(continued)
Several features of the new 6.1-liter SRT HEMI recall the legendary HEMI engines
of previous decades, including the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers
that provide power and efficiency, orange-painted cylinder block, black valve
covers, and the horsepower rating (with less displacement, the 6.1-liter HEMI's
69.8 horsepower-per-liter rating exceeds that of the legendary Street HEMI of
the 1960s and '70s).
To create the 6.1-liter version of the Chrysler Group's HEMI, SRT powertrain
engineers applied tried-and-true engine-building techniques honed by generations
of American hot-rodders. SRT engineers who developed the
Dodge Charger SRT8's engine achieved more horsepower by adding more cubic
inches, increasing the compression ratio, and redesigning the cylinder head,
intake and exhaust systems for better flow and increased engine speed.
For more displacement, SRT engineers bored out the diameter of the cylinders in
the HEMI by 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the total displacement to
6.1 liters from 5.7 liters. Compression ratio was also
increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine efficiency and power.
Engine breathing was increased with new higher-flow cylinder heads, a specially
designed intake manifold, and exhaust headers with individual tubes encased in a
stainless steel shell, all unique to the 6.1-liter HEMI engine. Larger-diameter
valves and reshaped ports in the heads allow for maximized air flow. The intake
manifold was designed with larger-diameter and shorter runners for higher-speed
tuning. Exhaust is routed through a large-diameter (2.75-inch vs. 2.5-inch)
exhaust system with 3.5-inch chrome tips.
To further increase horsepower, performance-oriented camshaft profiles were
developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders, as well as manage a
higher engine speed. SRT engineers increased HEMI's peak power output engine
speed nearly 20 percent to 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5,000 rpm.
Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and exhaust valve stems are filled
with sodium to help dissipate heat more efficiently.
The high-performance SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is strengthened with redesigned
components, including a reinforced engine block, forged steel crankshaft,
high-strength powdered-metal connecting rods, floating-pin pistons (cooled by
oil squirters), and an oil pan modified to manage oil return to the pan sump at
high engine speeds.
Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic
transmission with specially calibrated driver-selectable AutoStick, which offers
fully automatic or manual shifting selection. A heavy-duty four-flange prop
shaft sends the torque from the transmission to an upgraded differential and
axles.
Ride and Handling
Chassis improvements on the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include SRT-tuned dampers,
specially tailored spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter
anti-sway bars. For added stability and aerodynamic benefit, the ride height of
the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 is one-half inch lower than the Dodge Charger.
Handling is enhanced for performance with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
specially tuned for the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8.
The all-new 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 rides on unique SRT-developed five-spoke
20-inch forged aluminum wheels. Tires are high-performance Goodyear Supercar F1
three-season tires with asymmetrical tread (four-season tires are an available
option)-245/45/20 in the front and 255/45/20 in the rear.
Braking
Balanced performance demands the ability to slow and stop a vehicle in
proportion to the ability to accelerate. The braking system of the all-new 2006
Dodge Charger SRT8 provides benchmark braking performance, befitting the Charger
SRT8's extreme performance character.
All four wheels feature Brembo performance brake calipers, with the red finish
characteristic of all Dodge SRT vehicles. Each four-piston caliper grips a
vented rotor; 360 x 32 mm discs up front, with 350 x 26 mm in the rear.
Exterior
Functional performance is at the heart of the SRT credo. To that end, an all-new
front fascia includes integrated ducts that direct fresh air to cool the brakes.
The front fascia also incorporates an air dam to reduce lift. The hood is
equipped with a scoop to funnel cool air into the engine compartment.
The rear fascia features integrated lower strakes to direct air flow and
aggressive cutouts to accommodate dual 3.5-inch exhaust tips. A dramatic decklid
spoiler set on dual stanchions increases downforce for high-speed stability and
traction.
And because SRT vehicles look as good as they perform, a unique heritage-style
SRT badge is set into the blacked-out grille. Body-colored exterior mirrors fold
inward for convenience in tight quarters.
Three exterior colors are available: Bright Silver, Brilliant Black and Inferno
Red Crystal Pearl Coat.
Interior
Race-inspired interior appointments in the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 start with
power-adjustable, deeply sculpted and highly bolstered sport seats in the front
fitted with performance suede inserts to hold occupants during maneuvering. Rear
seats have matching performance suede inserts. All seats have contrasting red
stitching.
Other sporting touches include "carbon fiber" technical leather trim on the
steering wheel for better grip, and special finishing on the center stack.
A 180-mph (300 km/h) speedometer, tachometer and
temperature gauge feature dark faces unique to the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger
SRT8. An LED display within the gauge cluster is driver-configurable for oil
temperature, oil pressure and tire pressure readouts.
Available options on the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 include power sun roof, Kicker
audio system with six-disc CD changer, DVD-based navigation system with turn-by
directions and voice prompts, automatic temperature control, heated front seats
and side air bags.
Also available are SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a UConnect hands-free
communications system with Bluetooth technology. This system recognizes up to
seven different Bluetooth-equipped cellular phones and responds to voice
commands, utilizing a microphone in the rearview mirror and the stereo system's
speakers for hands-free conversations.
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