• Dodge celebrates Charger's return to NASCAR Nextel Cup racing at Daytona International Speedway with new Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
  
  

• Dodge to boost HEMI® to 350 horsepower for Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model introduction
  
  

• "Go ManGo!" and "Top Banana" classic paint schemes to appear on limited-production Dodge Charger Daytona R/T

2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T

After a 27-year hiatus, Dodge Charger returns to the Daytona International Speedway and Daytona Speedweeks this week with the introduction of a new limited-production 2006 Charger Daytona R/T model amidst the sounds of the track, cheers of the fans and the roar of the legendary HEMI® engine.

"The legendary Dodge Charger nameplate returns on a modern, high-performance, rear-wheel-drive vehicle that combines bold design with four-door functionality,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President -- Dodge Marketing, Chrysler Group.  “To celebrate Dodge Charger's return to NASCAR, we’re introducing a limited-production Daytona R/T model that offers a little slice of history with all the performance and handling characteristics to satisfy modern muscle car enthusiasts.”

Legendary Colours for Legendary Car

Daytona race fans yelling “Go man, go!” will not only be cheering on the new Dodge Charger in its return to NASCAR Nextel Cup racing, but also will be describing the paint scheme on the first-available, limited-production 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model.  Go ManGo!, a high-impact paint name initially used for the 1970 Dodge Charger, returns in an updated metallic orange paint on the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.   

Following the limited-production run of Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in Go ManGo! will be a Dodge Charger Daytona R/T offered in Top Banana, another high-impact heritage paint name.  The Top Banana Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will peel off the line in limited numbers later in 2005.

In addition to the special exterior paint colours, the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model will be distinguishable by an exclusive front fascia with a chin spoiler and black honeycomb grille, unique black "Daytona” and “HEMI” decals, signature heritage R/T badging and a black rear decklid spoiler.  The Daytona model also will include large, bright, dual-exhaust tips and 18-inch polished wheels with low-gloss, jet-black painted pockets.  The powerful HEMI engine will feature a HEMI-orange engine cover.

The interior of the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will feature performance front seats with suede inserts and embroidered "Daytona" logos on the front headrests.  Body-colour accent stitching will appear on the front and rear seats and on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.  Matching body-coloured centre stack bezel, a "Daytona Limited Edition" display on the electronic cluster and a sequentially numbered limited-edition Daytona badge on the instrument panel will complete the unique Dodge Charger Daytona R/T interior.   

The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T comes equipped with standard world-class ride and handling features, including Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), All-speed Traction Control and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).  The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model also will feature dual-zone automatic temperature controls, heated power front seats and power-adjustable pedals.

The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T in Go ManGo! paint will be on display at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show during press days, beginning 9th February.  Dodge Charger Daytona R/T models in Go ManGo! and Top Banana paint will be featured in the Daytona Speedway Dodge City display, 16th-20th February.

Dodge to Boost 5.7-litre HEMI to 350 Horsepower

Just in time for the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T launch, Chrysler Group engineers have muscled out even more horsepower from the legendary HEMI engine.  The 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T  will feature a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® and a 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine that offers an estimated 350 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque -- ten more horses than the previous 5.7-litre HEMI -- for even more power in this modern rear-wheel-drive muscle car. 

Chrysler Group engineers developed uniquely tuned intake and exhaust systems to unleash some of the HEMI engine's untapped power for the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.  By using a less restrictive intake system and moving to a straight-through muffler from a three-pass muffler, the newly tuned 5.7-litre HEMI gets a 10-horsepower boost and a throaty, high-performance tone to match. 

The HEMI engine's Multi-displacement System (MDS) provides up to 20 percent improved fuel economy, giving Dodge Charger customers the legendary HEMI power they want with fuel economy they will appreciate.

A high-performance suspension package that includes special suspension tuning, 18-inch all-season P235/55 R18 performance tyres, performance-tuned 9-land steering gear and Nivomat™ self-leveling rear shock absorbers will be standard on the Charger Daytona R/T model. 

2006 Dodge Charger Production

Production of the 2006 Dodge Charger SE, SXT and R/T models begins this northern spring at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, with vehicles available in North American markets early this northern summer. The Dodge Charger will join the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 vehicles built there. 

Limited production of the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model in modern Go ManGo! paint will begin early this northern summer with vehicles available in North American markets soon after.  The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T model in Top Banana paint will be available after the limited production of Go ManGo! is complete.

Dodge Charger Returns to NASCAR Racing at Daytona International Speedway 

Joining the celebration of the Dodge Charger’s return to NASCAR racing at this year’s Daytona International Speedway will be two Dodge Charger NASCAR Nextel Cup race cars painted in the same special colours of Go ManGo! and Top Banana. 

On Friday, 11th February, the Evernham Motorsports team will unveil the new Bud Shootout paint schemes on Dodge Charger race cars at the Daytona International Speedway, alongside the 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T production vehicles. 

The original Dodge Charger race car debuted during the 1966 Speedweeks at Daytona.  In its 11 years of racing, the Charger won 124 NASCAR Cup races and took three drivers to five championships.  Richard Petty won three of his seven titles behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger and was behind the wheel of Charger’s last victory at Daytona in the 1977 Firecracker 400. 

In 1970, a Dodge Charger Daytona made history at Talladega Speedway when Buddy Baker became the first driver to be clocked at more than 200 mph for a lap on a closed course.

Dodge Brand

With a U.S. market share of approximately seven percent, Dodge is Chrysler Group’s best-selling brand and the fifth-largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market.  In 2004, Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles.  Dodge continues to lead the minivan market segment with a 20 percent U.S. market share and maintains an 18 percent share of the highly competitive truck market.  In 2006, Dodge will enter key European volume segments.