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Article Source: EasyArticles.com May 26 2007
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