The Evolution Of The Dodge Charger
Since its inception in the 1960s, the Dodge Charger has held an iconic status within American automotive culture. Revered for its bold design, powerful performance, and enduring legacy, it is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and recognizable cars in the nation's history.
The Charger has dominated NASCAR and starred in Hollywood blockbusters. And with each new generation, it has adapted to changing times while staying true to its roots as a symbol of American muscle. Today, we will have a look at how this automotive icon has evolved over the decades to leave an indelible mark on roads and beyond.
1966: The Charger debuts as a luxurious coupe.
Making its debut in mid-1966 as the "Leader of the Dodge Rebellion," the Charger shared its chassis with the mid-sized Coronet and was positioned to take on AMC's conceptually similar Rambler Marlin. It was pricier, but way more appealing… and had a 318 cu-in V8 as base.
The 1966 Charger featured a fastback roofline with a distinctive pot-metal "electric shaver" grille and fully rotating headlights. Moreover, with a full-length center console and "all bucket seating" in both rows with folding rear seats, its interior also stood distinct from other cars of its time.
1967: Evolving design and performance
The 1967 Charger introduced minor changes, including new fender-mounted turn indicators and the introduction of a vinyl roof option. Inside, customer feedback led to the replacement of the full-length console with a regular-sized console for better accessibility to the rear seats.
Notable engine updates included the addition of the 440 "Magnum" and the replacement of the 361 V8 with a 383 engine. Dodge also introduced an R/T package that laid the groundwork for future, more powerful Charger iterations.
1968: The second generation gets downscaled.
Dodge redesigned the second generation Charger to distinguish it from its Coronet counterparts. Embracing coke bottle styling, the new model featured sleek curves, a distinctive "kick up" spoiler rear end, and a "flying buttress" design reminiscent of the Pontiac GTO (in stark departure from the fastback roof).
Inside, downscaling was evident with the introduction of a fixed rear bench seat and a vinyl "uncarpeted" trunk area. Engine options also saw adjustments midyear, with the standard 318 V8 replaced by Chrysler's 225 cu in slant-six.
1968 Charger R/T: Chrysler's top muscle car
The Charger R/T ("Road/Track") was a high-performance package rolled out to assert Dodge's muscle dominance on the road. It came equipped with the previous year's 440 "Magnum" engine as standard and a 426 Hemi (that churned out 425 hp) as optional.
The Charger R/T gained widespread recognition after a thrilling appearance in the 1968 movie Bullitt, where it was pitted against Steve McQueen's Ford Mustang GT in what can only be described as the most iconic car chase scene in cinematic history.
1968 Charger 500: The Charger is NASCAR-ready.
In 1968, Dodge faced a setback in NASCAR racing when its Charger R/T couldn't beat Ford's cars on oval tracks. Despite packing Hemi power, aerodynamic flaws hindered its performance. Wind tunnel tests revealed issues with the tunneled rear window causing lift and the front grille inducing drag.
To rectify this, Dodge streamlined the design, making the rear window flush with the roof and incorporating a Coronet grille upfront. This transformation gave birth to the Charger 500, aptly named after the number required by NASCAR for competition homologation. Only 392 units were made.
1969: More luxury… and optional sunroof
The 1969 model year saw minor changes to the Charger's exterior, including a new grille design and sleek longitudinal taillights. A new trim option, the Special Edition (SE), debuted with luxurious upgrades and a sunroof also became available as optional.
Under the hood, two variations of the 383 engine were offered, with the four-barrel option boasting 330 horsepower. The car's popularity once again soared when a vibrant orange 1969 Charger (aka "The General Lee") was featured in the iconic TV series, The Dukes of Hazzard.
1969-70 Charger Daytona: An aerodynamic marvel of speed
Not satisfied with the performance of the Charger 500, Dodge introduced the Daytona with groundbreaking aerodynamic enhancements to outshine rivals in NASCAR. Boasting an 18-inch nose that made 1,200lbs of downforce and a towering 23-inch rear wing that made 600lbs pounds of downforce, it clocked an impressive 205 mph with a 4-barrel carburetor.
Despite calls for tweaks by Dodge's styling department, GM Bob McCurry persisted with the design as he wanted "function over finesse". The Daytona came with numerous engine choices including a 426 Hemi, and was made in a limited run of just 503 units.
1970: The second generation ends on a high note.
Featuring subtle design changes, the 1970 Charger had a large wraparound chrome bumper, new electric headlight doors, and a grille that was no longer divided in the middle. Interior enhancements introduced high-back bucket seats and optional map pockets, alongside a shift of the ignition to the steering column.
The SE trim offered luxury features, including a new pistol grip shifter, and the addition of the 390-hp 440 Six Pack engine option brought further excitement. The Charger shone in the 1970 NASCAR season, securing ten victories, and was featured in numerous movies, including "The Fast and The Furious."
1971: The third generation ends the Hemi and 440 Six-Pack.
The third generation Charger debuted in 1971, featuring fresh "fuselage" sheetmetal and a distinctive split grille. Hidden headlights became optional, while new features like a rear spoiler and "Ramcharger" hood added flair. This innovative hood showcased a pop-up scoop controlled by a vacuum switch, akin to Plymouth's "Air Grabber" hood.
Interiors mirrored those of the E-body, shared with Plymouth B-body models like the Satellite Sebring and Road Runner. Under the hood, the 1971 model year marked the end of iconic engines like the Hemi and 440 Six-Pack, bringing a huge shift in Charger's performance landscape.
1971 Charger Super Bee: A muscle car icon
Based on the Coronet two-door coupe, the 1968 Super Bee shared its platform with the Plymouth Road Runner. It was named after Chrysler's "B" Body designation, and boasted distinctive features like a bumblebee tailstripe and diecast chrome-plated "Bee" medallions.
While visually similar to the Road Runner, the Super Bee sported minor differences and higher-quality accessories, albeit at a higher price. Engine options included the mighty Hemi… and the coupe also had heavy-duty suspension and high-performance tires. Dodge merged its Coronet and Charger lines in 1971, so for one year, the Super Bee became part of the Charger lineup before being discontinued.
1972: The Charger adapts to tighter emissions regulations.
The 1972 Charger replaced the R/T version with the new "Rallye" option. The Ramcharger hood scoop was discontinued, alongside optional performance features like lower geared rear axle ratios.
Engine adjustments that year reflected tighter emissions regulations, with the 440 engine rated at a more realistic 280 hp. Hardened valve seats were installed in all engines to accommodate regular leaded or unleaded gasoline… and despite early mentions of the 440+6 engine, it was dropped from production due to emissions concerns.
1973: Sales soar for non-high performance models.
The 1973 Charger embraced fresh sheet metal, embodying longer, wider, and slightly taller proportions. Sporting vertical slatted taillights and updated grilles, it bid farewell to hidden headlights. Engine options remained diverse, from the standard 318 to the exclusive 340 in the Rallye model, alongside the 360, 400, and 440.
The sales of the 1973 Charger soared to more than 108,000 units – the highest in the third generation – with the majority of cars featuring non-high performance engines, reflecting evolving consumer demands.
1974: The Charger marks the end of the muscle-car era.
The 1974 Charger underwent minor updates, featuring new color options, softer interior surfaces, and slightly larger rubber bumper tips. The 340 engine option was replaced by a 360 4-barrel, while other engine choices remained unchanged, including the 360 2-barrel.
Despite shifting away from its performance image, sales surged as the Charger evolved into a personal luxury car. This marked the end of the muscle-car era, with 1974 serving as the final year for performance options, marking a notable transition in Charger's identity.
1975: The fourth-gen Charger transitions to personal luxury.
The fourth-generation Charger underwent a significant facelift, transforming into a luxury car with a redesigned body to match its new persona. Departing from its muscular roots, it adopted sleek, sophisticated sedan-like lines... with a remarkable 10-inch increase in length.
Sharing the same B-body platform as the Chrysler Cordoba, the 1975 Charger was solely offered as the SE (Special Edition) model. Engine options included 318 cu-in small block V8 as standard and 400 cu-in big-block V8 as optional.
1976-78: Charger's final use of the B-Body
The 1976 model year witnessed the expansion of the Charger range to include four models: base, Charger Sport, Charger SE, and Charger Daytona. While the base and Sport models retained the body of the previous Dodge Coronet 2-door, the SE and Daytona showcased distinct designs.
The Charger Sport and base models were discontinued in 1977, merging into the newly named B-body Monaco line… and the 1978 model year marked Charger's final use of the B-Body, with the Magnum succeeding it as Dodge's B-body personal luxury car.
1982-87: The fifth generation Charger debuts with L-Body.
After a brief hiatus, the fifth-generation Charger debuted as a three-door subcompact hatchback with front-wheel drive... and a completely revamped appearance. Engine options were downsized to inline-four cylinders, with power outputs ranging from 62 to just 84 hp. And transmission choices included a four-speed Volkswagen manual, five-speed manual, and a three-speed automatic.
The fifth-gen Chargers were notably shorter than previous models and had a wheelbase of less than 100 inches. Following this generation, the Charger again disappeared from the automotive landscape… this time for two decades.
1983-87: Carroll Shelby transforms the Charger.
In 1983, Carroll Shelby revamped the Charger into the Dodge Shelby Charger. Shelby prioritized suspension and styling over speed, boosted engine compression to 107 hp, and revised manual transmission ratios.
Handling improvements included shorter springs, special wheels, and stronger brakes… and exterior updates featured a new nose, racing stripes, and a free-flowing exhaust system. The 1984 model introduced an optional automatic transmission, while the 1985 model debuted with the MPFI/Turbocharged Turbo I engine that generated 146 hp.
1987 Shelby Charger GLHS
In 1987, 1,000 Dodge Shelby Chargers of the same model year were sent to Shelby's Whittier Plant in CA for modification into the Shelby GLHS. Carroll Shelby personally oversaw this transformation, ensuring uniformity in build and options.
Each Shelby GLHS featured a distinct black finish and special badging. Rated at 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, the Shelby GLHSs were federally recognized as Shelby models and were devoid of any Dodge badging.
2006-10: The sixth generation Charger departs from its coupe roots.
The sixth-generation Charger departed from its coupe roots and debuted as a 4-door sedan (after a hiatus of 2 decades). Built on the LX platform, it blended practicality with the muscular aesthetics of its predecessors. Available in RWD or AWD, it offered a range of powertrains, including two V6s and two Hemi V8s.
Base models featured a 3.5-liter V6 producing 250 horsepower, while the Hemi V8s delivered robust performance, with the 5.7-liter version generating 340 hp (that increased to 368 hp in 2008). The SRT8 model featured a potent 6.1-liter V8 churning out a whopping 425 hp.
2006-10: The sixth-gen Charger is feature packed inside out.
The base trim of the sixth generation Dodge was equipped with an AM-FM stereo radio, a four-speaker audio system, remote keyless entry, and a split-folding rear bench seat, among other features. As you moved up the lineup, the number of features increased significantly.
The top trim – the SRT-8 – featured dual heated front bucket seats, sport leather-trimmed seating surfaces, electronic stability and traction controls, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (starting with 2008 models), and optional touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and hands-free Bluetooth integration (starting with 2008 models)... to name a few.
2006: The Charger becomes a staple in American law enforcement.
Since 2006, the Charger has been on duty with American police. The Hemi version of the four-door coupe, in particular, gained a lot of popularity among highway patrol units for its impressive top speed of 152 mph and heavy-duty brakes.
The Charger police vehicle was officially designated as the Charger Pursuit in 2011. Since then, it has undergone several transformations, with the current generation featuring a 300-hp 3.6-liter V6 with all-wheel drive and a 370-hp 5.7-liter V8 Hemi with rear-wheel drive.
2006-09: Dodge revives the Charger Daytona R/T
The 2006 Charger Daytona R/T boasted a potent 350 hp 5.7 L Hemi engine, along with an updated suspension and tires. On the exterior, it sported a unique front fascia with a chin spoiler and a black rear spoiler, along with retro "Hemi" decals on the hood and rear fenders.
In subsequent years, the Daytona R/T got larger 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, a revised stripe package, and Variable Camshaft Timing to boost the engine output to 372 horses.
2007-09: The Super Bee is back as well.
Derived from the Charger SRT-8, the 2007 Dodge Super Bee packed the same 425-hp 6.1-liter Hemi engine. Its exterior had distinctive elements like a hood decal and a revised side stripe, while the interior was all-black with yellow stitching accents.
The following years saw interior updates including a new dash and console design, alongside the introduction of touch screen navigation and an in-dash DVD player. Dodge made just 1,000 Super Bees for 2007, another 1,000 for 2008, and finally just 425 units for 2009.
2008 Dodge Charger DUB Edition
Released in collaboration with DUB Magazine, this special edition Charger was based on the Charger SXT… and featured the same 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
On the exterior, it had a body-color spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels, and on the inside, it offered an upscale cabin with a 13-speaker surround-sound system. The suspension was tuned for performance, and the braking was enhanced with dual-piston calipers upfront borrowed from the R/T models. A total of 2,180 units were made for the U.S. market.
2011: The seventh-generation Charger gets almost redesigned.
The seventh-generation Dodge Charger LD underwent so many changes inside out that it was almost redesigned. Exterior wise, its side and rear styling cues were reminiscent of the iconic 1968–1970 models.
It sported new side scoops on front and rear doors, angular headlights, and an aggressive grille. The rear end got a wrap-around LED tail light that spanned the entire trunk width. In addition to that, the body featured a revamped fascia and hood section along with standard silver aluminum wheels.
2011: The Charger gets a power boost with upgraded engines.
For the seventh-generation Charger, Dodge offered V6 and V8 engines available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations... alongside the familiar five-speed and an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Replacing the 2.7 L and 3.5 L V6 engines of the past generation, the new base 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine delivered improved performance with variable valve timing, generating 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque… while the 5.7 L V8 HEMI used in the R/T trim delivered 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.
2011: The Charger does away with the cheap materials.
Ditching the low-quality materials of the previous generation, the 2011 Charger also got significant upgrades to its interior. The introduction of the Uconnect infotainment system brought a touch-screen display to the center stack, aligned with the instrument cluster for easy access.
Between the front seats, a tall center console housed the automatic transmission shifter and two cupholders. And even though rear headroom was sacrificed a bit due to the fastback design, passengers enjoyed generous space in the second row. The seats and steering wheel were also upholstered in high-quality leather.
2011 Dodge Charger R/T Mopar 11 Edition
In 2011, Dodge unveiled the Charger R/T Mopar 11 Edition, featuring distinctive appearance and performance enhancements. It was powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, and came with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Available exclusively in "Pitch Black" exterior color, the coupe sported a Mopar blue driver side stripe and a Mopar grille badge instead of the standard "R/T" badge. Inside, the black-themed interior was accented with chrome and carbon fiber elements, along with a retro pistol grip shifter.
2013 Charger Juiced: A contemporary take on classic street rods
Unveiled at the 2012 SEMA Show, the Charger Juiced packed an 8.0-liter V10 crate engine sourced from the Dodge Viper. It was adorned in copper paint and boasted a new hood featuring a functional air intake and a black-trimmed crosshair grille.
With a whopping 650 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, the Charger Juiced was a powerhouse to say the least. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission from a Challenger SRT8, the coupe channeled its might to the 20-inch rear wheels… and had numerous performance enhancements including a Mopar exhaust, intake, and lowering kit.
2013 Charger R/T Blacktop: Thrilling performance with sinister look
The Dodge Charger R/T Blacktop Edition package sported a custom appearance, but under the hood lay the same 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, delivering a robust 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque (this is totally fine, as the Charger R/T is one of the fastest sedans in the US).
This powerplant, combined with Dodge's Fuel Saver Technology and a five-speed automatic transmission, achieved an impressive 25 mpg on the highway… besides ensuring a 0-60 time of under 5 seconds.
2013 Charger Daytona: Form with function perfected
A limited edition version of the 2013 Charger R/T and Charger R/T Road & Track models, the Charger Daytona was powered by a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. It utilized a paddle-shifted five-speed automatic transmission and a 3.06:1 final drive ratio for spirited driving.
Performance-calibrated steering and a sportier suspension setup enhanced handling, while polished 20-inch aluminum wheels with black accents provided a stylish touch. The interior had heated and ventilated front seats, an 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment, and exclusive Daytona badging indicating its limited production of 2500 units.
2013 Dodge Charger AWD Sport Package
The package enhanced styling and performance across various trim levels. Notable exterior upgrades include a gloss black split-crosshair grille, 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, and a rear body-color spoiler. Inside, sport seats were upholstered in black cloth or premium heated Nappa, while Beats Audio provided an immersive sound experience.
The package also included steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and sport mode transmission calibration. Under the hood, the 3.6-liter V6 engine received performance enhancements, boosting power to 300 hp and torque to 264 lb-ft, while the 5.7-liter V8 engine remained unchanged at 370 hp and 395 lb-ft.
2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 392 Appearance Package
Available for the 2013 and 2014 model years, just 392 units of this exclusive package were made. It included custom-designed gloss black "392 HEMI" fender badges, a power bulge hood with a Pitch Black center section, a Pitch Black roof, Pitch Black side mirrors, and 20-inch Black Vapor Chrome wheels.
Under the hood, the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine delivered 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, complemented by Fuel Saver Technology for improved efficiency. The package also featured expanded adaptive damping suspension with three-mode selectable tuning and standard launch control for enhanced acceleration.
2014 Dodge Charger 100th Anniversary Edition
The 100th Anniversary Edition was a version of the 2014 Charger SXT Plus and R/T Plus rolled out to pay tribute to the centennial anniversary of Dodge's founding. Available in eight body colors, it boasted exclusive features such as polished aluminum wheels with Granite Crystal pockets, a unique split-crosshair grille, and "Dodge Est. 1914" badges.
On the inside, it featured sport seats with Molten Red or Foundry Black Nappa leather upholstery, a flat-bottom performance steering wheel with paddle shifters, and special anniversary badging throughout.
2015: The Charger gets a facelift inspired by the 1969 coupe.
The 2015 Charger received a significant makeover, with Dodge reworking nearly every panel on the car to give it a "leaner and more athletic" appearance inspired by the 1969 coupe. The most prominent change was in the front grille and rounded LED headlights, which gave it a modern and sleek look while retaining its signature Coke bottle styling.
The interior also underwent a refresh, featuring new materials for the door, console, and dash panels, along with a new steering wheel and seats, a 7-inch TFT display, and a keyless ignition and entry system.
2015: Outlandish engines transport you back to the muscle car era.
The 2015 Charger offered outlandish engine options. Even the base V6 option delivered brisk acceleration... but it was the trio of available V8 engines that truly stood out. The base V8 produced 370 horsepower, while the higher-tier R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 trims churned out 485 ponies.
At the top end was the SRT Hellcat that boasted a fire-breathing 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8, reminiscent of the original muscle car era. It had a torque output of 650 lb-ft, a top speed of 204 mph, and a 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds.
2020 Dodge Charger Widebody
For 2020, the Hellcat was only available as "Widebody", while the package was optional for the Scat Pack. Designed to accommodate improved tires and suspension, the package featured unique front and rear bumper designs along with wider fenders, 3-mode adaptive Bilstein dampers, and upgraded brakes with 6-piston calipers and 15.4-inch vented rotors.
It also had numerous advanced features including an electrically assisted steering system and launch control… and of course, 20- x 11-inch wheels wrapped with wider Pirelli tires for an exhilarating driving experience.
2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
Taking the already insane SRT Hellcat to new levels of performance, the Redeye is absurdly powerful. Under the hood, it has a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8, delivering an astounding 797 hp and 707 pound-feet of torque.
Paired with a reinforced ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, this powerhouse accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 203 mph. The Redeye also features enhanced track-tuned suspension, torque reserve, and heavy-duty half-shafts to deliver a driving experience unmatched in the segment.
2024: The eighth-generation debuts with the 'electric muscle car.'
The eighth-generation Charger, slated for the 2024 model year, marks a significant shift for the iconic muscle car as it embraces electric power. Named the Charger Daytona SRT, it's available in two variants, R/T and Scat Pack, boasting 496 and 670 hp respectively.
Both EVs come with all-wheel drive and a 100.5 kWH battery. The Charger Daytona SRT does 0-60 in just 3.3 seconds, and is branded as the quickest and most powerful muscle car in the world.
2025: The Charger reconciles its heritage with modernity.
The gas version of the 8th-gen Charger, the Charger Six Pack, will be available in 2025. Departing from tradition, the iconic Hemi V8 will be replaced with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engine, delivering either 420 or 550 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive.
Embracing its heritage, the Charger's design draws inspiration from the original muscle car era. Even the interior is retro-themed, featuring a layered dashboard reminiscent of the 1968 model and an iconic pistol-grip shifter. But the tech and features are, of course, light years ahead of what was available in the 60s.
