The first electric muscle car was finally revealed!

Thunder for fans of American cars. Dodge finally presents its new product, marking the manufacturer’s history with a milestone: the Charger Daytona. This new generation replaces the current model, launched 19 years ago, with a big feature… the abandonment of the V8 for a 100% electric engine! Yes, you read that right, for a certain Dodge would do the irreparable by breaking the legendary lineage born in 1966.

Retro trend

After Renault and its R5 electric city car, it’s Dodge’s turn to return one of its most iconic models in a neoclassical style. Aesthetically, the new Charger bears no relation to the previous generation, with a very muscular look inspired by its ancestor from the 1960s.. The rectangular front panel includes an LED strip in the image of the old grille, while at the back, the light signature is also a nod to the one-piece optics of the previous model. 5.25 m long and 2.02 m wide, it is slightly larger than the formidable BMW XM SUV. First available in a two-door model, a four-door version of the Charger is planned for early 2025. Unfortunately for fans, this double variant also spells the end of the Dodge Challenger.

In the passenger compartment, there is no nostalgia, but a modern one that is characterized by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (16-inch optional) and a 12.3-inch central screen aimed more at the driver. As usual, the Dodge Charger comes with cloth upholstery, but leather is offered as an option, as are bucket seats.

Powers ranging from 426 hp to 680 hp

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: the engine. Let’s not forget that we are dealing here with a muscle car, which is also electric in its Daytona version.. Because yes, the new Charger is not ONLY electric but also comes with a six cylinder 3.0 twin-turbo in-line with 426 hp or 558 hp. In terms of power, the Charger Daytona is based on the new STLA Platform from Stellantis, which will soon be used by Alfa Romeo and Maserati in particular. The Daytona has an electric motor for the axle and benefits from a 400 volt connection.. In its R / T version, the muscle car develops 503 hp, while the version called Scat Pack sends 680 hp to the four-wheel drive. Note that these power levels can only be reached for 15 seconds in “Shot Power” mode, after which it drops by 40 hp. It is enough to push 2,648 kg (!) from 0 to 97 km/h in 4.7 s and 3.3 s respectively. The quarter-mile run, on the other hand, requires just 13.1 seconds with the R/T and 11.5 seconds with the Scat Pack.. It is not enough compared to Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S Plaid with its 1,020 hp, which allows it to reach 100 km / h in 2.1 s. However, Dodge has clearly planned for this and is already announcing a Banshee version, using 800 volt technology to power Elon Musk’s sedan.

Up to 510 kilometers of freedom

In terms of autonomy, if we can agree on the fact that the old V8 models swallowed a few liters of unleaded fuel, the “Charger” will also get rid of its 100.5 kWh battery. Dodge promises 510 kilometers of range for the R/T and only 418 kilometers for the more powerful Scat Pack.. Allow 27 minutes from 20% to 80% through a direct 350 kW terminal. Before its presentation, the new Dodge Charger Daytona was already making a lot of noise. The popular “Fratzonic Chambered” sound generator system promises a sound of up to 126 dB, depending on the driving profile as well as the pressure applied to the accelerator pedal. Additionally, drift enthusiasts will be pleased with the presence of Donut and Drift modes, letting the rider drop off only on the rear axle.

Electricity means zero emissions used. It’s enough to leave us dreaming of arriving in Europe. Time will tell, but it is certain that companies specializing in the importation of American cars will, if Dodge does not launch its electric muscle car on the Old Continent. The manufacturer has also reserved the opportunity to reveal the prices of this Charger Daytona.