Quote:
Originally Posted by mcrews
"The Daytona 'package' produced a 16% drag reduction over the 1969 'RACE' Charger,and reduced the Road Horsepower at 190-200-mph,by 85-hp,giving about a 5-mpg 'lap' speed increase. On a straight course the car was capable of speeds in excess of 220-mph"
WOW!
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Yes, the winged warriors were quite the project. The whole push behind Dodge creating this was speed...5mph over the "normal" Charger. They either had to squeeze almost one hundred hp out of the mighty 426 HEMI (which would take lots of time and effort) or reduce drag... The wing was necessary to keep the traction on the rear wheels at speed.
The Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Charger Daytona, supercars
More info:
The record-setting 200 mph Dodge Charger Daytona Development:
Dodge determined to win at NASCAR; development of the Charger Daytona
What amazes me is that this many years down the road, few vehicles can boast a better Cd.
And by the way, the 1969 426 HEMI would make the advertised 425hp with one spark plug wire pulled. It was a strong engine...
*edit* The picture Aerohead posted also helps explain why Plymouth's aero department really wanted to change the rear window angle on the Superbird.