More Dodge Charger thoughts
For those that are hating on the new Dodge Charger I thought you might like to know that it looks pretty good up close. The lines are much more elegant than I thought they'd be. However I'm kind of annoyed Dodge didn't take the opportunity to make the little changes to the interior that would make the Magnum better. Mainly nicer gauges and steering wheel. Can't have everything I guess. And if everyone hate's the name what would be a good replacement? I was thinking stick with a Dirty Harry theme, Magnum from Magnum Force, how about The Enforcer? Is that too macho?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Geoff 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Well, I think I'm in the minority of folks that actually like this car, and I think that DCX will sell more of them precisely because it has 4 doors. I think that today people want their cars to do everything, and this Charger provides a sporty style with some actual people moving utility.
And speaking of the name, I think Charger is fine. You know, the 70s Charger (the Cordoba twin) was for all intents and purposes a 2 door sedan. The 80s Charger (the Turismo twin) also had two doors and it was a vertible POS. This car, 4 doors and all, captures the spirit of the original better than those 2 door versions.
But, hey, if we want to keep the Magnum theme, let's call it the Imperial. They're both sizes of wine bottles. The Nebuchadnezzar (the largest size) sounds kind of cool in that neo-Babylonian-Matrix kind of way.
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SGV 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
As much as I would like to I can't get myself to hate this car, there is something familiar about it.. Although not me most photogenic car in the world if you look at the pictures closely you can see some hints of good looks. Again I will take David's word until I have the chance to see one in person. As for names how about Dodge Mustang...oh, there is something really familiar about this car.
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Glenn Laycock 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
If it were a Plymouth I would have revived the Fury name. Dodge Coronet would not be good. Fortunately or unfortunately, there is no better name to use then the Charger.
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KT 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Doesn't the front end look like one of those ants from "A Bug's Life" when they were angry? Especially in a shot you had in an earlier post. Other than the front end, it's ok. Not sure why they thought the Ram grille would look good on a sedan?
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SGV 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
From the Dodge obituaries:
Aries
Aspen
Avenger
Colt - a nice name...horrible memories, though
Coronet
Dart - why not?
Daytona
Diplomat
Dynasty
Intrepid
Lancer
Monaco
Omni
Polara
Shadow
Spirit
Stealth
Stratus
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JW 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
This does not surprise me. As with the other LX platform siblings, something about there dimensions just doesn't traslate well on film/pixels. Yet seeing them in person makes an awesome statement. I wasn't fond of the 300 or Magnum until I saw them in person and I now firmly believe they are some of the best looking most stylish vehicles on the road. I have always suspected the Charger would be similar - you will need to see it in person to truely appreciate it. With that said I would have liked to see a slightly different interior rather than just a two toned Magnum interior - maybe more sporty bucket seats, a slightly reshaped dash, etc. All in all, I have little doubt this will be a sales success like it's platform siblings. Now bring on that 440 HP SRT version please :)
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rob rudorf 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
what makes a dodge guy a dodge guy? I cannot ever see myself owning a chrysler of any shape size or color. they have great styling, they win awards but yet i am turned off completely by them. i would not own this charger even if i could get it for $10000. wierd.
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SGV 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Its not weird, it happens to a lot of people. I guess is just the result of experience and acquired tastes. I have had, Renaults (not in the US), a Jeep, Mazdas, Fiats (not in the US) many many many Fords. Never had a Chrysler (except my Jeep) product but I could see myself driving one. What I could never see myself driving is a GM rpoduct. Last time I rented a Chevrolet -about 10 years ago- I got in a serious car wreck.
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Brian 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Hey Geoff, I always thought the Imperial was a Chrysler not a Dodge.
How and what name they use doesn't bother me anymore. I guess because I am over the fact that Chevrolet was stupid enough to use the Impala name on the current piece of crap Wimpala. I hope they don't or not allowed to use any of the old Plymouth names like Fury or Cuda. I have a some really fond memories of them two. '66 Plymouth Fury III with a 440ci big holley 4 barrel, police package brakes and stuff. Just like GM better not bring the good old Cutlass name back without reviving Oldsmobile.
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Kyle Newcomer 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
I for one really like this car. Admittedly I am a Chrysler guy (even more so after they were acquired by MB). I am terrible with descriptions but there is something about the front end that is very unique. They've come up with a distinct, chiseled design that has a distinctly American flair. I think this is great in an era where BMW has started follow Lexus by designing anime versions of itself.
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010111 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
i liked the LX cars ever since i saw the first concepts awhile back... i *knew* the 300C and Magnum would be incredibly popular even when at the time they seemed to be getting a lot of negative comments.
personally... i've read a lot of bitching about this not being a 'true Charger' due to the 100% increase in door count. i think that is nonsense. Dodge will sell a boat load of these with 4-doors... as they *need* a full size car... they do *not need* another two-door.
'well fine. don't call the 4-door a Charger!' is the common response. why not? it's not like the Charger nameplate will be tarnished by this any more than it was by the absolutely craptacular Cordoba-looking 1978 Charger (truly hideous ... google for some pictures... they are rare cause they are so ugly no one wanted to risk breaking their cameras to photograph them)... or the mid-80s *front*-wheel drive 108hp Omni-based Charger. as far as i am concerned RWD 340hp V8 Dodge *deserves* the once-proud name Charger regardless of door count.
as far as the original entry goes... concerning 'Enforcer'... last i heard Dodge already has trademarked that name. presumably for the fleet-version of the Charger/300C/Magnum (well... whatever it may look like ... sure to be an LX) to be used primarily in police duty. seem to recall the rumor mill pointing at a 4th distinct model as not to ruin residuals on the Charger/300C/Magnum... that was basically a 300C with a Magnum nose with the mid-range 250hp V6 and standard stripper police interior with column shift. haven't read up on it much lately.
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Thunder 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
RELAX FOLKS, I'M PART OWNER OF A KIT CAR COMPANY THAT WILL ROLL OUT A '99 CHARGER CONCEPT LOOK-A-LIKE IN SEVEN MONTHS. IT IS READY NOW BUT DCX PAYED US $500,000+ NOT TO BUILT IT FOR SEVEN MONTHS. OUR TOP OF THE LINE MODEL IS TURN-KEY. THE TURN-KEY MODEL HAS A 528HEMI ENGINE, 6-SPD, POSI TRACTION REAREND, NO POWER OPTIONS JUST A PLAIN JANE HOLD YOUR ASS CAR. PRICE IS $48,000. ROLLING BODIES- EVERYTHING BUILT ALL YOU NEED IS TIRES, DRIVETRAIN $30,000. FIBERGLASS BODY WITH TUBULAR CHASSIS $12,000.
IF YOU LIKE THE CHARGER BUT YOU WANT A 2 DOOR WE CAN DO THAT FOR YOU TOO. $5,000 FIBERGLASS DOORS, GLASS WINDOWS, NICE FACTORY LOOK INTERIOR PANEL. THE DOORS ARE 8" LONGER.
HATE THE NOSE AND REAR-END OF THE NEW CHARGER? WE WILL HAVE FOUR DIFFERENT NOSES WITH OLD STYLE GRILLES. A DAYTONA NOSE IS IN THE WORKS. FOR THE REAR END WE'LL HAVE '99 CONCEPT LOOKING REAR-END ALONG WITH THREE OLD STYLE REAR END LOOK. WE'LL WORKING ON A WELDABLE REAREND THAT IS 20" LONGER FOR A DAYTONA WING. ALL NOSES RUN $1,000 AND REARENDS $1,500 AND ARE BOLT-ON READY.
SO IT'S OK TO HATE THE NEW CHARGER BECAUSE WE'RE HERE TO MAKE YOU FEEL ALL BETTER.
PLUS OTHER KITS COMING DOWN THE PIPE ARE;
MID-ENGINE SIDEWINDER LOOK-ALIKE
SRT-4/NEON POWERED RAZOR LOOK-ALIKE
JAN/2006 BANSHEE! YES THE BANSHEE THE CONCEPT PONTAIC DIDN'T BUILD. YOU GET THE CURVED GLASS AND ALL, ALONG WITH A 400HP SUPERCHARGERED V6 FOR ONLY $50,000EST...
PLUS 6 OTHER HOT CARS COMING AND THE DESIGN LINE.
EMAIL ME AT HEMITHUNDER@HOTMAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
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cafn8 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
The problem begins and ends with the name "Charger". If Dodge had said that they were going to produce a sporty full sized sedan with a high powered V8 and rear wheel drive and a new name it would have brought heaps of praise form horsepower junkies, mopar fans, etc (just like the Magnum did/is). When you bring a name Like "Charger" into the equation, you're walking on thin ice because of the strong emotions associated with it. If it brings about the same feelings as the original it will ride those emotions to great success. If it just doesn't feel right it will bring jeers and be accused of tarnishing a good name. Imagine if the internet had existed when the Turismo twin Charger had been introduced.
I, for one, like this car. The pictures I've seen look a little too much like a Sebring from the back, which to me is a bit to old-lady-ish for my taste. That might just be the pictures I've seen though. The front, I'm all into. It just doesn't say Charger like the original did, though. The 4 doors don't bother me. What does bother me is that the image that this one sends out seems to be much more "rap video and spinners" than "stoplight drag race and smoking asphalt". I doubt you can replace "Yee-haw" with "Bling-Bling, yo" without alienating lots of original fans.
What's in a name? Lots.
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rob rudorf 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
i think i figured out why i dislike dodge, the advertising. why do they think a goats head is tough? i don't want that silly thing on my car.
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David Thomas 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Rob,
Its a ram. sheesh.
As for this supposed love for the old Chargers and the name I just don't get it. What exactly is so sacred about it? Why is this worse than the late 1970s/early 1980s chargers? I think with the big engine it has and the assumed SRT treatment it will get, Dodge/Chrysler is the ONLY company building true muscle cars. The GTO being the other exception. I would think old muscle car guys would be welcoming this movement back with open arms. The masses certainly are.
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mike 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
What is in a name? When it comes to naming automobiles everything. I agree that ENFORCER would be a great name, but this name is trademarked for use with automobiles, engines and parts for law enforcement vehicles and has been in use since 3/30/1995, and it unlikely that Chrysler is likely to obtain the rights to the name.
As regards the Charger name it is fine and the vehicle is both appealing in its bodywork and perfect for the family wishing for HEMI power without the wagon look of the Magnum. I for one look forward to driving this machine as soon as one is available.
Zero to sixty in six seconds isn't bad for a four door or even most of the coupes around, patriculary for around $30,000.00
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Mark 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
I owned and drove a 68 Dodge Charger R/T for about a year. This new version, judging by the pictures, certainly does not capture any of the "Good Old Days" magic. But is that possible, anyway. Probably not.
The name does not matter. The four doors do not matter. The new car will have to stand on it's own.
I wonder if I could buy back my old 68 R/T for a decent price?
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my 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Im a Dodge person, but when I seen the picture of the new Charger, I was disappointed. If your going to bring the Charger back, at least make it resemble a Charger. It looks to much like a Magnium w/ a trunk. If Dodge is going to bring back a excellent muscle car, do like Ford did with the Mustang. Now that is a GREAT looking machine. But Dodge shouldn't feel bad, I think that Pontiac didn't even come close with the GTO. That is sad also!!! My hats off to Ford for the Mustang!!!
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David Thomas 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
Mark,
I'm guessing to get the 68 R/T in decent condition you'd have to pay more than a fully loaded 2005 Charger V8. much more
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Kevin 10:59PM (12/18/2005)
The car is growing on me. I think they moved really fast to style this, since they had originally not planned to bring out an LX sedan with the Dodge marque.
I would have rather they call it the Challenger or something and save Charger for a couple from this platform, but I'm not really upset about it either--I just think they'll bring out a coupe and call it Challenger and it could have been the other way.
I would like to see them bring back Dart for the Stratus replcement and I hear they are going to use Avenger to replace the Neon.
Keep Daytona for a performance vehicle in a few years, after memories of the K-based vehicle die out.
I suppose they could also have gotten away with Monaco or Mirada, but neither is that appealing.
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