There have been many different Dodge vehicles, on three different platforms, bearing the Charger nameplate. The name is generally associated with a performance model in the Dodge range, however it has also adorned mundane hatchbacks and sedans and a personal luxury coupe. The name was also carried by a 1999 concept car that differed substantially from the Charger eventually placed into production for the 2006 model year.

• 1964 Dodge Charger (1964 concept) — A roadster-style show car based on the Dodge Polara
• 1965 Dodge Charger 273 — A limited production option package for the Dart GT
• 1966-1978 Dodge Charger (B-body) — rear wheel drive hardtop coupe and personal luxury car
• 1983-1987 Dodge Charger (L-body) — front wheel drive subcompact hatchback
• 1999 Dodge Charger (1999 concept) — rear wheel drive concept car
• 2006-present Dodge Charger (LX) — rear wheel drive sedan

The Dodge Charger, in its current incarnation, is a rear-wheel drive full-size automobile built by the DaimlerChrysler corporation for its North American Dodge brand. The Charger name is an historical one, borne by many other Dodge Charger models in the past. Introduced in February 2005 for the 2006 model year, this new Charger shares the LX platform of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, which borrows component parts from the Mercedes E-Class platform; in fact, the interior of the Charger is almost identical to that of the Magnum. It replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan following falling sales of the Intrepid. This Charger is a four-door sedan, disappointing many fans of the previous two-door Chargers, who were looking for something like the 1999 concept car as a challenge to the Mustang.  It is built at Brampton Assembly in Canada.

After years of die-cast car kits from Testors, it was really a pleasant surprise to see that they have produced and honest injected car kit. What is even nicer is that this one is a car not yet kitted, the 2006 Dodge Charger R/T. I was rather surprised by the size of the box, but when I opened it I could see why. First thing that caught my eye is that there is quite a bit of reinforcement to protect the parts. Not only sections of cardboard on the inside of the box, but many of the more fragile bits are protected by sections of board held with ties.

The quality of the molding for this kit is top-notch. I did not find any flash, nasty ejector pin marks, nor any sink areas. Detailing on the white plastic bits is nice and crisp with the chrome bits very nicely done. Clear parts are also well protected by cardboard. Sprues of a similar size were packaged together in their own bags. The vinyl (or rubber) tires are in with the chassis  and the body was also bagged with only the interior nestled inside it to keep it from being scratched. I have to confess that I even had difficulty finding the normal mold seam line that one normally finds on car kit bodies. The only real difference between this and the standard R/T kit  is the sprue shown to the right and the decal sheet.

Those who build car kits nowadays expect a lot from their kits and this one seems to deliver. There is a separate engine and transmission, All of the various chassis bits are separate, including front suspension bits, drive train, rear chassis attachment points and suspension, exhaust and the whole deal. the nicely chromed wheels have an adapter that allows them to be clicked onto the axles. Interior consists of a tub where one installs the back seats, separate front seats with console and pedals. All of the windows are separate pieces that fit in from the outside so not only is there no need to mask a one-piece window assembly, but there is room on the overhead for the mirror and sun shades. Also makes it easier to paint the body. The hood is held in with plastic hinges. Final engine assembly is one with the body in place. This is followed by the addition of wipers, fuel cap, as well as front and rear body subassemblies.

The instructions are very well done with a complete parts layout, color information using Testors paints and 28 superbly drawn construction steps. A small decal sheet (not shown) is provided for  logos and plates. There are a number of photos of the completed model on the back of the box that can be used for reference.

OK, I'm impressed. I do hope that this is the start of some nice stuff from Testors as there are so many subjects they could be doing. Especially if they are as well done as this one. I encourage you all to give this one a go and provide the sort of input needed to go on to other projects.

You may also notice that this is in 1/24 scale. Rather unusual for an American company to use the international auto scale rather than 1/25 as is the norm in the US. Perhaps this is in recognition of the international flavor of Daimler-Chrysler.

Wikipedia and the interweb.

January 2007

Thanks to and DLV Company for the review kit. You can find Testors kits at your favorite hobby shop or on-line at www.testors.com