What platform is the Dodge Charger built on?
The Dodge Charger is built on the Chrysler LX platform.
The LX platform is a rear‑drive, full‑size chassis shared with several Dodge and Chrysler models. Introduced in the mid-2000s, it underpins the Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300, and has shaped the Charger’s size, handling, and engine options for two decades. This article explains what the LX platform is, which models use it, and why it matters for performance and manufacturing.
What is the LX platform?
The LX platform is a rear‑wheel‑drive, unibody architecture used by multiple Chrysler‑Dodge vehicles. It was introduced for the 2005 model year and has since supported a range of engines—from V6 to high‑output V8s—while maintaining a front‑engine, rear‑drive layout and independent suspension. The platform is known for its balance of interior space, performance potential, and production efficiency across several body styles.
Core characteristics of the LX platform
Below are the essential traits that define the LX platform and explain why the Charger fits on it.
- Shared among Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and Chrysler 300
- Rear‑drivetrain with a front‑engine layout; optional all‑wheel drive in some variants
- Independent suspension tuned for a blend of performance and comfort
- Engine options ranging from V6 to high‑output V8s
- Unibody construction designed to accommodate spacious interiors and strong rigidity
The LX platform’s versatility has allowed Dodge to offer multiple powertrains and trim levels on a single chassis while maintaining performance character and manufacturing efficiency.
Which models use the LX platform?
The Charger shares the LX platform with a small family of closely related cars, a relationship that has defined the lineup since the mid‑2000s and continues for the current generation. Below are the core models that have used—or continue to use—the LX chassis.
- Dodge Charger (current generation and ongoing production)
- Dodge Challenger (muscle coupe based on the same platform)
- Chrysler 300 (full‑size sedan that shares the LX understructure)
The LX architecture has supported these models’ size, powertrain variety, and performance orientation. As automakers transition toward electrification, Stellantis may shift next‑generation models to new architectures, but the Charger remains on the LX platform for now.
Why the platform matters for performance and manufacturing
Platform choices influence handling, weight distribution, durability, and cost efficiency. The LX chassis, with its rear‑drive layout and strong powertrain options, has underpinned the Charger’s muscular performance while enabling shared tooling and production processes across several models. This shared approach helps manufacturers optimize parts sourcing, maintenance, and scale across a family of vehicles.
As the industry moves toward electrification and new architecture families, the Charger’s future platform will depend on Stellantis’ long‑term product strategy and the timing of any next‑generation model.
Summary
In brief, the Dodge Charger is built on the Chrysler LX platform—a rear‑drive, unibody architecture shared with the Challenger and the Chrysler 300. This platform has defined the Charger’s size, powertrain options, and performance identity for years, even as automakers review future platform strategies in the era of electrification.
