Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, Automotive Rhythms
Dodge//SRT is not shy about utilizing electrification platforms as a barometer to showcase its newfound performance DNA. Gone are the beloved HEMI engines to make way for a new generation of EVs from the muscle car brand. Engineers focused on battery technology for the Dodge Charger Daytona Coupes and forthcoming 4-door models. However, the company will offer 3-liter Twin Turbo I-6 Hurricane engines for fans who have yet to jump on the EV bandwagon.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
The question is whether the electric Daytona will continue to gravitate toward Dodge enthusiasts who have embraced and popularized the Charger and Challenger in cult-like fashions. It remains to be seen if the love and respect happen sooner or later. I am a fan of electrified performance such as the Daytona moniker which denotes the new e-power surges of the all-new model.
Dodge wanted a heritage look, so they referenced the 1968 Charger as inspiration for the overall design. Today, the electric muscle car is almost 2” wider and 1” longer than the outgoing Charger Hellcat, sits on staggered 20×11″ / 20×11.5″ wheels, and highlights the original Charger Daytona’s R Wing, but this time it is embedded in the hood with a split passthrough opening for both styling and aerodynamic balance. The vehicle also incorporates a hidden hatch for more storage capacity in the rear. This utility addition will allow for Home Depot runs since max rear cargo is 38.5 cubic feet, 133% more volume than the prior Charger.
To witness and experience the e-muscle car directly, we headed to Chandler, AZ for the national press drive. Dodge//SRT says the Charger Daytona is the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car and matches the brand’s core principles: it looks, drives, sounds, and feels like a Dodge. Of course, I couldn’t wait to hit the chicanes of the Radford Racing School’s small track. For familiarization, the Radford Racing School, formerly Bondurant High-Performance Driving School, is the official driving school of Dodge//SRT and hosts world-class experiences utilizing more than 100 race-prepared vehicles, sedans, and SUVs. In addition, new owners can receive free sessions for tactical control of their new muscle. It’s Dodge//SRT’s small token of appreciation for becoming an elite Charger Kingsman!
On the racetrack, I concluded that the Dodge Charger Daytona’s handling performance, cornering control, and stopping power from 6-piston front and 4-piston rear Brembo calipers are remarkable. I started with the slalom to get an initial feel of the steering and suspension. The warmup run set the tone for the rest of the day since we had to keep our eyes up and hands and arms relaxed while maneuvering left and right through the line of cones from 25 mph to 40 mph. Next up was the track circuit to put all of the vehicle’s skillets to use including acceleration, braking, and cornering. Lastly, the skidpad was used for drifting which was the most exciting part of the day. Overall, I was highly impressed with the electric muscle car.
Motorsports performance is right at home as the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, with its Track Package and factory-installed Direct Connection Stage 2 Upgrade, accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in roughly 11.5 seconds. That’s right, the engineers at Dodge//SRT have figured out how to transfer the performance traits of the Hellcat into the electrified Dodge Charger Daytona. Though, the top speed is limited to 135 mph. Power stems from a 400-volt dual motor system delivering 670-horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque through standard AWD. Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust employs digital sounds to emulate the prior SRT Hellcat’s mighty and pervasive growls. Product planners implemented an external acoustic box and amplifier at the rear to energize the exhaust notes. PowerShot mode puts 40-horsepower at your disposal for ten seconds of acceleration. If you don’t need the top-of-the-line model, go with the Charger Daytona R/T, equipped with the Direct Connection Stage 1 Upgrade that produces 496-horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque.
The tradeoff for the extreme Scat Pack power is only 241 miles of range before a charge is required. Yet the R/T provides 308 miles of range for the 5,700-pound muscle car. Specifically for the Charger Daytona Scat Pack, the Track Package is like Superman to Clark Kent. The e-muscle car transforms into the best version of itself with the addition of the following:
Inside the Dodge Charger Daytona, you will find a unique pistol-grip shifter inspired by prior Charger generations and the starter button just behind it. Traditional amenities include Apple Car Play, Android Audio, Amazon Alexa, Performance Pages with EV Pages, performance seats including the 8-way power adjustment driver chair, a muscular, flat-bottom and flat-top steering wheel, a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, 64-color ambient lighting, and Drive Modes. The 12.3” Uconnect 5 display commingles all the technology features. However, I was not impressed with the native navigation system as the mapping is not as intuitive as other industry systems. There is a glowing rigid plastic panel on each door that owners may or may not enjoy. Possible upgrades from various packages include a panoramic glass roof, an 18-speaker Alpine PRO audio system with a subwoofer, leather/suede high-back performance seats, carbon-fiber trim, or Demonic Red seats.
Pricing for the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Coupe starts at $59,595 (excluding the high $1,995 destination fee) and $73,130 for Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Packs. Furthermore, install a Level 2 charger at your home to make the EV lifestyle simpler and more convenient. Dodge will supply a complimentary unit (excludes installation) or $600 in credits from the Free2move Charge network. More importantly, when leased, the pair will qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit unless things change with the new administration come January 2025.
Are you ready to rumble with voltage over petroleum? The future is here, so you might as well retool how you think about the muscle car era. If not, the 550-horsepower 2-door Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O. and 420-horsepower 4-door Charger SIXPACK S.O. ICE models will hit the scene in 2025. With 110 years of history, the “Dodge is Different” mantra continues to evolve.
