Dodge, a company known for its powerful gas-guzzling muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger, has made a bold leap into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the 2024 Charger Daytona EV. This marks a significant shift for the 110-year-old automaker, positioning it at the forefront of a new era in muscle car history. This isn’t just an electric car; Dodge is aiming to redefine what a muscle car can be in the 21st century.
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV R/T. Image: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
Performance and Handling: Electric Power Meets Muscle Car Spirit
The Charger Daytona EV is available in two versions: the R/T Stage 1 and the more powerful Scat Pack Stage 2. Both models offer impressive straight-line speed, a hallmark of classic muscle cars. The R/T boasts a dual-motor setup generating 456 horsepower (496 hp with Power Shot), reaching 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The Scat Pack, with its enhanced dual-motor system, delivers a staggering 630 horsepower (670 hp with Power Shot) and achieves 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.3 seconds.
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack. Image: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
While the Charger Daytona excels in acceleration, its handling in tight corners remains a challenge. The heavy weight of the EV, typical of high-performance electric vehicles, contributes to some understeer. However, the car’s performance on the drag strip and in long sweepers is undeniably impressive, living up to its muscle car heritage. Even with its weight, the powerful electric motors allow for impressive launches and exhilarating straight-line speed.
On the track, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack demonstrates its power. Image: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
The Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust: A Unique Sound for a New Era
One of the most distinctive features of the Charger Daytona EV is its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. This innovative system combines chambers and speakers to create a unique sound that mimics the roar of a traditional combustion engine. While initially met with skepticism, the Fratzonic system, in its final form, delivers a surprisingly authentic and engaging auditory experience, enhancing the muscle car feel. While not a perfect replication of a V8 engine, it’s a bold attempt to bring a signature muscle car element to the EV world.
Pushing the Charger Daytona Scat Pack to its limits reveals its handling characteristics. Image: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
Design and Aerodynamics: A Modern Take on Classic Muscle
The Charger Daytona EV’s design has sparked debate, with its modern interpretation of classic muscle car aesthetics. The front and rear views showcase clear influences from past Dodge models, while the side profile features a more contemporary liftback design. This liftback configuration not only enhances aerodynamics but also provides a surprisingly spacious trunk, highlighting the car’s practicality.
The front view of the Charger Daytona R/T showcases its modern yet aggressive design. Image: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
Interior and Technology: A Blend of Comfort and Innovation
The interior of the Charger Daytona EV is a significant upgrade from its predecessors. With a modern dashboard featuring two screens—a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch or 16-inch gauge cluster—the car offers a technologically advanced driving experience. The Uconnect 5 system provides a user-friendly interface, although some lag was observed in pre-production models. The spacious cabin, particularly the surprisingly roomy backseat, adds to the car’s overall appeal.
The Charger Daytona’s interior combines modern technology with classic muscle car elements. Image: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
Price and Availability: Investing in the Future of Muscle
The Charger Daytona R/T starts at $61,590, while the Scat Pack begins at $75,185. While these prices are higher than previous Charger models, they reflect the advanced technology and performance capabilities of the EV. With the potential for federal tax credits, the Charger Daytona EV offers a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance electric muscle car. Availability is expected to begin in late 2024 as a 2025 model.
The liftback design of the Charger Daytona provides ample cargo space. Image: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
Conclusion: The Electric Muscle Car – A Promising Start
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV represents a bold and largely successful attempt to translate the spirit of a muscle car into the electric age. While some purists may remain skeptical, the car’s impressive performance, innovative features, and unique sound offer a compelling vision for the future of this iconic American vehicle. It remains to be seen if it can fully capture the visceral experience of a traditional muscle car, but the Charger Daytona EV undoubtedly marks a significant and exciting step in that direction. It will be interesting to see how the market reacts to this new interpretation of the muscle car, but Dodge has certainly made a statement with the Charger Daytona EV.
