Dodge asks $60,000 for electric muscle car
Dodge launched its Charger Daytona in the spring – in two versions (Scat Pack and R/T), as well as a two-door and a four-door version. Although the model takes on an iconic name, it has little in common with its V8 predecessor, which has the same name. The Charger Daytona will be produced at the Windsor plant in Ontario – initially, the two-door version from the summer of 2024 and the four-door version from the first half of 2025.
The new vehicle is based on the Stellantis STLA Large platform with 400-volt technology. It offers up to 500 kW (two electric motors with 250 kW each) and is set to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. According to Stellantis, the vehicle should complete the quarter mile in an estimated 11.5 seconds. The two electric motors are split between the axles, one at the front and one at the rear. All-wheel drive is standard on all new Charger models, writes the manufacturer.
Until now, muscle cars typically had rear-wheel drive only.
The battery with NCA chemistry has a capacity of 100.5 kWh. The peak discharge power is 550 kW – important for achieving maximum acceleration. A special mode also prepares the battery for the best possible sprint time in the quarter mile. The prismatic cells should help here, as these cells are structurally more stable and offer better thermal performance. The Charger can be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in 27 minutes, corresponding to an average charging capacity of 133 kW. The range of the Charger Daytona R/T is given as 317 miles; for the Scat Pack, it is 260 miles – i.e. 510 and 418 kilometres, respectively.
In addition to familiar driving modes such as Auto, Eco, Sport and Wet/Snow, the Charger also offers a Drag and a Track mode. The Track mode ensures maximum vehicle performance on smooth, dry surfaces, while the Drag mode, intended for use on a closed drag strip, ensures optimum drag strip start and straight-line acceleration. There are also functions such as a Drift mode and a Donut mode.
The electric Charger models have another unique feature: the electric car has an exhaust sound. Dodge has put a lot of effort into this system; there is even a patent pending for the ‘Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust System.’ The manufacturer describes the system as follows: The system “uses two passive radiators to create a unique exhaust profile with Hellcat levels of sound intensity that shatters the preconception of a typical quiet BEV and instead delivers a sound worthy of the Brotherhood of Muscle.”
While the two-door Daytona variants are now priced and will start rolling off the production line this summer, the four-door electric muscle cars will follow in the first half of 2025. Also, next year, Dodge will use another feature of the STLA Large. As it is a multi-energy platform, combustion drives are also possible. The petrol version of the Dodge Charger Sixpack will then be powered by a three-litre six-cylinder engine in two power levels.
With regard to the electric variants, Dodge also specifies that they qualify for the US tax credit of 7,500 dollars when leasing. In addition to the stated purchase price of 59,595 or 73,190 US dollars net, there is always a transfer fee of 1,995 dollars. Dodge also mentions optional packages, such as a ‘Plus Package’ with leather seats and head-up display for an additional $4,995 or a ‘Sun and Sound Package’ with a full glass roof and Alpine Pro audio system for an extra $1,095.
“The future of the Dodge brand launches with a two-model 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona two-door lineup that looks, drives, sounds and feels like a Dodge, outperforming the legendary models they replace and delivering the experience the Dodge Brotherhood of Muscle expects,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “And we are just getting started. Four-door Charger Daytona models, along with the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O. and the 420-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK S.O. fueled by the 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane engine, are coming soon. The next generation of Dodge muscle cars has arrived, and they are flat out the best muscle cars ever made.”
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