You got to hand it to Daimler Chrysler, the company behind the successful launch this summer of the 2006 Dodge Charger: the car hearkens back to the day of pure Dodge power while successfully incorporating the latest technologies from the German American automaker. One of the biggest names in the muscle car era has returned with a vengeance: the Dodge Charger.

When Daimler and Chrysler merged in 1998, many Mopar fans felt that an important era in American automobile manufacturing had abruptly come to an finish . Indeed, the venerable maker of Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles would no longer be controlled exclusively from their Detroit base. Instead, the German manufacturer of luxury Mercedes automobiles would set the course and steer the business in the command they wanted it to go. Or so it seemed.

Fortunately, what started out as a rocky marriage between a pair of perceived unequals has resulted in offspring that are, well, cool! It took several months for the relationship to get on track and that became evident with the release of the Chrysler 300M and Dodge Magnum vehicles. Both cars have performed very strongly since their release in 2004 and have literally set the ground work for a successful launch of the Dodge Charger earlier this year. The Charger is based on the same platform of the 300M/Magnum and was originally meant to have been a sedan version of the Magnum. Instead, Dodge gave the car its own personality.

Alright, enough of the background. Lets take a look at what this baby has to offer:

Four models: SE, SXT, R/T, and Daytona R/T

Two engine choices: a 3.5L High Output 24 valve V6 or a 5.7 L Hemi V8 w/multiple displacement.

Rear-wheel drive with near 50/50 weight distribution

5 speed automatic transmission

18" black sidewall touring tires

Cloth or leather trimmed bucket seats; optional performance seats with the Hemi

8 way power seats

Power windows and door locks

A host of available extras including: power sunroof, fog lamps, engine heat block, trunklid spoiler, cargo net, 160 MPH speedometer, etc.

Yes, the Dodge Charger comes with all the bells and whistles found in todays hotrods and then some. The car comes in one body style a four door, five passenger sedan. Earlier renditions of the Charger title were two door coupes so the difference is already apparent. Still, for a sedan the car has very sleek and racy edges and a grill that is meant to intimidate.

Press coverage of the Charger have been favorable. Indeed, Automotive magazine had this to say about the Charger:

The 2006 Dodge Charger is the latest in a remarkably long line of certain hits from the Chrysler Group. The new Charger has all the necessary ingredients, from an impressive line of engines to state-of-the-art electronic technology to the right mix of suspension and wheel-and-tire componentry to stand-out styling. So what if it isnt a two-door coupe? We like it and think Dodge will sell every one it might generate.

Naturally, this is the type of press that Daimler Chrysler has hoped for. Despite gas prices in excess of $2.50 per gallon the automaker should be able to sell the Charger to those with funds to spare. It has been a long time since American sedans have been competitive with their Japanese and European counterparts. The 2006 Dodge Charger will cause its competitors to stand up and take notice. A very efficient thing indeed!