Dodge's modern muscle car -- flashing the menacing face of a bulldog with body bulges and the sleek profile of a coupe -- carries credentials of a race car: A taut suspension, big Michelin MXM4 tires, a long wheelbase with the engine mounted up front and all torque applied to the back tires for RWD action. It comes in three trims tagged as SE, luxurious SXT and racy R/T. Charger SE stocks a high-output V6 rated at 250 hp. Charger SXT packs the same plant but adds more standard equipment. Charger R/T gets the HEMI 5.7-liter V8 which produces 340 hp through an electronic automatic five-speed transmission with the AutoStick. And this HEMI has the MDS to save fuel. Ultimate issue is the Charger Daytona R/T with extra performance equipment applied to the R/T and that HEMI V8 tuned for a 10-hp boost to 350 hp.

Stratus the four-door sedan for 2006 divides into two trims -- SXT and R/T. Stratus SXT employs a four-cylinder engine with a four-speed automatic transaxle. The 2.4-liter plant with twin cams musters 150 hp. Stratus R/T denotes a tilt toward performance in a sport-tuned version with firmer suspension settings. It uses a 2.7-liter dual-cam V6 pegged at 200 hp. Three new optional packages of gear work on the SXT with a Leather Value Package, a Chrome Value Package and the Protection Value Package with ABS and a traction control system (TCS) plus side curtain-style air bags.

A new sport appearance package for the R/T adds ground effects around the body and a racy rear spoiler with magnesium wings. Silver Steel Metallic is a new paint shade for SXT, while the R/T shows Bright Silver, along with Inferno Red and Brilliant Black Crystal.

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