Dodge Charger Daytona: Merging Muscle with the Electric Era

Dodge is stepping boldly into the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, aiming to combine its iconic muscle car DNA with the demands of a sustainable future. At the forefront of this evolution is the Charger Daytona, an all-electric reimagining of Dodge’s legendary performance machines. While its reception varies between admiration and skepticism, the Charger Daytona is undeniably a bold statement. Now available in R/T and Scat Pack trims, this EV pushes the boundaries of muscle car identity.

Production of the Charger Daytona is already in motion at Stellantis’ Windsor Assembly Plant in Canada, with the first deliveries anticipated in early 2025. For enthusiasts holding out for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Hurricane inline-six version, expect to wait until spring 2025.

A Visual Spectacle Without the V8 Roar

True to its roots, the Charger Daytona boasts a commanding presence. The R/T trim dazzles with aggressive styling, featuring 20-inch Blacknoise wheels and a striking see-through grille that channels air over the hood—an EV-specific design innovation. Meanwhile, the ICE variant emphasizes larger bumper intakes and exhaust pipes, signaling its traditional muscle car essence.

In the Scat Pack trim, sporty elements shine with features like a “Stage 2” bee emblem, a lip spoiler, and Brembo brakes with red calipers, which come as part of the standard Track Pack. Paint options such as After Dark (blue), White Knuckle (white), and Triple Nickel (silver) enhance the aesthetic appeal.

A Futuristic Interior Redefining Muscle Cars

Inside the Charger Daytona, the retro vibe of Dodge’s earlier models has been replaced by a modern, tech-forward cabin. The R/T trim includes a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, while the Scat Pack ups the ante with a 16-inch cluster. A high-mounted center console retains a muscle car feel, even as the EV architecture eliminates the need for a traditional transmission tunnel.

Ambient lighting across the dashboard and doors adds a futuristic touch, while sports seats in the Scat Pack are upholstered in a mix of suede and Nappa leather with integrated headrests, ensuring both comfort and style.

Performance and Power

Built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, the Charger Daytona offers both EV and ICE configurations. The EV models come standard with dual motors and all-wheel drive. However, critics have pointed out the absence of the signature V8 growl, a hallmark of Dodge muscle cars. To address this, Dodge introduced the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system, generating artificial engine noises that have sparked mixed reactions.

The R/T model delivers 456 hp (340 kW), with a PowerShot boost raising it temporarily to 496 hp (370 kW). The Scat Pack offers 630 hp (470 kW), with PowerShot elevating it to 670 hp (500 kW). Both trims feature a 100.5 kWh battery pack, with an estimated range of 317 miles (510 km) for the R/T and 260 miles (418 km) for the Scat Pack. Prices start at $59,595 for the R/T and $73,190 for the Scat Pack.

ICE Continues to Appeal

While Dodge’s focus has shifted to EVs, the ICE-powered Charger with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six remains in the pipeline. This version will offer two power levels: 420 hp (313 kW) and 550 hp (410 kW). Despite losing the V8 charm of its predecessors, this engine aims to cater to traditionalists unwilling to embrace electric powertrains.

The Banshee: A New Power Benchmark

Dodge has teased a high-performance Banshee variant of the Charger Daytona, featuring a tri-motor EV setup capable of producing a jaw-dropping 1,320 hp (984 kW). If realized, this model would outshine even the most powerful V8-powered Demons and Hellcats, cementing Dodge’s commitment to redefining muscle car performance in the EV era.

Practicality Meets Performance

In addition to the two-door Charger Daytona, Dodge has announced a four-door sedan variant, which will replace the current Charger model. Both versions share the same dimensions, including a length of 206.6 inches (5,252 mm) and a wheelbase of 121 inches (3,074 mm). The new design ensures the practicality of rear doors without compromising interior space or the car’s aggressive stance.

Dodge’s Charger Daytona represents a daring leap into the electric future, balancing nostalgia with innovation. Whether it succeeds in winning over muscle car enthusiasts remains to be seen, but it undeniably sets a new standard for the genre.