Dodge Charger Daytona EV is here to recharge muscle car market

06 March 2024

Dodge is making a rebellious stand in the electric vehicle market with its first all-electric muscle car, the Charger Daytona. While most EVs prioritize efficiency and eco-friendliness, Dodge came up with an electric car that delivers thrilling acceleration and a healthy dose of nostalgia.

The heart of the Charger Daytona is an uncompromising powertrain. Gone is the iconic rumble of a Hemi V-8, replaced by dual electric motors. The base R/T version delivers 496 hp, while the Scat Pack variant unleashes a substantial 670 hp. Dodge claims the Daytona will hit 60 mph in a thrilling 3.3 seconds in Scat Pack trim, putting it in the leagues of performance-focused EVs, although still far off the likes of Tesla Model S Plaid.

The Dodge Charger Daytona uses a 400-volt 93.9 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated range of 317 miles on the R/T model. The thirstier Scat pack is rated at 260 miles. The peak DC charging rate is 183 kW, giving you an 80% charge in about 28 minutes.

To replicate the traditional muscle car experience, Dodge has packed on the features. Aggressive driving modes, launch control, line-lock functionality, and even Drift and Donut modes for those classic smoky tire-shredding displays.

With its aggressive stance and sculpted lines, Dodge designers didn't shy away from embracing the second-generation (1968-71) Charger's iconic aesthetic. The R-wing front end, inspired by the original Charger Daytona, isn't just for looks; it improves the car's aerodynamics. The car's shape is almost indistinguishable from the concept revealed last year. But the big surprise is the decision to stick with a two-door body style for now – a four-door model will arrive next year.

The interior also blends modern tech with nostalgic touches. A futuristic dashboard houses a digital instrument cluster and a large central touchscreen featuring the familiar Uconnect interface. The squared-off steering wheel might divide opinion, but the retro-tastic pistol-grip shifter is sure to delight old-school fans. Available features include a head-up display, premium sound systems, a panoramic sunroof, and customizable "Attitude Adjustment" ambient lighting, emphasizing the Charger Daytona's focus on delivering a driving experience that's as stimulating as it is powerful.

The real controversy lies with Dodge's "Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust." Designed to mimic the roar of those Hellcats, it's an artificial soundtrack pumped through the speakers. This system produces a synthetic bellow claimed to reach 126 decibels, just like the outgoing Hellcat. Skeptics may scoff, but Kuniskis promises real-time feedback and the ability to rev the car. Purists, however, might find it hard to embrace.

The Charger Daytona gains one major advantage over its predecessor - practicality. The new model is a cleverly disguised hatchback with over 23 ft³ of cargo space behind the rear seats (that's 6 ft³ more than the old Charger) and nearly 37.1 ft³ with those seats folded down. For that extra bit of storage, there's also a 2.01 ft³ frunk.

The Charger Daytona lineup is only the prelude to Dodge's electric ambitions. Next year, the company will release the highly anticipated SRT Banshee model. It will boast a potent 800-volt architecture, 900 hp and a two-speed transmission for even better acceleration.

Dodge is also promising customizable power levels through Direct Connection Stage Kits, suggesting enthusiasts can push the Banshee far beyond its stock power output and into a four-digit territory.

Production of the 2024 Charger Daytona will take place at Dodge's Canadian facility in Windsor, Ontario. Unfortunately, due to current regulations, the Charger Daytona will only be eligible for the US federal tax credit through lease incentives, potentially limiting its appeal to buyers seeking the full EV tax benefits.

The Dodge Charger Daytona is an electrifying, unapologetic attempt to reinvent the muscle car for a new era. Its thrilling power might win over some enthusiasts, but whether it's a true successor to the gas-loving legends of the past depends on your priorities. If raw power and nostalgia are paramount, the Daytona delivers. But if you're looking for an EV that checks all the efficiency and practicality boxes, Dodge's muscle car spectacle might leave you wanting more. And that - in Dodge’s playbook - is a good thing.

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