10 WAYS THE DODGE CHARGER DAYTONA EV WILL CHANGE MUSCLE CARS FOREVER

The Dodge Charger Daytona name carries a legacy of power, performance, and bold design. First introduced in 1969 as a revolutionary muscle car built for NASCAR dominance, the original Daytona became an icon, breaking records and turning heads with its striking aerodynamic design. Over the decades, the Daytona has symbolized Dodge’s relentless pursuit of speed and innovation.

Now, Dodge is bringing that legendary name into the electric era with the Charger Daytona EV, a reimagined muscle car that fuses the brand's storied heritage with cutting-edge EV technology. This isn’t just a shift to electric, it’s a transformation that honors the muscle car spirit while adapting to the demands of a sustainable future.

With design cues inspired by its predecessors and advanced features like the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust and a powerful electric powertrain, the Daytona EV proves that the muscle car legacy isn’t fading, it’s evolving into an electrifying new chapter.

Related
Someone Cut A Dodge Charger Daytona EV's Head Off To Make A Convertible

DropTop Challenger is known for custom-building the Challenger convertibles that Dodge refused to make.

UPDATE: 2025/01/09

We have updated the article to reflect all the lastest information surrounding the Dodge Charger Daytona EV.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Dodge.

The Daytona EV Packs 670 Horses

The Dodge Charger Daytona EV offers an impressive powertrain that doesn’t compromise on muscle car performance. With up to 670 horsepower in the Scat Pack trim, this electric muscle car will leave other performance sedans in the dust. The R/T variant offers a more accessible 496 horsepower, still delivering plenty of punch for anyone seeking a thrilling drive.

Performance Specifications

Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack

Powertrain

Dual-Motor

Horsepower

630 HP (670 HP w/ PowerShot)

Torque

627 LB-FT

Transmission

Single-Speed Reduction Gear

Driveline

All-Wheel Drive

Range

241 Miles

0-60 MPH

3.3 Seconds

Quarter-Mile

11.5 Seconds

Top Speed

135 MPH

Starting MSRP

$73,190

Both trims are powered by dual electric motors, providing all-wheel drive for maximum traction and stability on any road. This is a car built for acceleration and speed, and the advanced propulsion system ensures that every press of the pedal brings satisfying results. Whether you’re speeding down the track or cruising on the highway, the Charger Daytona’s powertrain will never let you down.

Improved Suspension For Maximum Performance

The Charger Daytona is built for performance, and the chassis is no exception. Featuring a multi-link front suspension, the car is said to offers superior handling and cornering stability, ensuring a smooth ride even when navigating tight curves. The integral rear link suspension enhances the rear-end performance, providing improved balance and handling on all road surfaces.

Additionally, the dual-valve adaptive damping system adjusts damping rates based on driving conditions, ensuring that you always have the right suspension feel, whether you're gliding over smooth highways or taking tight turns at high speeds. Together, these chassis components offer an unmatched combination of comfort and performance that muscle car enthusiasts demand.

Multi-Speed Transmission System For Enhanced Control

Both the Scat Pack and R/T variants of the Charger Daytona EV come equipped with a single-speed automatic transmission, typical of most electric vehicles. However, to provide a more dynamic driving experience, Dodge has integrated simulated multi-speed gears. This feature enhances the traditional muscle car-like acceleration and deceleration, offering a level of control and feedback not typically found in standard single-speed EVs. This approach draws inspiration from systems used in vehicles like the Audi e-Tron and Porsche Taycan, which feature two-speed transmissions.

While the eRupt multi-speed electro-mechanical gearbox, which will likely be seen in the SRT model, takes this innovation further with an advanced multi-speed transmission, the Scat Pack and R/T models still provide an engaging driving experience. These models stay true to the muscle car legacy, blending traditional performance with the advantages of modern electric technology.

8:34
Review
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack EV First Drive: Proof That Electric Muscle Cars Can Be A Thing

The Charger Daytona EV proves thoroughbred American muscle cars can still exist for the 21st century, no matter where the power comes from.

The Daytona EV Has An Aggressive Road Presence

The Dodge Charger Daytona’s exterior makes a statement before you even hear its engine roar. With its bold, muscle design, this car takes the classic muscle car aesthetics and updates them for the modern era. Its low-slung stance, wide body, and aggressive grille give it a menacing road presence that makes it hard to ignore. The R-Wing, a signature feature, adds aerodynamic efficiency while enhancing the car’s muscular look.

It’s not just about looks; the Charger Daytona’s design ensures it performs as fiercely as it looks. But the most distinctive feature is the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which produces a unique sound that harkens back to the muscle cars of the past. The sound is powerful, high-decibel, and designed to mimic the roaring exhaust note of classic engines, combining modern technology with nostalgic appeal.

Customizable Interior For A Personalized Driving Experience

The interior of the Charger Daytona strikes the perfect balance between modern luxury and muscle car attitude. The clean design offers an uncluttered, sophisticated space with premium materials throughout. The focus is on comfort without sacrificing the performance-oriented vibe that muscle cars are known for.

Attitude adjustment lighting provides a customizable experience, with adaptive lights that change based on the driver’s mood or driving conditions. This feature not only enhances the aesthetics of the interior but also adds to the performance-oriented atmosphere of the car. Whether you're cruising along in city traffic or taking the car for a spin on a winding road, the interior of the Charger Daytona ensures that you enjoy every moment behind the wheel in both style and comfort.

Add TopSpeed to your Google News feed.

Follow On  

Google News

Practical Muscle With Ample Cargo Space

Even with its muscle car credentials, the Dodge Charger Daytona doesn’t neglect practicality. The car features the innovative hidden hatch trunk design, which lifts fully, offering easy access to the spacious trunk. With 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space, a 133-percent increase over the current Charger model, the Daytona provides ample room for luggage, gear, or any other essentials you need.

The second-row seats fold flat to provide even more cargo space, making it perfect for longer trips or transporting larger items. This innovative design makes the Charger Daytona not only a high-performance vehicle but also a practical choice for everyday use. Whether you're going on a road trip or hauling gear to a track day, the Charger Daytona has the storage capacity to match its performance.

Related
Have A Look At How Dodge Builds The Charger Daytona

Although it's gone electric, the Dodge Charger continues to be built in Canada in a plant that's almost 100 years old.

Giving You An Extra Boost With PowerShot

The Dodge Charger Daytona comes loaded with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance every aspect of the driving experience. PowerShot provides an extra 40 horsepower for up to 15 seconds, giving you that added burst of speed when you need it most. Perfect for accelerating off the line or overtaking on the highway, PowerShot is a game-changer for performance enthusiasts.

The EV also features drive modes including Drag, Track, Donut, Drift, and Sport mode, each tailored to deliver the best performance in different driving conditions. These modes allow the driver to choose how they want the Charger Daytona to perform, making it adaptable to any driving style. Whether you're on the track or showing off your drifting skills, the Charger Daytona’s interior tech ensures you have the tools to enhance your driving experience.

A Selection Of Powerful Trims

The Dodge Charger Daytona EV offers a range of trims to suit different performance preferences. The 670 horsepower Scat Pack delivers peak power for those seeking the ultimate electric muscle car experience, while the 496 horsepower R/T gives a more accessible entry into the world of performance EVs. Both trims offer a thrilling driving experience, but the Scat Pack takes things to the next level.

Dodge Charger Daytona EV Trims

R/T

Scat Pack

Sixpack Four-Door

Sixpack Two-Door

Horsepower

496 HP

630 (670) HP

420 HP

550 HP

Starting MSRP

$59,595

$73,190

N/A

N/A

Both models are available for orders now. Additionally, Dodge is introducing the SIXPACK multi-energy gas lineup. These models will include a 550-horsepower two-door and a 420-horsepower four-door, arriving in mid-2025. Whether you’re after cutting-edge electric performance or a hybrid powerhouse, there’s a Charger Daytona to match your needs.

Bringing Muscle Into The Electric Era

The Dodge Charger Daytona EV is a bold statement about the future of muscle cars, blending cutting-edge electric technology with the raw power and character that defined the muscle car era. This car isn't just about performance, it's about preserving the legacy of the classic muscle car while embracing a sustainable future.

A key feature of this transformation is the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which gives the car a powerful sound like a traditional muscle car. This ensures the classic roar Dodge is known for isn't lost in the move to electric.

Additionally, the Charger Daytona EV proudly wears the Fratzog logo, a design that first appeared on Dodge muscle cars in the 1960s and 70s. This retro-futuristic emblem pays homage to the brand’s storied past while signaling its forward-thinking commitment to electrification. Dodge's decision to revive this iconic badge underscores its dedication to preserving muscle car culture in an evolving automotive landscape.

The design of the Charger Daytona EV also pays tribute to its predecessors, with an aggressive stance, aerodynamic lines, and cutting-edge technology, proving that muscle cars aren’t just a thing of the past, they’re being redefined for the future.

Discussion
If You Were Looking For An Electrfied Vehicle With A Budget Of $50,000, What Would You Pick - Hybrid, PHEV, Or EV?

Most automakers have adopted electrification in some way or another. There are automakers like Toyota that are focused on hybrids for now, and then there are startups like Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, etc. that only have EVs in their portfolio. On the other hand, companies like Hyundai and Kia have a good mix of hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs in their portfolio. These patterns indicate there is a future for all types of electrification. Keeping these things in mind, and your personal preferences, needs, and choices, of course, what would you add to your garage? Would it be a solid hybrid that aids the fuel economy, or opt for a PHEV that gives you a mix of an ICE as well as an EV, or go all-in with electrification and get yourself a full-blown battery electric vehicle? Let us know in the comments section below. 

Comparing The Dodge Charger Daytona EV To The Competition

The Tesla Model S Plaid is a strong contender in the electric performance category, with its impressive acceleration and a top speed that pushes the limits. However, the Charger Daytona EV's 670 horsepower provides a compelling rival, especially with its muscle car heritage and unique features like the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which gives it an auditory presence that the Tesla cannot replicate.

Daytona Vs. Model S Plaid

Daytona EV Scat Pack

Tesla Model S Plaid

Powertrain

Dual-Motor

Tri-Motor

Horsepower (combined)

670 HP

1,020 HP

Torque

627 LB-FT

N/A

Transmission

Single-Speed Reduction Gear

Single-Speed

Driveline

All-Wheel Drive

All-Wheel Drive

Range

241 Miles

348 Miles

0-60 MPH

3.3 Seconds

1.99 Seconds

Quarter-Mile

11.5 Seconds

9.23 Seconds

Top Speed

135 MPH

200 MPH

Starting MSRP

$73,190

$79,990

While the Tesla boasts an impressive range, the Daytona EV's emphasis is more on pure performance and the muscle car driving experience, something enthusiasts are sure to appreciate.

Now, the Mach-E is in no way a direct rival to the true-blue muscle EV, but its association with the 'Mustang' name pits it against it, thus renewing an age-old rivalry in the most unorthodox way. In comparison to the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, which offers 480 horsepower, the Charger Daytona EV is a more potent option, with its 670 horsepower Scat Pack trim. The Mach-E may offer practicality, but the Daytona's design and multispeed transmission elevates it to a whole new level of driving excitement.

Daytona Vs. Mustang Mach-E GT

Daytona EV Scat Pack

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

Powertrain

Dual-Motor

Dual-Motor

Horsepower (combined)

670 HP

480 HP

Torque

627 LB-FT

700 lb-ft

Transmission

Single-Speed Reduction Gear

Single-Speed

Driveline

All-Wheel Drive

eAll-Wheel Drive

Range

241 Miles

280 Miles

0-60 MPH

3.3 Seconds

3.3 Seconds

Quarter-Mile

11.5 Seconds

11.8 Seconds

Top Speed

135 MPH

N/A

Starting MSRP

$73,190

$54,995

Not to mention, the Dodge brings the iconic muscle car feel to the EV market, a characteristic that neither the Tesla nor the Mach-E can fully match. While both the Tesla and the Ford Mach-E are formidable in their own right, the Charger Daytona EV provides a unique blend of muscle car heritage, cutting-edge electric powertrain, and the iconic Fratzonic sound, ensuring it stands out in the growing EV performance segment.

2025-01-10T11:15:36Z