The Charger name is equated with raw, fuel-burning power, but times change. The previous four-door Charger is gone as is the Hemi V-8 that powered the higher performing models. At least initially, Dodge鈥檚 latest edition is all about electric performance.
The new Charger Daytona 鈥� its proper name 鈥� will initially come as a two-door hatchback electric coupe, with four-door versions to follow by mid-2025.
In case you鈥檙e wondering, the Dodge Challenger has been excised from the lineup.
The Charger was already somewhat of a niche vehicle and the electric version will have a considerably narrower following. Turbocharged six-cylinder versions, in two- and four-door variants, are coming soon and most likely will likely be the volume leaders.
The Charger Daytona, technically a 2024 model even though we鈥檙e now into the 2025 model year, has understated styling that鈥檚 influenced by Chargers dating back to the late-1960s.
At the leading edge of the hood is the 鈥淩-Wing鈥� that allows air to pass through to create downforce for improved high-speed stability. It鈥檚 intended to pay homage the giant rear wing found on the 1969 Charger Daytona. The three-pointed Dodge 鈥淔ratzog鈥� badge, also pulled from the history books, is intended to remind drivers that they鈥檙e driving a true muscle machine.
Compared with the previous Charger, which ended production in 2023, the new car is about 14 centimetres longer, 13 centimetres wider, and distance between the front and rear wheels is up by 2.5 centimetres. It weighs in at about 2,640 kilograms, about 640 kg more than outgoing model. The new car is huge and heavy as the platform is also intended for large EVs such as utility vehicles.
The hatchback design provides about 30 per cent more stowage capacity, and with the rear seat folded, there鈥檚 more than double the cargo volume. Optional is a small front trunk 鈥� called a frunk 鈥� located beneath the hood.
The dash displays are focused on the driver, as evidenced by the angled 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Behind the heated flat-bottom steering wheel is a 10.25-inch or available 16-inch instrument gauge cluster. A pistol-grip shifter is located on the floor console next to the power button.
There are two distinct Charger Daytona models, both with front and rear electric motors.
The R/T produces 456 horsepower and the Scat Pack variant generates 630. For both, a 鈥淧ower Shot鈥� button on the steering wheel adds 40 more horsepower for up to 15 seconds.
The zero-to-60-mph times are 4.7 seconds for the R/T and 3.3 seconds for the Scat Pack, according to Dodge.
The motors are supported by a 100.5-kilowatt-hour battery. Estimated maximum range varies from 300 miles for the R/T to 240 miles for the Scat Pack.
Charging to 80 per cent from five per cent using a 240-volt Level 2 home charger will take about 5.5 hours. With a Level 3 commercial charger, the time is cut to 32 minutes. Why 80 per cent and not 100? Because the charge rate dramatically slows once 80 per cent is reached, which is the case with most EVs and plug-in hybrids on the market, and automakers want to advertise their quickest times.
The Scat Pack鈥檚 standard drive modes include Auto, Eco, Sport, and Wet/Snow. Separate Track and Drag modes are designed for, unsurprisingly, racetrack or drag strip applications.
The R/T and Scat Pack have the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust sound generator that mimics the growl of the departed supercharged 6.2-litre Hellcat V-8 engine. It works with the shiftable 鈥渆Rupt electro-mechanical multi-speed transmission.鈥� The Fratzonic produces the revving sounds made when shifting through the gears (up to 126 decibels) just like a manual transmission minus the clutch pedal. The system鈥檚 stealth sound mode is for drivers who like near silence.
The base R/T starts at an estimated $57,800 including destination fees. It comes relatively well-equipped with dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a nine-speaker Alpine-brand audio system.
The $89,800 Scat Pack gets Brembo-brand front brakes, sport suspension, driver鈥檚 head-up display and 20-inch wheels (18s are standard). (Note that the electric Charger qualifies for federal and provincial government rebates.)
Options include a full-length glass roof, keyless power liftgate, premium leather and suede seats, interior ambient lighting, 18-speaker sound system and adaptive dampers/shocks. An available data logger for the Track Pack provides performance analytics plus audio and video recordings.
For enthusiasts pining for gasoline propulsion, the Charger Daytona will offer a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a choice of 420 or 550 horsepower. Meantime, the electrically motivated versions should easily deliver more than enough thrills, provided Charger fans like the new styling and the idea of giving up V-8 power.
What you should know: 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona
Type: All-wheel-drive two-door electric hatchback
Motors (h.p.): Front and rear electric (496/670)
Transmission: Single-speed automatic with simulated multi-speed gear ratios
Market position: The transition of the Dodge Charger from a conservative-looking, long-in-the-tooth sedan to something far more contemporary was overdue. That is now comes with high-performance electric propulsion is nothing short of character changing.
Points: Styling combines new with retro elements. 鈥� Hatchback feature adds practicality. 鈥� Battery-electric system delivers plenty of performance. 鈥� Adding loud V-8 revving sounds to an electric vehicle won鈥檛 appeal to everyone. 鈥� A lengthy list of options is tempting, but could significantly inflate the final price. 鈥� Gasoline versions arrive in 2025.
Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); front and rear emergency braking (std.); inattentive-driver alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian warning (std.)
MPGe (city/hwy): n.a.
Base price (incl. destination): $61,600
B Y C O M P A R I S O N
Ford Mustang Mach E
- Base price: $38,500
- Until Ford makes an EV version of the coupe/convertible, this will do.
BMW i4 eDrive35
- Base price: $54,000
- EV version of the 4-Series sedan makes up to 536 h.p., AWD is optional.
Chevrolet Corvette EV
- Base price: $150,000 (est.)
- Upcoming all-wheel-drive 2025 electric model could make 1,000 h.p.
