Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

The New Dodge Charger


Mon, 11 Jun 2007, 21:00


NEW DODGE CHARGER

The new Dodge Charger is roughly based on the platform provided by the LX (Dodge Magnum and the Chrysler 300). In contrast to the Chargers of the past, this new Charger is a four door sedan model. The appearance of the headlights is a somewhat after market look with their large size surrounded with dark detailing. The front end is rather blunt, with the crosshair grill from the Dodge line leading out.

The Charger doesn't look much like the other LX cars from the profile. It has a windshield which is more tilted, the sides are more rounded and the entire appearance is less straight line. Actually the side view profile of the Charger resembles a Neon more than the 300 series. There has reportedly been some backlash on Mopar forums against the use of the Charger name for this vehicle, but there is also lots of good support for the car.

Other styling changes which help performance as well are the revised front and rear fascias. This cools the brakes and reduces lift. There's a hood scoop, an SRT badge in the blacked out grill in red, black and silver. There's also a rear spoiler.

Turning to the interior, you'll find dark gauges, an LED oil pressure or temperature display. An LED display for tire pressure is another of the innovations. The seats provide good support and gripping power. A special steering wheel trim makes for responsive handling capabilities.

The 23E package Dodge Charger with a 2.7 liter engine incorporating the four-speed automatic was on dealers' showroom floors at the midway point of the 2007 model year. Rental agencies already had the 2.7 liter Charger in their fleets. Chrysler estimates the Charger Hemi engine will do 0-60 in 6.0 seconds. The Dodge Charger SRT8 has a 6.1 liter Hemi, 425 horsepower powerhouse claiming 0-60 in five seconds. 0 to 100 mph measures about 16.5 seconds. Braking power from 60 to 0 is estimated at about 110 feet.

The Hemi engine is extremely popular. It may even be the major reason why people stand by the cars surrounding it. The 6.1 liter version has 425 net horsepower with 420 foot pounds of torque.

The 5.7 Hemi delivers at about 345 horsepower in the Dodge Ram, depending on the specifics of the vehicle and about 340 horsepower in the Charger, 300C and Magnum RT. Torque respectively is 375 foot pounds and 390 foot pounds. Usually the ratios are just the opposite between trucks and cars.

In 2008 a 6.4 Hemi 392 cubic inch will be available on the Challenger. Experts are claiming 505 horsepower in this racing special. It is unlikely to be considered practical or even legal for street use.

The suspension also has a lot going for it with anti-sway bars, an electronic stability program, specially tuned dampers, bushings and spring rates. The wheels are 20 inch with Goodyear's three season 245/45/20 tires in the front and 255/45/20 tires in the rear. The Charger SRT8 braking system has vented rotors and Brembo calipers. Disc brakes front and rear are standard.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

Nice to here about the Challenger, but aren't they a little late in the article on the Charger.[X(]

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

I read the post as blah blah blah Charger.... 6.4L IN CHALLENGER!!!

Awesome news. I was hoping for one but had kind of resigned myself to a 6.1L which really would be OK but heck...ya only live once so why skimp. Can't wait to feel those 500 horses rumble!

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

If it's not street legal they won't offer it.... but not practical???? come on

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

They need that 6.4 to even compete let alone beat the camaro SS, new C7 vette, and GT500 Stang.

Let alone the new EVO X, STI(both 300 hp plus) the E92 M3 at 420 Hp and B7 RS4Audi at 420

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

How can it not be legal if there are other cars coming out with even more HP... a la Viper?

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

The SRT boys are working on a full (civilized) production version of the 6.4. It will probably appear in the upcoming Woodward Cruise in August.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

I'm guessing the "legality" of the engine refers to emissions and mileage testing / compliance.
I'm sure the crate motor would also have to be retuned /fine-tuned for use in the street / production version of the Challenger.

Not to start rhumors, but I "heard/read" that work was being done on either the 6.1L or 6.4L to get it to run the MDS that is currently on the 5.7L Hemi. IF this is true, I'm sure they'd want to have it done before putting it into a production car.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

Hey guys i told my girl i would drive my car that i love to drive to work (don't laugh its a 92 crown vic Ex Private Investigator from Florida. It has a v8 "interceptor" motor and it is so nice to smoke youngsters in a older car. To get back to the subject i said when i buy my challenger it will be my love i might actually drag race it some for fun at the strip and of course enjoy cruising on the weekend. She swears up and down that i will drive it every day to work once i sit in the sits hear the bose sound system and feel the founded horsepower. Is it "practical" to drive to work in my challenger (6.1 or 6.4) hemi IT WILL HAVE THE HEMI. I mean i live less than 20 minutes from work only 12 miles TOPS i was thinking gaswise or anything else it wouldn't matter.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK IF YOU HAVE ANY NEWER CARS KINDA LIKE THE CHALLENGER. LIKE CHARGERS ETC ETC.

Someone at my work has a brand new GTO and he drives it every day but i don't if thats comparable with the challenger.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

I don't drive my mustang everyday. I have a old truck I at least drive once a week to get the fluids going, and I ride the bike as well. It sucks to get up in the morning and the biggest decision to make is what vehicle to take.[:-]

And puthy, on a side note, I haven't read what audio system they will have, but if they keep like the same as the charger and 300c, it will most likely be the Boston Acoustic system. Or they could go with the other system they offer, which is the MyGig system.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

well i mean how many disc changer is it? is mp3 player? b/c i know a basic v6 mustang has an increadable system so i was assuming if i paid 30-45k for a car it woul dbe EVEN MORE amazing.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

I have heard that same rumor but I think it was for the 6.1L to be made MDS. I would prefer the 6.4L to be made MDS.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

I think it is more likely for the 6.4L because I believe I read that there is something about the design of the 6.1L does not work with the MDS. The 6.4L would really be nice if it had the MDS system.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

what is "MDS" ive never heard of it could someone please explain in depth.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

I am pretty sure that MDS means Multi Displacement System. Anyways what ever the real words are. Basically the concept in this case it is a V8 Vehicle. When you need the power you use all 8 cylinders. When you are cruising on the highway or say sitting at a light, it just runs off of 4 cylinders. This helps to not use as much fuel.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

The July 2004 Issue of Popular Mechanics did a great job of explaining MDS:

"Here's how MDS works: There are four special 2-piece roller lifters for the cylinders that get disabled. The two pieces are concentric--there's an inner portion surrounded by an outer sleeve. The two parts are locked together by two spring-loaded pins when the engine is in 8-cylinder mode and all the pushrods are operating their valves normally. Under light loads, however, the engine management computer signals each solenoid valve to open and apply high oil pressure to its respective exhaust- and intake-valve lifters. This action forces the two pins in each disabling lifter to unlock the two concentric parts. (To help minimize oil contamination, there’s a magnet at the bottom of each solenoid unit to collect ferris debris.)"

The entire article is very informative and provides some keen insight into the engineering behind the current generation Hemi. Here is a link to the entire article, I hope you find it helpful...

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...26.html?page=3

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

I read/heard something to the effect that the 6.1 425 hp version is cammed up too much for MDS. If they dropped the hp they could do the MDS on it.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

"Jeep is coming out with an all-new 2nd generation 5.7L MDS Hemi for the 2009 model year. The new Hemi will feature Variable Valve Timing technology and other new advancements, resulting in notable gains in fuel efficiency, refinement, power and torque. Specifications will not be announced until sometime next year. The new 5.7 will be Standard on the 2009 Grand Cherokee and Commander Overland models, and will be optional on the Limited models.

The second all-new Hemi engine will be a 6.4L powerhouse that will supposedly put out more than 500 hp. While not officially announced, the new engine is slated for 2009-2010 SRT8 models of the Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger, the new Dodge Challenger, and one or two other Chrysler/Dodge vehicles."

It looks like anyone who wants a 6.4 will have to wait for the 2009 model.

See: http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_updates.htm

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

Yep, and that is when I plan to buy by Dodge Challenger. Perfect timing or should I say Valve Timing. LOL!

I know, I know that was bad.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

Perfect timing for me as well.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

As I previously posted, the Jeep article is supported by the following platform code listing (on allpar.com), which has the SRT8 as a 2009 model:

LC- Challenger (LC22) (2008-up)
LC- Challenger SRT8 (LC22) (2009-up)
LD- Challenger (2nd gen)

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

& lets all try to keep in mind how reliable allpar is as a source...

I would much prefer the 6.4L but I am not waiting a year if this truly is the way things flush out. I'll take a 6.1L right away.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

Does this affect everyone's buying decision who wanted an SRT?

If you buy a 6.1 in 2008 and the 6.4 comes out in early 2009, will you be satisfied or wish you had waited?

I am willing to wait, but alot will depend on the price. If the 6.4 SRT is around $50K, I will buy a 6.1.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

I will wait, all or nothing.

RE: Charger news and 6.4L engine for Challenger
 

Oh please not another allpar fan!