The emergence of Dodge’s R/T designation first came in 1967 as the division introduced a hot, intermediate-sized muscle car, the Dodge Coronet R/T. The lightweight car packed a 440 Magnum engine under the hood and put out 375hp for all to see and hear.

Similar to its Plymouth sibling – the Belvedere GTX – an optional 425hp 426 HEMI could be ordered for maximum performance.

Aside from the engine selections, the car was spec’d with upgraded engine cooling, high performance tires and a heavy duty suspension.

This was done to make sure that the new model would perform admirably on both the road and the track, hence the R/T badge.

The following year saw the R/T badge appear on the newly-revised Dodge Charger and in 1970 on the Dodge Challenger. The restyled Charger R/T came standard with the 440 Magnum motor and aerodynamic styling inspired by stock car racing developments.

For 1970, the Challenger R/T was spec’d with the 383 Magnum V8 as the standard engine, but optional motivators included the 375-horsepower, 440cui Magnum V8; the 390-horsepower, the 440 Six-Pack and the 425hp, 426 HEMI.

The turbulent years that followed pushed performance to the back burner for almost two decades. The R/T badge found itself on some rather “unworthy” vehicles like 4-door, 4-cylinder FWD Spirit with R/T versions of the Dodge Neon and Stealth appearing briefly thereafter. The use of the R/T designation on a V8-powered car would have to wait for another decade.

In 2006, a new age dawned for R/T fans as the Dodge Charger, in 5.7-liter HEMI configuration, also receives sport seats, enhanced steering, a firmer suspension with performance tires and ten additional horsepower to distinguish the R/T package.

Three years later, the Dodge Challenger R/T puts 370hp on the road, along with the classic pistol-grip shifter, suspension improvements and unique rolling stock, optional R/T stripes and other appointments.

Building on past heritage, R/T editions of the Dodge Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey were announced at the Chicago Auto Show. The company promises that the tradition will carry on, distinguishing these models with the same approach – improved drive train, suspension, unique wheels and tires and aggressive styling – that has created classics in the past.