Dodge Charger SRT8 LX
Even though the Charger went away in the late ’80s and Chrysler retired the nameplate, the legend of the glorious muscle car model never really disappeared. During the 1990s rise of the pickup trucks and the SUV market, Dodge presented several concepts that kept the fire burning. Muscle car fans remained hopeful that their favorite car would be reincarnated. It finally was in 2005 with a thumping V8 under the hood and rear-wheel drive. But it was also in four-door guise, which raised a few eyebrows. The new Charger was an actual American four-door with rear-wheel drive (AWD was optional) and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine as the top engine choice.
It also had an aggressive muscular design that reminded the buyers of Charger’s heritage (via Auto Blog). Immediately, it was a fantastic success because it combined modern technology with retro styling and Hemi power in a great package. It wasn’t what muscle car fans asked for but it was the proper performance car they needed. The engine choices started with a 3.6-liter V6 and buyers could get the newly introduced 350-hp 5.7-liter Hemi. However, Dodge remembered the burning muscle car market. Soon after introducing the regular model, the Charger SRT-8 was released. Under the hood was a 6.1-liter Hemi with 425 hp and fantastic performance. It provided a link to the Hemi Chargers of the past.