1981 to 1987
(Generation: V)
Based on the efficient and economical front-wheel-drive Dodge Omni and Dodge Omni 024 coupe, the fifth-generation Dodge Charger (now a 2+2 hatchback) appeared for the 1981 model year. Designed by Chrysler Corporation’s European design and engineering team, this fifth-generation coupe was far removed from its large rear-wheel-drive predecessors.
The standard powertrain in this new fuel-efficient Dodge Charger was a transverse-mounted 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine built by Volkswagen (a Peugeot-built 1.6-liter four cylinder would replace it in 1984). The more powerful Dodge Charger 2.2 model featured a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
The Dodge Charger 2.2 model marked the return of unique performance graphics and body work. The Dodge Charger 2.2 featured a performance hood with simulated hood scoop, front fender vents, integrated rear-lip spoiler, blacked-out daylight-opening trim, steel-belted tires with outlined white lettering and special “Charger 2.2” horizontal body-side graphics.
Adding more performance and excitement, the mid-1982 model year Dodge Shelby Charger was built with performance-tuned know-how from racing veteran Carroll Shelby. Starting with the Dodge Charger 2.2 model, the vehicle featured performance enhancements, including an aggressive front fascia with lip spoiler, lower body-side sills, large 15-inch aluminum wheels with wide Goodyear Eagle GT tires, heavy-duty shocks, sport springs, one-piece rear-quarter window, color-keyed bucket seats with Carroll Shelby’s famed “CS” logo, center floor console and repositioned brake and accelerator pedals for heel-toe shifting. Under the hood, the 2.2-liter engine featured a higher compression ratio, wider cam, free-flow exhaust system and an optimized engine controller good for 13 more horsepower (107 compared to 94) and 10 more lb.-ft. of torque (127 compared to 117). Finishing off this special model was Carroll Shelby’s race colors: silver exterior paint with blue accent decals or blue exterior paint with silver accent decals.
For the 1985 model year, the Dodge Shelby Turbo Charger featured more athletic exterior styling, multi-port fuel injection, low-restriction performance exhaust and the availability of a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine with 7.5 psi of boost. The Dodge Charger 2.2 also received more power as its 2.2-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder was boosted to 110 horsepower.
The last year of the hatchback-based Dodge Charger was the 1987 model year. Similar to the five-door Dodge Omni GLHS models (Goes Like Hell, Some-more); Carroll Shelby purchased the last 1,000 Dodge Turbo Chargers and converted them into Dodge Shelby Charger GLHS models. These final front-wheel-drive models delivered 175 horsepower, 175 lb.-ft. of torque and performed 0-to-60 mph runs in less than 7 seconds.
