NEEDA68
05-19-2005, 01:39 AM
From what he dealership guys told me, I was the first guy (non dealership employee) to drive an 06 Charger R/T (6 miles on it) today in the entire state of Washington. They got one in at 3:30 and I drove it 5:30 after dealership inspection. So that is pretty cool.
She drove like a luxury car which gave me mixed feelings. I was hoping for something a bit more performance oriented. She just felt sluggish. The 5.7 was fairly impressive. In my opinion the car is just too heavy for that engine to give you that real "throw back in the seat" feeling. I punched it too ,and about gave the sales guy a heart attack because I was taking that liberty. None the less, it moved and moved very well, but left me wanting. A little personal tuning and I'll get it where I want it.
The steering was very sensitive. To give you all some idea, I was standing outside the car watching the sales guy adjust the telescoping wheel on the inside. He was getting it in a more normal driving position for my arm legnth. I could see the tires move as he was ever so slightly bumping the wheel Yea it was sensitive. Big plus.
The ride was smooth. I mean 7 Series smooth. What a nice float that car puts you on at speed. Man hole covers went unnoticed and the train tracks went virtually undetected. It was nice. Like I said luxury.
The visibility was a bit difficult in reverse for back up. The high backs made it pretty difficult to see anything. I'm 6'4 just for reference. But who need to look back when there is so much potential to that car moving forward. All in all I like it. I still can't stand the fact that it is 2 doors. Of course this is my taste speaking here, but after very close inspection I feel the 300 has better exterior styling on the LX platform with the tasteful use of the chrome. The Charger is is sort of plain Jane in the snazzy dept. Although the "hips" above the rear fender wells were very riteous and gave the car a very aggressive posture compared to the 300.
NOTE: Found out that MOPAR will make available the Charger SRT-8 hood (scoop) in about 6 months for after market purchase. I feel this will significantly improve the looks of the car. Also MOPAR will be selling the honeycomb grill like on the "Daytona" as an aftermarket item as well. Finally the "Go Wing/Spoiler" on the SRT-8 will also be available aftermarket. Don't hold me to it, but thats what the guys said in there today. I like the honeycomb grill better than the cross hairs (little more retro) and that scoop just makes it look mean. I think the spoiler gives it a bit of needed aggression as well. This is good for you guys like me that aren't that turned on by the Daytonas
All in all. I like it. I am also happy to know that all the coolest stuff on the SRT-8 (besides the 6.1) will be available to accessorize the lower line models if you wanted to. Personally, I'm thinking about getting an R/T - buying the hood/ spoiler and honeycomb grill. Lowering it about 2 inches (There was loads of wheel well space even with 18's on it) and putting on 20 inch BLACK muted chrome rims. I want a Black Paint job FYI. It is a kick ass ride for the money.
In summary I feel like MOPAR really dealt us a fair hand with this car. Except for those damn 2 extra doors. :-)
Last thing: The R/T I drove was Blue and had basically every option but the sun roof. It was a 37K car.
I'm more than happy to answer any questions if you got them.
Cheers,
Robert
The First 06 Charger driver in WA state!
She drove like a luxury car which gave me mixed feelings. I was hoping for something a bit more performance oriented. She just felt sluggish. The 5.7 was fairly impressive. In my opinion the car is just too heavy for that engine to give you that real "throw back in the seat" feeling. I punched it too ,and about gave the sales guy a heart attack because I was taking that liberty. None the less, it moved and moved very well, but left me wanting. A little personal tuning and I'll get it where I want it.
The steering was very sensitive. To give you all some idea, I was standing outside the car watching the sales guy adjust the telescoping wheel on the inside. He was getting it in a more normal driving position for my arm legnth. I could see the tires move as he was ever so slightly bumping the wheel Yea it was sensitive. Big plus.
The ride was smooth. I mean 7 Series smooth. What a nice float that car puts you on at speed. Man hole covers went unnoticed and the train tracks went virtually undetected. It was nice. Like I said luxury.
The visibility was a bit difficult in reverse for back up. The high backs made it pretty difficult to see anything. I'm 6'4 just for reference. But who need to look back when there is so much potential to that car moving forward. All in all I like it. I still can't stand the fact that it is 2 doors. Of course this is my taste speaking here, but after very close inspection I feel the 300 has better exterior styling on the LX platform with the tasteful use of the chrome. The Charger is is sort of plain Jane in the snazzy dept. Although the "hips" above the rear fender wells were very riteous and gave the car a very aggressive posture compared to the 300.
NOTE: Found out that MOPAR will make available the Charger SRT-8 hood (scoop) in about 6 months for after market purchase. I feel this will significantly improve the looks of the car. Also MOPAR will be selling the honeycomb grill like on the "Daytona" as an aftermarket item as well. Finally the "Go Wing/Spoiler" on the SRT-8 will also be available aftermarket. Don't hold me to it, but thats what the guys said in there today. I like the honeycomb grill better than the cross hairs (little more retro) and that scoop just makes it look mean. I think the spoiler gives it a bit of needed aggression as well. This is good for you guys like me that aren't that turned on by the Daytonas
All in all. I like it. I am also happy to know that all the coolest stuff on the SRT-8 (besides the 6.1) will be available to accessorize the lower line models if you wanted to. Personally, I'm thinking about getting an R/T - buying the hood/ spoiler and honeycomb grill. Lowering it about 2 inches (There was loads of wheel well space even with 18's on it) and putting on 20 inch BLACK muted chrome rims. I want a Black Paint job FYI. It is a kick ass ride for the money.
In summary I feel like MOPAR really dealt us a fair hand with this car. Except for those damn 2 extra doors. :-)
Last thing: The R/T I drove was Blue and had basically every option but the sun roof. It was a 37K car.
I'm more than happy to answer any questions if you got them.
Cheers,
Robert
The First 06 Charger driver in WA state!