Wind Tunnel Testing – Dodge Charger Daytona vs 1969 Charger vs 2015 Hellcat – Video

 

Ever wondered how effective the nose cones and spoilers on those iconic 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona “aero warriors” really were? Autofocus. ca set up a comparison between a 1969 Dodge Charger Hemi; an authentic stock Charger Daytona; and, just for the heck of it, a 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat. Here’s what they found out.

1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Superbird

The short-lived Plymouth Superbird was a highly modified version of the Plymouth Road Runner with well-known graphics and horn. It was the factory’s follow up stock car racing design for the 1970 season to the Dodge Charger Daytona of 1969, and incorporated many engineering changes and modifications (both minor and major) garnered from the Daytona’s season in competition on the track.[6]

The car’s primary rival was the Ford Torino Talladega, which in itself was a direct response to the Mopar aero car. It has also been speculated one motivating factor in the production of the car was to lure Richard Petty back to Plymouth. Both of the Mopar aero cars famously featured a protruding, aerodynamic nosecone, a high-mounted rear wing and, in the case of the Superbird, a horn which mimicked the Road Runner cartoon character.[8]

Superbirds equipped with the top of the line 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi engine with a pair of four barrel Carter AFB carburettors (2x4bbl) producing 425 hp (317 kW) could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.5 seconds.

 

1969 Dodge Charger

There were two different 383 engines available for the 1969 model year: 2-barrel and 4-barrel. The 2-barrel was rated at 290 hp. The four barrel engine was rated at 330 hp and was identified by the “pie tin” on the air cleaner as “383 / FOUR BARREL”. The 330-hp engine was unique to the Charger model in 1969. While this engine was available with an un-silenced air cleaner option, it differed internally from the 335-hp 383 “Magnum”. In 1969 the B-series engines were all painted Chrysler Engine Turquoise with the exception of the 383 four speed, 440 Magnum, These engines were painted Chrysler High-Performance Orange. Differing from the 426 Hemi which was painted Street Hemi Orange. The 335-hp 383 Magnum engines were also painted Chrysler High-Performance Orange. The 383 Magnum motor was used in Road Runners and Super Bees, but did not appear in a Charger body until 1971. Differences between the 330-hp 383 4-barrel and 335-hp 383 magnum were mostly internal. Both versions used the Carter AVS carb and the larger exhaust manifolds from the 440 Magnum engines, but the Magnum had a windage tray in the oil pan, a different camshaft profile, and different valve springs.

The 1969 model year brought few modifications. Exterior changes included a new grille with a center divider and new longitudinal taillights both designed by Harvey J. Winn. A new trim line called the Special Edition (SE) was added. This could be available by itself or together with the R/T, thus making an R/T-SE. The SE added leather inserts to the front seats only, chrome rocker moldings, a wood grain steering wheel, and wood grain inserts on the instrument panel. A sunroof was added to the option list, but was ordered on only 260 Chargers. The bumble bee stripes returned as well, but were changed slightly. Instead of four stripes, it now consisted of a wide stripe framed by two smaller stripes. In the middle of the stripe, an R/T cutout was placed. If the stripe was deleted, a metal R/T emblem was placed where the R/T cutout was. Total production was around 89,199 units.
Bo & Luke Duke popularized the 1969 Dodge Charger in The Dukes of Hazzard
The television series The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1985) featured a 1969 Dodge Charger that was named The General Lee. “The General” sported the Confederate battle flag painted on the roof and the words “GENERAL LEE” over each door. The windows were always open, as the actors would do a window slide; this do to an accident which would not permit a door to be opened. Contrary to belief; the doors were never welded shut. The number “01” is painted on both doors. Also, when the horn button was pressed, it played the first 12 notes from the de facto Confederate States anthem “Dixie”. The car performed spectacular jumps in almost every episode, and the show’s popularity produced consumer interest in the car.

 

2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Specs:

PRICE AS TESTED:$69,965 (base price: $64,990)

ENGINE TYPE:supercharged and intercooled V-8, iron block and aluminum heads

DISPLACEMENT:376 cu in, 6166 cc
Power: 707 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

TRANSMISSION:8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 120.4 in
Length: 200.8 in
Width: 75.0 in Height:58.3 in
Curb weight: 4592 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 3.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 7.2 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 11.7 sec
Zero to 170 mph: 23.1 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 3.7 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 1.7 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 2.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.4 sec @ 128 mph
Top speed (drag ltd, mfr’s claim): 204 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 153 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.94 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 13/22 mpg
C/D observed: 13 mpg