Dodge Avenger RT, 2012

 

 

•  Dodge Avenger RT, 2012

The new 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T makes its worldwide auto show debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.

With exceptional V-6 fuel economy, the new Dodge Avenger is the perfect sedan for the customer who wants an enthusiastic driving performance at a great value. With a stiffened suspension, best-in-class 283 horsepower engine, center-mounted tachometer and performance-inspired interior and exterior design, the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T ups the driving fun factor.

In 2011, Dodge introduced the new Dodge Avenger mid-sized sedan. With more standard features than other vehicles in the segment - an all-new interior, a new powertrain, including one of Ward's "10 Best Engines," the best-in-class 283 horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, a significantly updated suspension that results in exceptional driving dynamics and an updated design - the Dodge Avenger is a vehicle packed with value and a style all its own.

The new for 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T model builds on all the improvements made to the 2011 model giving mid-size sedan customers an unmatched driving experience along with Dodge attitude.

Dodge engineers amplified the driving experience by giving the Dodge Avenger R/T a superlative powertrain and performance-tuned suspension. The 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, which has an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

To make it stay true to the Dodge R/T DNA, engineers tuned the Avenger's suspension specifically to the R/T model. They increased roll stiffness by 18 percent, and spring rates by 17 percent in the front and more than 12 percent in the rear. Front strut damping rates are increased 15 percent, rear strut damping rates are increased almost 20 percent and the rear stabilizer bar diameter is 2 mm larger, increased from 19 mm to 21 mm. The suspension changes result in a spirited, performance sedan driving experience. With best-in-class 283 horsepower, and still delivering 29 miles per gallon on the highway, the Dodge Avenger R/T is unmatched in its class.

The Dodge Avenger R/T model exterior has unique exterior design elements, including a unique body-color grille with the Dodge badge, menacing black headlamp background, the "war paint" R/T decal on the front quarter panel and unique 18-in. painted aluminum wheels. The performance elements carry through to the rear of the vehicle with a spoiler and the "R/T" badge.

The interior of the 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T sports distinctive Aunde fabric with Z stripe fabric inserts, red stitching and aggressive leather-trimmed bolsters that hold drivers and passengers firmly in their seats when they put the Avenger to the test. The front seats are heated and sport an "R/T" graphic stitched in red on the front headrests. Drivers will notice a cockpit unlike other Avenger models. It features a unique gauge cluster with a center-mounted tachometer with the "R/T" graphic and SRT-inspired brake and accelerator pedal pads. The steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather with red accent stitching. A Boston Acoustic sound system compliments the standard 276-watt touchscreen entertainment center with a 30-gigabyte hard drive. The excellent sound system and remote start are some of the many standard features on the Dodge Avenger R/T model.

The Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan is a 2011 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and provides customers an abundance of standard safety and high-tech features designed to keep drivers connected with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Standard safety features include advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, front seat side air bags, electronic stability control with electronic traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, supplemental side curtain air bags and LATCH child seat anchor system.

For 2011, the Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan is available in four different configurations, and features a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Avenger Express, Avenger Mainstreet, Avenger Heat and Avenger Lux are available in Dodge dealerships now. The 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T model will start arriving in dealerships in the third quarter of 2011.

Dodge Avenger RT, 2008

 

 

 

•  Dodge Avenger RT, 2008

The Dodge brand is running on all cylinders, introducing the 2008 Dodge Avenger — an all-new mid-size sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with innovative interior features, high-levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA fuel economy standards).

Avenger also is the Dodge brand's first mid-size car to offer all-wheel-drive capability combined with a sport-tuned suspension, performance steering and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control, all of which combine to give Avenger its on-road performance attitude. And with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $18,895 (including a $675 destination charge), the all-new Avenger is priced $1,605 below the comparable outgoing Stratus with $985 more content, including standard side-curtain and front-seat-mounted side air bags, Chill Zone, theft alarm and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, to name a few.

The all-new mid-size sedan also marks a milestone in the Dodge brand's car renaissance. From Viper to Caliber and every segment in between, Dodge now offers an extremely competitive car.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger  in U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets, in both left-hand and right-hand drive, by mid-2007. Four models will be offered in the United States: Dodge Avenger SE, Dodge Avenger SXT and Dodge Avenger R/T, and a first for Dodge in the mid-size segment, Dodge Avenger R/T AWD (late availability).

Bold, Aggressive Dodge Styling
The 2008 Dodge Avenger builds on the bold, aggressive styling, performance and excitement of the Dodge Charger.
 

From the front, there's no mistaking Dodge's heritage in Avenger's aggressive exterior lines. The brand's signature crosshair grille and large, modern quad headlamps housed in black add to Avenger's menacing glare. The Dodge Avenger's chrome grille with black texture accentuates the vehicle's serious, almost sinister appearance. A stamped formation carries the vertical lines of the crosshair grille over the hood.

Avenger's side profile shares more family traits with the Dodge Charger. Muscular rear shoulders, large wheels and tires and a sleek rear spoiler embody the Dodge brand attributes of bold, powerful and capable. Avenger's long greenhouse is created by black appliqués on the B-pillars, which make this mid-size sedan look like it's pouncing forward, even when it's at a standstill.

From the rear, large, expressive taillamp modules placed at the corners frame the deck lid, which includes a sleekly integrated, finely tuned body-color spoiler. This spoiler and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets communicate the performance capability of the Avenger R/T's 3.5-liter engine.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger rides on a 108.9-inch wheelbase and 61.8-inch track, which adds to its athletic stance, improves ride quality and stability and maximizes crush space in the engine compartment. Overall, Avenger is 1.2 inches wider and 4 inches taller than the vehicle it replaces.

Impressive Interior Makes Bold Statement
Graphic design elements, which set the new 2008 Dodge Avenger's exterior design apart from the competition, also are evident throughout the vehicle's spacious interior.

Carefully matched grains and low gloss levels contribute to Avenger's rich-looking interior surfaces. The instrument panel top pad and center stack feature a Franklin grain with low-gloss finish to match the defroster grille, driver cubby and Dodge logo on passenger side surrounds. From the cluster bezel to climate control knobs, circles are a primary graphic element repeated throughout the Dodge Avenger's interior.

Taking a cue from the Dodge Ram name, the Avenger's center stack features a V-like ram's horn shape that surrounds the gated shifter bezel and serves as a design focal point. Avenger's center stack features dual heating and air conditioning vents. A large opening below the vents provides room for either the standard AM/FM/CD radio or the available cutting-edge MyGIG Multimedia Navigation/Audio/Entertainment/Communication system. On vehicles equipped with the UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, phone buttons are packaged in the radio control head for easy access and a clean, streamlined appearance.

Unique to Dodge Avenger in the mid-size segment is Chill Zone, a chilled beverage storage bin that is standard on all Avenger models. Housed in the passenger side upper instrument panel, the bin can hold and chill as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans.

Avenger's interior provides comfortable seating for the driver and as many as four passengers. Drivers sit 2.5 inches higher than they did in Dodge's previous mid-size sedan, giving them a command-of-the-road seating position. The interior cabin also is extremely spacious with 100.9 cu. ft. of room, which is an additional 7 cubic feet of interior passenger volume compared with the vehicle it replaces. There are 2.5 inches more headroom, 1.2 inches more shoulder room and an inch more hip room in the front seat. Luggage volume in the trunk is a competitive 13.35 cubic feet.

All-wheel Drive, Sport Suspension and Performance Steering Accentuate Avenger R/T's On-road Attitude
The Avenger R/T also is the Dodge brand's first mid-size sedan to offer all-wheel-drive capability (late availability). Avenger's all-wheel-drive system, available on models sold in the United States, works on demand, driving only the front wheels until power to the rear wheels is needed. All-wheel drive also is used on dry pavement between speeds of 25 and 65 mph to enhance handling during performance driving. This system provides added traction on snow, ice and other low-traction surfaces without having to be switched on and off. All-wheel drive, combined with a sport-tuned suspension, performance steering and ESP with Traction Control, all combine to give Avenger R/T its on-road performance attitude.

Powertrain Options Deliver Excellent Power, Fuel Efficiency and Flex-fuel Availability
Three engine options power 2008 Dodge Avengers sold in the United States: the new standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine, an available flex-fuel 2.7-liter V-6 engine and an available 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger SE and SXT feature a standard four-cylinder engine that rivals the best in the mid-size car segment when it comes to fuel economy. Avenger's 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers fuel efficiency in the city of 21 mpg (24 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), an excellent 30 mpg on the highway (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards), as well as smooth, quiet operation. Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 15 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.

The Dodge Avenger SXT features an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine that provides value- and performance-conscious consumers the power of a V-6 engine with a price that compares with the competitions' four-cylinder engines. Avenger's 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces. This 2.7-liter V-6 engine achieves 19 mpg in the city (22 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards) and 27 mpg on the highway (30 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards). It also can operate effectively on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85.

Dodge Avenger R/T and R/T AWD sedans sold in the United States feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The combination of the upgraded 3.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transaxle delivers excellent performance and fuel efficiency, as well as smooth, quiet operation.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T's six-speed automatic transaxle provides quicker standing-start acceleration than a four- or five-speed transaxle because of its numerically higher first gear ratio. A more robust differential with increased torque capacity enhances launch performance by requiring less torque management, electronically limiting the torque that is available during the initial stages of standing-start acceleration. Smaller steps between ratios also make for a smoother, quieter ride, as the engine speed doesn't change as often with each shift. In addition, more ratio choices, more appropriate ratios for quicker acceleration and a lower overall top gear ratio provide a quiet ride and improved fuel economy at highway speeds.

Innovative Technologies Make Life Easier and Safer

In addition to Dodge Avenger's bold, aggressive design and functional interior, this all-new mid-size sedan also features a slew of new technologies unique in the segment.

Many unique features set Dodge Avenger apart in the extremely competitive mid-size car segment. These features:

•     * Chill Zone — a storage compartment in the top of the instrument panel that holds up to four standing 12 oz. beverage cans. Depending on ambient temperature and air conditioning settings, the bin can keep beverages cool
•     * A heated/cooled front cupholder that keeps cold beverages cool and hot beverages warm. The system heats to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or cools to 35 degrees Fahrenheit
•     * YES Essentials Fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration
•     * Heated cloth seats
•     * An available DVD rear-seat entertainment system that includes AM/FM stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD player, six-disc CD/DVD changer and SIRIUS® Satellite Digital Audio Radio
•     * Light-emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights that provide directional lighting in both the front and rear seats
•     * MP3 play capability on all audio systems

The 2008 Dodge Avenger also features MyGIG, a cutting-edge information, entertainment and safety navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications. This best-in-class, next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors, providing a three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles. The MyGIG system follows voice-activated commands and includes many new features for music, sound, movies and personalized picture displays:

•     * A 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures on the hard drive
•     * Universal Serial Bus (USB) that provides both MP3 connectivity and downloading of WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive
•     * Gracenote database installed on the hard drive, which provides song identification, including composer, artist and title
•     * Playlist creation capability to provide easy access to files
•     * Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to 3 minutes long to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror
•     * Radio screen, which can display movies (when vehicle is not in motion)
•     * SIRIUS Satellite Radio, which provides customers with more than 125 channels of the best music, entertainment and information coast-to-coast, 24 hours a day. This includes 100 percent commercial-free music, as well as sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather
•     * UConnect Hands-free Communication System that uses Bluetooth technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants' compatible cell phones and the vehicle's onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility

Safety Features and Structure Combine to Protect Vehicle Occupants
Safety and security are a top priority among mid-size car buyers in the United States, and the all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger offers a unique combination of class-leading safety features that are designed to keep occupants both safe and secure. Avenger's safety cage is constructed with dual-phase, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components designed to protect occupants in all driving situations. Avenger's extremely strong safety cage is complemented with a combination of standard safety items demanded by buyers in the mid-size segment, including:

•     * Advanced multi-stage front air bags
•     * Side-curtain air bags
•     * Front-seat-mounted side air bags

Anti-lock brakes and ESP with Traction Control also are available on the 2008 Dodge Avenger.

Dodge Coronet Station Wagon, 1973

Dodge Coronet Station Wagon, 1973

Dodge Coronet Station Wagon, 1973

Dodge Coronet, 1973

Dodge Coronet, 1973

1973 Dodge Coronet. 4 door inside and out.

Dodge Charger RT, 1971

Dodge Charger RT, 1971

In 1971, the all-new third generation Charger debuted. It was completely restyled with a new "Pontiac" grille and more rounded "fuselage" bodystyle. Many people have compared the look of the 1971-1974 Chargers to the 1968-1970 Pontiac GTOs. The interiors now looked more like those of the E-body and were now shared by the Plymouth B-body. A rear spoiler and a "Ramcharger" hood made the option lists for the first time. A special scoop was mounted in the hood, directly above the air cleaner. If the driver wanted to put clean air directly into the carburetor, he pulled a small lever under the dash and the scoop popped up. This gimmicky (but novel) device had been used on the Coronet R/T and Super Bees, but this was the first time it was used on the Charger.

Dodge merged its Coronet and Charger lines. From 1971, all four-door B-bodies were badged as Coronets and all two-door B-bodies as Chargers. This change would add the one-year-only Charger Super Bee to the Charger stable.

The Dodge Super Bee made the move from the Coronet line to the Charger line for 1971 only, then the model was discontinued. Several other models were carried over from 1970, including the 500. However this 500 could be ordered with any engine and was not the high performance model it was in 1969. The R/T and SE versions carried over as well, but the R/T's popularity was on the downslide thanks to higher insurance costs. Only 63 Hemi versions were built, and 2,659 were built with other engines that year.

Rapidly rising insurance rates, combined with higher gasoline prices, reduced sales of muscle cars and 1971 was the last year of availability for the 426 Hemi "Elephant engine" in any car. 1972 also saw the end of the high-performance 440 Six-Pack engine (although a very small number of 1972 Chargers came with this engine). The 1972 Charger bowed with a new "Rallye" option to replace the former R/T version. The 440 engines were still available, but now had to use the net horsepower rating instead of the gross horsepower rating. This would cause their horsepower ratings to go down substantially, although the net horsepower rating was actually more realistic. Also beginning in 1972 (with the exception of the very few 440 Six-Pack engines installed in Chargers early in the model year), all engines featured lowered compression ratios to permit the use of regular leaded or unleaded gasoline rather than leaded premium fuel as in past years due to increasing tighter emissions regulations.

The dozen or so 1972 models were built with the 440 Six-Pack engine, a low-compression 440 with a 4 barrel carburetor became the top dog engine, and the use of the pistol-grip 4-speed Hurst shifter was limited to engines of 400 cubic inches. The 1972-1974 Chargers were no longer called performance cars, but were gradually turned into personal luxury cars, because all manufacturers "saw the handwriting on the wall." The end of the muscle car era came to a close, and the 1975 Dodge Charger would be the final nail in the coffin.

Dodge Challenger TA, 1970

Dodge Challenger TA, 1970

The first Challenger was the division's late entrant to the pony car market segment in the United States, launched for the 1970 model year.

It was strongly based on the similar Plymouth Barracuda's new E-body but with two inches (51 mm) of extra wheelbase and somewhat different outer sheetmetal. Exterior design was done by Carl "CAM'" Cameron, whom also did the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger. For the 1970 Challenger grille, CAM' based it off of an older sketch of his of a 1966 Charger prototype that was designed to have a turbine engine. The Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille. Although the Challenger was well-received by the public (with 80,000 sales in 1970 alone), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Challenger production ceased after the 1974 model year, only having lasted five years; performance dropped off dramatically after the 1971 models. About 165,500 Challengers were sold over this model's lifespan.

Challengers could either be hardtop coupes or convertibles (through 1971 only). The performance model was the R/T (Road/Track), available in both body styles; both standard and R/T hardtops could be ordered as the more luxurious SE specification, which included leather seats, a vinyl roof and a smaller 'formal' rear window. The convertible Challnger was only available as an R/T in 1970. In 1972, Dodge dropped the R/T badging and now called it the "Rallye". Other options, as well as engines and a manual transmission, included steeper rear axle ratios, a limited-slip differential, and a shaker hood scoop were gone for 1972.

A 1970-only model was the Dodge Challenger T/A (Trans Am) racing homologation car, which used a specially tuned Six-Pack version of the 340 in³ (5.6 L) engine, topped with a giant hood scoop on a fiberglass hood. 'Megaphone' exhaust outlets were fitted in front of the rear wheels. These cars came standard with front and rear sway bars to enhance handling. Unusually, different-sized wheels were fitted front and back, with very fat rubber on the rear. The T/A also came with a rear ducktail spoiler and front ground effect spoilers as standard equipment.

By 1972, all big-block engines were gone, maximum power was down to 240 hp, and production ceased in mid-1974.

Although the body style remained the same throughout the 5 year run, there were two notable changes to the front grille. 1971 models had a more stylized "split" grille, and the final manipulation coming in 1972, with the incorporation of the "sad-mouth" design. With this change to the front end, 1972 through 1974 models had little to no variation. The only way to properly distinguish said models is by the front and rear "bumperettes" which exponentially increased in size during each consecutive year. These changes were made to meet US regulations regarding crash test safety.

The 1970 taillights went all the way across the back of the car, with the backup light in the middle of the rear. In 1971, the backup lights were on the left and right instead of the middle. The taillight array also changed for 1972 onwards, with the Challenger now having four individual lamps similar to the mid-size Mercurys of the time.

Collector's value
As the Chrysler E-body line reaches legendary proportions, so too do the prices to buy them. 1970 and 1971 models tend to generate more attention from potential (and usually deep pocketed) buyers, as the performance and style options had not yet been toned down. However, with the popularity of these vehicles on the increase, coupled with the number of useable and restorable Challengers being on the decrease, many collectors have begun looking towards the later models to create their own customizable dream machines. Indeed, many "clones" of the more visceral 1970 and 1971 Challengers have been created by using 1972 through 1974 donors; The front and rear grilles/bumpers on these vehicles are easily interchangeable. However, the tail panel is not so easy to change, since the 1970 and 1971 tail panels are quite different from the 1972 to 1974 models.

Dodge Charger, 1969

Dodge Charger, 1969

There have been a number of vehicles bearing the Charger nameplate, but the name has generally denoted a performance model in the Dodge range. The 1966 to 1974 Chargers were the high performance B-body models. The 1975 to 1978 Chargers were based on the Chrysler Cordoba.

1969
In 1969 not much was changed for the popular Charger. Exterior changes included a new grille with a center divider and new longitudual taillights. A new trim line called the Special Edition (SE) was added. This could be available by itself or packaged with the R/T, thus making an R/T-SE. The SE added leather inserts to the front seats only, chrome rocker mouldings, a wood grain steering wheel and wood grain inserts on the instrument panel. A sunroof was added to the option list as well, and it would prove to be a very rare option. The bumble bee stripes returned as well, but were changed slightly. Instead of four stripes it now featured one huge stripe framed by two smaller stripes. In the middle of the stripe an R/T cutout was placed. If the stripe was deleted, then a metal R/T emblem was placed where the R/T cutout was. Total production dropped slightly to around 85,680 units. But in 1969 Dodge had its eye on NASCAR and in order to compete it would have to create two of the most rare and desirable of all Chargers: Charger 500, and the Charger Daytona.

The television series The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985) featured a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T that was named The General Lee, often quoted as the most recognizable car in the world. "The General" sported the Confederate flag painted on the roof and the words "GENERAL LEE" over each door. The windows were always open, as the doors were (allegedly) welded shut. The number "01" is painted on both doors. Also, when the horn button was pressed, it played the first 12 notes from the de facto Confederate States anthem "Dixie's Land". The muscle car performed spectacular jumps in almost every episode, and the show's popularity produced a surge of interest in the car. The show itself purchased hundreds of Chargers for stunts, as they generally destroyed at least one car per episode. (Real Chargers stopped being used for jumps at the end of the show's sixth season, and were grudgingly replaced with miniatures.)

Dodge Charger Daytona, 1969

Dodge Charger Daytona, 1969

 

NASCAR in 1969 stipulated that any car raced in their series had to be available for sale and must build a minimum of five hundred for the general public. Since the Charger 500 was not fast enough, Dodge went back into the wind tunnel and created one of the most outrageous and most sought after Chargers, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona.

The Daytona used a pointed nose piece that added 18 inches into the front of the car. This gave the car the downforce that the engineers were looking for, but the rear end still tended to lift at speed. To solve this, they mounted a large wing over the trunklid which would give the Charger Daytona and its sister car, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird, the nickname of "wing cars". The wing was 23 inches tall so that the trunk could be open without hitting the bottom of the wing. Slightly modified fenders and a hood from the upcoming 1970 Charger were used on the Daytona. Rear facing scoops were added to the front fenders, right above the tires, which mimicked their NASCAR brothers. But while they looked cool they didn't add any aerodynamic adavantage. They were only used to help with tire rub.

Only 503 Charger Daytonas were built with either 440 Magnum or 426 Hemi power. All Daytonas wore red, black, or white bumble stripes that bore the name "Daytona" in the middle of the stripe. The wings were painted the same color as the stripes. The "wing cars" would prove to be so fast and dominating that NASCAR effectively outlawed them for the 1971 season, as a new regulation was introduced that restricted all "aero" cars to a maximum engine displacement of 5.0 L (305 in³), down from the previous 7.0 L (429 in³).

Dodge Charger, 1968

Dodge Charger, 1968

There have been a number of vehicles bearing the Charger nameplate, but the name has generally denoted a performance model in the Dodge range. The 1966 to 1974 Chargers were the high performance B-body models. The 1975 to 1978 Chargers were based on the Chrysler Cordoba.

1968
It was clear after the sales drop of the 1967 Charger that a restyle was in order. Dodge was going to restyle their entire B-body lineup for 1968 and decided that it was time to separate the Coronet and Charger models even further. What designer Richard Sias came up with was a double-diamond design that would later be referred to as "coke-bottle" styling. From the side profile the curves around the front fenders and rear quarter panels look almost like a Coke bottle. On the roof a "flying buttress" was added to give the rear window area a look similar to that of the 1966 Pontiac GTO. The Charger retained its full-length hidden headlight grille, but the fully rotating electric headlights had been replaced by a simple vacuum operated cover, similar to the Camaro RS. The full length taillights were gone as well. Instead, dual Corvette-inspired taillights were added. Dual scallops were added to the doors and hood to help accent the new swoopy lines. Inside, the interior shared almost nothing with its first generation brothers. The four bucket seats were gone, the console remained the same as the '67. The tachometer was now optional instead of standard, the trunk and grille medallions were gone, the carpeting in the trunk area was gone, replaced by a vinyl mat, the rear seats did not fold forward and the space-age looking electroluminescent gauges disappeared in favor of a more conventional looking design.

In order to further boost the Charger's muscle car image, a new high-performance package was added, the R/T. This stood for "Road and Track" and would be the high performance badge that would establish Dodge's performance image. Only the high performance cars were allowed to use the R/T badge. The R/T came standard with the previous year's 440 "Magnum". The Slant Six was added to the option list in 1968, but it proved to be a very poor seller. Most people wanted a V8 in their Charger. The rest of the engine lineup (318-2, 383-2, 383-4, 426-8) remained unchanged.

In 1968 Chrysler Corporation unveiled a new ad campaign featuring a Bee with an engine on its back. These cars were called the "Scat Pack". The Coronet R/T, Super Bee, Dart GTS and Charger R/T received bumble-bee stripes (two thin stripes framing two thick stripes). The stripes were standard on the R/Ts and came in red, white or black. They also could be deleted at no cost. These changes and the new Charger bodystyle proved to be very popular with the public and helped to sell 96,100 Chargers, including over 17,000 Charger R/Ts.

A famous Charger was the four-speed, triple-black 1968 Charger R/T used in the movie Bullitt. The chase scene between Steve McQueen's fastback Mustang GT and the hitmen's Charger R/T is popularly regarded as one of the greatest car chase scenes ever filmed.

Dodge Charger, 1966

Dodge Charger, 1966

There have been a number of vehicles bearing the Charger nameplate, but the name has generally denoted a performance model in the Dodge range. The 1966 to 1974 Chargers were the high performance B-body models. The 1975 to 1978 Chargers were based on the Chrysler Cordoba.

1966
Carl "CAM'" Cameron would be the exterior designer of Dodge's new flagship vehicle, and on January 1, 1966, viewers of the Rose Bowl were first introduced to the new "Leader of the Dodge Rebellion", the 1966 Charger. The Charger's introduction coincided with the introduction of the new street version of the 426 Hemi. Finally, Dodge would have the performance image to go along with this performance engine.

As the 1966 Charger's features would go, the "electric shaver" grille used fully rotating headlights that when opened or closed made the grille look like one-piece. Inside, the Charger used four individual bucket seats with a full length console from front to rear. The rear seats and console pad also folded forward, and the trunk divider dropped back, which allowed for lots of cargo room inside. Many other things were exclusive to the Charger such as the door panels, courtesy lights and the instrument panel.

The instrument panel was especially interesting as regular bulbs weren't used to light the gauges. Instead four electroluminescent dash pods housed the tachometer, speedometer, alternator, fuel and tempature gauges. In the rear the full length taillight read CHARGER.

The engine selection was all V8s. A six cylinder engine didn't make the option list until 1968. In 1966 four engines were offered; the base-model 318 in³ 2-barrel V8, the truck-sourced 361 in³ 2-barrel, the 383 4-barrel, and the new 426 Street Hemi. The majority of 1966 Chargers were ordered with the 325-hp 383.

Total production in 1966 came to 37,344 units, which was successful for the mid-year introduction.

In 1966 Dodge took the Charger into NASCAR in hopes that the fastback would make their car a winner on the high-banks. But the car proved to have rear end lift around corners which made it very slippery on the faster tracks. The lift was because the air actually travelled faster over the top of the car than under it, causing the car to act like a giant airplane wing. Drivers would later claim that "it was like driving on ice." In order to solve this problem Dodge installed in a small lip spoiler on the trunk lid which improved traction at speeds above 150 mph. They also had to make it a dealer-installed option in late 1966 and through 1967 because of NASCAR rules (with small quarter panel extensions in 1967). The 1966 Charger was the first US production vehicle to have a spoiler. David Pearson, driving a #6 Cotten Owens-prepared Charger, went on to win the NASCAR Grand National championship in 1966 with 14 first-place finishes.

Dodge Coronet Police Vehicle, 1959

Dodge Coronet Police Vehicle, 1959

The Coronet was a full-size car from Dodge from the 1950s. Positioned above the Coronet, but sharing the same chassis, were the Dodge Royal and Dodge Custom Royal. By the 1960s, the name was transferred to Dodge's mid-size entry. In the early fifties, the Meadowbrook was the four door version of the Coronet.

Dodge-Ram Power-Wagon, 1951

Dodge-Ram Power-Wagon, 1951

Dodge-Ram Power-Wagon, 1951

Dodge Airflow Tanker Truck, 1938

Dodge Airflow Tanker Truck, 1938

Dodge Airflow Tanker Truck, 1938

Dodge 2 dr. Sedan (hotrod), 1933

Dodge 2 dr. Sedan (hotrod), 1933

1933 Dodge 2 door sedan, hotrod. Engine 350.