The Dodge brand enjoyed a period of remarkable success between 2013 and 2023, establishing itself as the home of American muscle, largely thanks to the roaring Hellcat V8 engines in the Charger, Challenger, and Durango SUV. However, the era of the Hellcat is now over, and Dodge is boldly stepping into the electric age with the 2024 Charger Daytona, marking the beginning of American e-Muscle. Having had the opportunity to drive it, it’s clear that Dodge’s first foray into electric muscle cars is a resounding success.
For some die-hard Mopar enthusiasts, the shift to electric might be unsettling. Those with HEMI pride etched deep and resistant to change might find this transition difficult. This review serves as a trigger warning: the age of e-Muscle is upon us, and the Dodge Charger EV is leading the charge, proving that electric muscle is not just possible, but exhilarating.
The Legacy of the LX Platform
Let’s acknowledge the greatness of the past. The LX platform that underpinned the previous generation Charger and Challenger, while based on Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class components from the 90s, was undeniably aging. Yet, age didn’t diminish its appeal.
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Despite not being at the cutting edge of handling compared to modern sports cars, the Challenger and Charger offered surprisingly engaging driving dynamics for large muscle cars. However, by the early 2020s, it became evident that this platform couldn’t meet evolving emission, fuel economy, and safety standards.
The merger creating Stellantis led to the development of four new platforms, with STLA Medium, Large, and Frame designated for North America. STLA Small catered to other markets. STLA Frame is reserved for body-on-frame trucks and SUVs like RAM and Wagoneer, while STLA Medium and Large are unibody architectures.
Crucially, all three are multi-energy platforms, accommodating battery-electric, internal combustion, and hybrid powertrains. This strategic flexibility has proven wise, given the fluctuating EV adoption rates, particularly in North America where EVs have become politically charged. Stellantis can now adapt to market demands, offering different powertrain options across regions, catering to EV-friendly states like California and ICE-favored regions alike.
All Electric, All Wheel Drive Dodge Charger Daytona Models Are D
Introducing the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV
The first vehicle built on the STLA Large platform is the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. Despite launch delays pushing it to late in the year, it’s being released as a 2024 model. 2025 models are expected in Spring. Interestingly, Dodge has, for now, shelved the Challenger name, concentrating the Charger nameplate on both two-door and four-door (effectively three and five-door hatchbacks) models.
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The “Daytona” suffix signifies the battery-electric powertrain. Mid-2025 will see the introduction of Charger models powered by the 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine, simply named Charger. Hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants are also anticipated, though their naming is yet unknown. At launch, two trims are available: R/T and Scat Pack, the models Dodge presented for testing in Phoenix.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Design and Styling of the New Charger Daytona
The new Charger avoids overt retro styling but subtly incorporates classic DNA. Unlike the previous LX Chargers, it hints at the second-generation 1968-1970 model in its shape. It’s a modern, clean design with a traditional 3-box profile. As an EV, the need for a massive front intake is eliminated, replaced by a smaller grille for cooling the battery and motors.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
The “Daytona” name nods to the high-winged 1970 NASCAR homologation special. While not directly replicating that look, the new Charger features a sloping hood and the “R-Wing,” managing airflow for balanced lift/downforce without increased drag. This slim panel creates a taller front, echoing the 1968 model with an airflow slot. The Polestar 3 uses a similar design approach.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
A prominent retro element is the return of the “Fratzog” logo, used by Dodge from the early 60s to early 70s. Teased earlier, the backlit Fratzog is central to the design. While perhaps unfamiliar to many today, it’s a clear nod to original Dodge muscle car fans. The Fratzog is positioned on a vertical support in the R-Wing, reminiscent of the 1969 splitter, and also appears on the rear fascia and wheel centers.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
The rear features full-width taillights with the Dodge racetrack surround lighting. Despite the 3-box profile, the Charger is a liftback. This hatchback design will be beneficial for potential police versions, addressing the limited trunk opening of the previous Charger.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Below the rear bumper, a comb-like structure labeled “Fratzonic” houses the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, a key feature we’ll discuss further.
The Charger Daytona is noticeably larger, at 206.6 inches long and 79.8 inches wide, exceeding its predecessor in both dimensions. Despite the increased size, it offers slightly less passenger volume but significantly more cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet with seats up and 37.4 cubic feet folded. This cargo capacity is a boon for those who track their cars, easily accommodating extra wheels and tires. Plus pack models include a frunk suitable for a backpack or charging cable.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
The Charger’s structure is significantly stiffer, 23% stiffer than the previous generation body-in-white and 50% stiffer with the battery installed.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Initially, two-door models will be available, with four-door versions following. Exterior dimensions remain identical, with changes only in door configurations.
Inside the Charger Daytona EV
The interior of the new Charger Daytona is decidedly modern. While Jeep and Ram have embraced large screens, the Charger takes a more restrained approach with two primary screens. All models feature a 12.3-inch center touchscreen angled towards the driver. Base R/T models have a 10-inch instrument cluster, upgradeable to 16-inch, which is standard on the Scat Pack.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Dodge retains a classic pistol grip shifter, a modern electronic interface designed to feel like a traditional mechanical unit, staying in position rather than returning to center. Future high-performance Banshee powertrains are expected to include multi-ratio transmissions, but initial models are single-speed.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
The cabin is notably more premium than the previous generation, with soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. Notably absent is piano black trim, except for glossy display bezels.
Two front seat options are available: standard two-piece seatbacks and optional high-back seats with fixed headrests, available in various materials including leatherette, suede, and Nappa leather.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Both seat types proved comfortable and supportive during road and track driving. The seating position is higher than previous models, due to the underfloor battery pack, similar to modern crossovers, but not as high as a Jeep Wrangler or low as a Viper.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Rear seat space is significantly improved, especially compared to the Challenger. Access is surprisingly easy in the two-door model, and legroom and headroom are ample for adults. The Charger Daytona is genuinely capable of comfortably carrying four adults on longer trips.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
The steering wheel features a flattened top and bottom, a comfortable and easily maneuverable design, unlike more extreme yoke designs. The 16-inch instrument display is thoughtfully designed to be fully visible above the wheel rim.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
A minor drawback is the strip of touch-sensitive climate controls below the center screen, made of somewhat cheap-feeling plastic, a point to note but not a deal-breaker.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Driving the Electric Muscle Car
The drive program was based at the Radford Racing School in Arizona. After presentations from Dodge executives, the drive experience began, aimed at assessing if the Charger Daytona is a worthy successor to the Hellcat.
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While some V8 purists will remain unconvinced about electric muscle cars, they represent a minority of past Charger and Challenger buyers. V6 models were the volume sellers, not Hellcats.
The road drive was conducted in a Scat Pack with Track package, priced at $73,190, and additionally equipped with glass roof and carbon/suede package totaling $78,680. All 2024 Charger Daytonas use 250-kW electric drive modules (EDM) on both axles, each EDM integrating a motor, reduction gear, and power electronics.
All Electric, All Wheel Drive Dodge Charger Daytona Models Are D
The R/T models are programmed to deliver 456 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque, with a Power Shot button adding 40 hp for 10 seconds. Scat Pack models, with Direct Connection Stage 2 tune, produce 630 hp and 627 lb-ft, also with a 40-hp Power Shot. The front EDM includes a clutch to decouple for efficiency during cruising.
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A 100.5-kWh battery pack powers the EDMs, using Samsung SDI cells. The R/T has an EPA-estimated 308-mile range, while the Scat Pack, due to weight and tires, is rated at 241 miles. Current models use a 400V architecture, with the Banshee upgrading to 800V. Charging at up to 220-kW from a 350-kW DC charger allows 20-80% charge in about 24 minutes. 11-kW AC charging achieves 5-80% in 6.8 hours.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Mobile charging units from Ion Dynamics were used as Radford School is yet to install DC fast chargers. These units provide up to 60-kW charging and are easily maneuverable.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
The Fratzonic exhaust activates upon start, emitting a turbine-like sound and roar, unique to the Charger Daytona and signaling its performance intent. It’s distinct from engine emulations and can be turned off or become more aggressive in track modes. Aftermarket sound palettes are expected in the future.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Driving in Auto mode towards South Mountain Park, the Charger Daytona features multi-link front and integral link rear suspension. R/T models use conventional dampers, while the Scat Pack has adaptive units. Tire sizes vary, with the Scat Pack equipped with wider 305/35ZR20 tires, and Track Pack versions further widening rear tires to 325/35ZR20.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Ride quality was surprisingly good even on imperfect roads, thanks to the adaptive dampers on the Scat Pack. The R/T with conventional dampers was also comfortable, though expansion joints were more noticeable.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Ascending the twisty South Mountain road, the Charger Daytona, despite its weight (nearly 5,700 lbs for the Scat Pack), felt surprisingly nimble due to its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. However, the steering lacked feedback, and the car’s width was noticeable on narrow mountain roads.
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Braking is powerful, with the Scat Pack featuring large 410-mm rotors and Brembo calipers. Regenerative braking is adjustable via steering wheel paddles. Creep mode and regen settings in the Uconnect 5 system allow customization of driving feel, from emulating traditional ICE automatics to aggressive EV braking.
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The Fratzonic exhaust sound, while not a V8 rumble, is aggressive and fitting for a muscle car, offering a unique auditory experience compared to other EVs. Simulated shifting is absent, unlike in some competitors, which might be missed by some but contributes to a more relaxed driving experience when desired.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Track and Performance
On the Radford school road course, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack, equipped with summer tires, felt balanced and capable. Race prep mode optimizes battery temperature for maximum performance. The Power Shot button provides an extra boost on track. The Fratzonic exhaust’s audio feedback aids in gauging performance levels and enhances the driving fun.
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Drift mode disengages the front EDM, making the Charger rear-wheel drive and drift-ready. Drifting is easily initiated due to instant electric torque, and maintaining drifts is manageable with practice. Drag strip performance is also impressive, with consistent 11.4 to 11.7-second quarter-mile times, quicker than a non-Demon Hellcat.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
The R/T model, while still quick, feels less potent than the Scat Pack. However, it’s likely to satisfy most previous Charger and Challenger buyers who opted for V6 engines. The R/T lacks the Track, Drift, and Drag modes of the Scat Pack but retains the same visual appeal.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Competition and Market Positioning
Defining the Charger Daytona’s competitive set is complex. Likely competitors include the Hyundai Ioniq 5N, Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, and Tesla Model S Plaid. The Model S Plaid, with its exceptional acceleration, is arguably also a muscle car in EV form. The Tesla out-accelerates the Charger, but the Dodge arguably boasts a sleeker design.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona First Drive
Alternatively, the Charger Daytona could be considered against crossover coupes like the BMW X6M or Porsche Cayenne Coupe, offering more space and unique character at a more accessible price point.
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Pricing starts at $61,590 for the R/T and $75,185 for the Scat Pack, more expensive than the 2023 Scat Pack Widebody Charger but positioned as quicker than the previous Hellcat Redeye, which was significantly pricier.
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Battery modules will initially come from Samsung Hungary, making it ineligible for US federal tax credits for purchase, though leases may qualify. Future production from Stellantis-Samsung JV factories in Indiana in 2025 may change this, pending government policy.
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Conclusion: Embracing e-Muscle
The Dodge Charger Daytona successfully carries the muscle car legacy into the electric era. The Scat Pack is the fastest Charger ever, matching Viper performance and only surpassed by Challenger Demon models. It provides unexpected practicality and retains a fun, albeit different, sound experience.
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The challenge for Dodge is convincing buyers who make emotional, not entirely rational, car purchasing decisions. While some Hellcat loyalists will resist, the Charger Daytona offers a compelling blend of performance, innovation, and muscle car spirit. A test drive might just convert skeptics to this new breed of American e-Muscle, ensuring the halcyon era continues.
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