Dodge Charger Daytona: The Electric Muscle Car

For decades, the American muscle car was defined by the smell of gasoline and the roar of a V8 engine. Dodge is now attempting to rewrite that history with the 2024 Charger Daytona. This is not just another electric sedan; it is the world’s first dedicated electric muscle car. With up to 670 horsepower and an exhaust system that physically moves air to create sound, Dodge aims to prove that high-voltage performance can still have a soul.

The Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust: Breaking the Silence

The biggest criticism of electric vehicles (EVs) from car enthusiasts is the lack of sound. Silence is great for a luxury commuter, but it kills the vibe of a muscle car. Dodge solved this with a patent-pending system called the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust.

This is not a synthesized recording played through external speakers. Instead, Dodge built a system that forces air through tuned chambers located at the rear of the vehicle. It functions similarly to a pipe organ. Transducers push air through these pipes to generate a visceral, tactile sound that you can feel in your chest.

Here is what you need to know about the sound profile:

  • Volume: It can reach 126 decibels, which equals the volume of the outgoing supercharged Hellcat V8.
  • Feedback: The system reacts to throttle position, speed, and torque output. It provides the driver with auditory cues that are usually missing in EVs.
  • Customization: Drivers can toggle a “Stealth Mode” for quiet neighborhood driving or unleash the full roar on the highway.

Performance Specifications: R/T vs. Scat Pack

The Charger Daytona launches on the new STLA Large platform. It comes in two primary distinct trim levels at launch. Both use a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup powered by a 100.5 kWh battery pack.

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T

This is the entry-level model, though the specs are far from basic. It serves as the replacement for the former 5.7L Hemi V8 models.

  • Horsepower: 496 hp (with PowerShot engaged)
  • Torque: 404 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
  • Quarter Mile: 13.1 seconds
  • Range: Approximately 317 miles per charge

2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack

This is the high-performance variant that targets the Hellcat demographic. It comes standard with the Direct Connection Stage 2 upgrade kit.

  • Horsepower: 670 hp (with PowerShot engaged)
  • Torque: 627 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
  • Quarter Mile: 11.5 seconds
  • Range: Approximately 260 miles per charge

Both models feature a “PowerShot” button on the steering wheel. Pressing this delivers an extra 40 horsepower burst for 15 seconds. You can use this feature as often as you like, provided you wait 30 seconds between activations to let the system cool.

Design and Aerodynamics: The R-Wing

Dodge managed to keep the boxy, aggressive silhouette of the 1968 Charger while improving aerodynamics significantly. The key feature here is the R-Wing.

EVs usually have rounded, jelly-bean shapes to reduce wind drag. Dodge wanted a flat, vertical nose. To achieve this without killing the battery range, they designed a pass-through hood. Air hits the front grille, flows up through an opening in the hood, and passes over the windshield. This design trick creates downforce and reduces drag while maintaining the classic muscle car appearance.

Battery, Charging, and Weight

The performance of the Charger Daytona relies on a massive battery architecture.

  • Battery Chemistry: Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA). This chemistry was chosen because it delivers higher power output per pound compared to other lithium-ion types.
  • Capacity: 100.5 kWh gross capacity (93.9 kWh usable).
  • Charging Speed: It supports 350 kW DC fast charging. You can charge from 20% to 80% in roughly 27 minutes.
  • Weight: This is a heavy vehicle. The curb weight sits around 5,838 pounds. This is roughly 1,200 pounds heavier than the previous generation Scat Pack.

To manage this weight, the Scat Pack comes with massive brakes. It features 16-inch Brembo rotors with six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

Tech and Interior Features

The interior is a massive departure from the dated cabins of the 2023 models. The dashboard features a “driver-centric” layout where the center screen tilts toward the pilot.

  • Screens: A 12.3-inch central touchscreen is standard. The driver gets a 10.25-inch instrument cluster in the R/T, which upgrades to a 16-inch cluster in the Scat Pack.
  • Ambient Lighting: An “Attitude Adjustment” lighting system wraps 270 degrees around the cabin. It pulses and changes color based on your drive mode or acceleration.
  • Drive Modes: The Scat Pack includes specific track options. Donut Mode spins the rear wheels while the front wheels rotate freely. Drift Mode biases torque to the rear axle and softens the suspension to allow controlled slides.

Pricing and Release

The electric muscle car era is not cheap. The prices reflect the new technology and performance metrics.

  • Charger Daytona R/T: Starts at $59,595 (excluding destination).
  • Charger Daytona Scat Pack: Starts at $73,190 (excluding destination).

For context, a 2023 gas-powered Scat Pack started around $50,000. However, the new EV version is significantly faster and includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment. These models are hitting dealerships in late 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the electric Charger faster than a Hellcat? In a 0-60 sprint, yes. The Charger Daytona Scat Pack hits 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The old Hellcat Redeye did it in about 3.6 seconds (depending on traction). However, the Hellcat still has a higher top speed.

Will there be a gas version of the new Charger? Yes. Dodge plans to release the “Charger Sixpack” in 2025. It will not have a V8. Instead, it will use the Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine, producing between 420 and 550 horsepower.

Does it have a transmission? Strictly speaking, no. It uses a single-speed transmission typical of EVs. However, Dodge claims to have tuned the torque delivery to give a “shift” feeling during heavy acceleration so it does not feel like a seamless appliance.

Can I tune the Charger Daytona? Yes. Dodge is emphasizing “Direct Connection” stage kits. You can buy software upgrades from the dealer that unlock more horsepower. These upgrades are tied to the car’s VIN.