Dodge is known for its high-performance cars. The Dodge Charger, one of the popular American car models in the UAE made its first appearance in 1964. The 1964 concept vehicle was a two-door muscle car based on the previous model Dodge Polara. The first model came out in 1965 and was up against some of the popular models such as GTO and Chevelle at that time.
Let’s learn more about the Dodge Charger’s story and how it evolved throughout the years to become one of the most competitive performance cars in automobile history.
HISTORY OF DODGE CHARGER
The latest models of Dodge Charger stand out as one of the most popular American sedans in the UAE. Dodge Charger’s history begins with its concept model introduced in 1964. The model was a two-door, open-air roadster with powerful engine specs. The first generation debuted in 1965 with the unveiling of the Dodge Charger 1966 model.
Despite moderate success, the muscle car left a good enough impression during the first generation. Successive generations garnered a lot more popularity. Let’s walk through the journey of the Dodge Charger and learn all there is to know about the history of one of the famous car models featured in Fast and the Furious movies.
FIRST-GENERATION DODGE CHARGER: 1966-1967
The first Charger had powerful V8 engines in different trims with respect to engine volume. The 5.2-litre V-8 boasted 230 hp; the 5.9-litre V-8 came with 265 hp; a 6.3-litre V-8 provided 265 hp; and the most significant one, a 7.0-litre Hemi V-8 boasted 425 hp. The 1st generation of Dodge Chargers made a significant mark in NASCAR competition.
In the 1967 model, Dodge incorporated minor updates such as fender turn indicators and vinyl roof options. Moreover, this generation in the Dodge Charger history made an impact as one of the top performance cars. The full-width lamps complimented the fastback roof of the Dodge Charger’s 1st generation. Moreover, the model came with four bucket seats with a full-length centre console in the interior. Charger gained rapid popularity and became one of the most featured Dodge cars in movies.
SECOND-GENERATION DODGE CHARGER: 1968-1970
The sales of the first generation of the Dodge Charger weren’t high but the second generation of the Dodge Charger made a remarkable comeback. In the 1968 model, there were revolutionary design changes. The design changes included a front grill with a fastback vinyl rooftop and the headlights hidden inside the grill.
Not only that, the 2nd generation of Dodge Chargers replaced the rounded tail lamps with rectangular ones. Thanks to better aerodynamics, the car had a sleeker and sportier look. Moreover, this generation in Dodge Charger history came in the following three trims:
- 3.7-litre Inline 6-cylinder engine provided 145 hp
- 7.0-litre Hemi V8 engine boasted a horsepower of 345
- 7.2-litre “Magnum” V8 engine with a 431 hp
The car performed extremely well on race tracks and normal streets. Besides, Bobby Isaac won the NASCAR championship with Charger 500 trim. The car was easily ahead of its time with its powerful performance, comfy interior and unique exterior. Following its success, ‘Bullit’, a movie from 1968 also featured the second-generation Dodge Charger.
THIRD-GENERATION DODGE CHARGER: 1971-1974
The third generation of the Dodge Charger history was a successor to the Dodge Coronet sedan. Charger’s third generation was a two-door coupe style with new exterior design implementations. The new design has rounded twin headlights and a split grill. Moreover, the exterior was more sporty than the previous generations.
The rooftop was still similar to the previous generations that slid rearwards and both the base and upper trunk curved towards the rear flaring. The Charger Sports in this generation became quite popular among car enthusiasts because of its success on the race tracks. Other trims included Super Bee, R/T, and 500.
FOURTH-GENERATION DODGE CHARGER: 1975-1978
After successful second and third generation models in the Dodge Charger history, the company began to shift its focus on luxury-oriented coupes rather than the powerful muscle car performance. The landau convertible roof with bug eyes and front grill represented the sporty look. Moreover, the premium cloth seats and wooden interior design gave a personal luxury coupe touch.
In this era, it was no longer about the powerful engines and performance because of the hike in petrol prices. Therefore, the Charger achieved comfort and class in this generation and became quite popular. Moreover, this generation had three types of models as per the engine classifications of 5.2, 5.9, or 6.6-litre V-8 engines with their power ranging from 150 to 225 hp.
FIFTH GENERATION DODGE CHARGER: 1982-1987
The Dodge Charger made a comeback in 1982 for its fifth-generation run. However, it did not look like the muscle car everyone used to know it as. This generation in the Dodge Charger history was a three-door hatchback coupe with a front wheel-drive. As the car was built for economical performance, it was not equipped with powerful engines.
Besides, this generation had three models according to the engine specifications, 1.6, 1.7 and 2.2-litre in-line engines. The 5th generation of Dodge Charger produced less than 150 horsepower and was nothing like its predecessors which boasted more than 230 hp. In 1985, the company added Dodge Charger Shelby to the line-up. The Dodge Charger Shelby came with a turbocharged 2.2-litre engine with 174 hp.
However, the production of the Dodge Charger halted in 1987 until the arrival of its next-generation model in the 2000s.
SIXTH GENERATION DODGE CHARGER: 2006-2010
A relaunch worthy of its name and popularity, the sixth generation of Dodge Charger was based upon a concept Charger in an auto show in 1999. The four-door sedan also featured some old muscle car styling. Its front crosshair grill, fastback roofline and aerodynamic shape with rear-wheel drive paid tribute to its predecessors of 2nd and 3rd generations.
Besides, this generation of Chargers were back with their powerhouse engines and had the following options to choose from:
- 2.7-litre engine boasting 178 horsepower
- 3.5-litre engine with 250 hp
- 6.1-litre Hemi V8 providing 425 hp in SRT8 trim
- R/T trim came with a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 340 hp
In later models of R/T trim the power increased from 340 hp to 372 hp. Apart from that, the 6th generation Charger had an all-wheel drive option. Alongside, all the engines came with 4-5 speed automatic transmission.
SEVENTH GENERATION DODGE CHARGER: 2011-PRESENT
Continuing the aggressive muscle car look from the sixth generation, Dodge launched the seventh generation Charger in 2011. This 7th generation Dodge Charger progressed in comfort and luxury along with the higher-quality cabin and infotainment features. The wide-body style was back with the infamous Dodge Charger front grill.
Dodge Charger in this generation comes with the following powertrain options:
- 3.6-litre V6 engine provides 292 horsepower
- 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine boasts 370 hp
- 6.4-litre Hemi V-8 engine with 470 hp
Moreover, from 2015 onwards, Dodge started offering a 6.2-litre Hellcat V8 engine in the Charger that boasts 707 hp. Besides, Dodge Charger came with a more upgraded engine in 2021. The 6.2-litre V8 Hellcat Redeye engine provides 797 horsepower and a top speed of 330 kilometres per hour. Alongside, this generation had enhanced grip with a wide body and included modern safety features. Speaking of this generation, muscle car fans can explore the features of the all-new Dodge Charger GT Orange Edition.
This was all about the generations of Dodge Charger history as this vehicle model went through many design changes throughout the years. You can find the used Dodge Charger for sale in the UAE which is one of the popular American sedans because of its high-performance and tech features. Besides, you can find a collection of used cars for sale in the UAE that have decent performance and safety features.
Keep reading the UAE’s favourite cars blog and know more about the popular car makes and models.
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