Body Style

• The 1970 Charger retains the "coke bottle" styling that helped make it a sales leader, according to Allpro.com. This body style was first introduced into Dodge showrooms in the 1968 model year. Full-width tail lamps and a chrome bumper encircled the grille and concealed headlamps. The front bumper makes the 1970 Charger front end look similar to the 1970 Chrysler 300 Hurst.
  
  

Engine and Suspension

• A new option for 1970 was the 440 CID six-pack package. Instead of a four-barrel carburetor, the six-pack used three Holley two-barrel carburetors, according to Musclecarclub.com. The horsepower increased from 375 to 390. Hydraulic lifters were added to the 426 CID Hemi V-8. A 225 CID six-cylinder or 318 CID V-8 was standard. The 383 CID V-8 was also available. A new hydraulic lifter cam and a carburetor solenoid were added for emissions reasons, according to AutoChannel.com.
  
  A heavy-duty suspension, with front sway bar and torsion bars, was standard. Special torsion bars and extra-heavy-duty rear springs and "ride firm" shock absorbers were included with the R/T trim.
  
  

Interior

• The standard Charger interior had a vinyl front bench seat. Deep-pile carpeting and a three-speed manual transmission were included. The Charger 500 package adds front bucket seats. A simulated walnut instrument panel adds to the dress-up feel of the 500, according to Allpro.com.
  
  The SE (Special Edition) was the luxury package. Leather front bucket seats, walnut sport steering wheel, light group and pedal dress-up kit were included. Vinyl map pockets were also featured. Power windows, factory air conditioning, and a choice of radios could be ordered with the SE package.
  
  

New Ignition Switch

• A new federally mandated ignition switch was standard for the 1970 Charger, according to Allpro.com. The switch is mounted on the steering column, and a reminder buzzer sounds when the driver's door is opened. This was to remind the driver to take his keys with him. The new switch also locks the steering wheel. Every U.S. auto manufacturer complied with this order by the 1970 model year.
  
  

Future 1970s Chargers

• Things were not going well for the enthusiast car as a product class. Insurance rates were high for high-performance cars, according to Musclecarclub.com. This took a toll on sales. Only 46,315 total Chargers were sold, according to AutoChannel.com, and Muscle Car Club.com reports that only 10,377 were R/T models. In 1969, 110,000 Chargers were sold, according to Allpro.com. Richard Langworth and Graham Robson argue in their book "Collectible Cars 1930-1980" that future models of the Dodge Charger were more luxury oriented instead of being performance machines.