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Fans are still lamenting over the loss of the old Dodge Charger, weeping over the grave of the Hemi V8. But there's a new Charger in town, and it proves that Dodge hasn't given up on the muscle car game. This new model is a vast separation from its predecessor, and we're not just talking about the headline-grabbing Daytona EV. This new model departs from its previous 19-year-old platform and embraces a clean slate, offers a pair of gas-powered inline-six engine options, features all-wheel drive as standard, and comes as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan. And that's not all, as Dodge is preparing to release a police car package and some insane performance variants sometime in the future.
Since it comes in both two- and four-door configurations, this new Charger takes the place of both the previous Charger and the Challenger. Production will begin this summer at the Windsor, Ontario plant with the electric Charger Daytona coupe, though the sedan and inline-six variants won't follow until early next year.
Gas vs. Electric: Similarities And Differences
All models ride on a new STLA Large platform from Stellantis, which features support for both gas and electric powertrains.
Each and every new Charger has a 121-inch wheelbase, and overall length grows to 206.6 inches––that's an increase of as much as 8 inches. This car is also 5 inches wider than before, making it longer than a BMW X7 and wider than a Rolls-Royce Phantom. And that's without the crazy fender flares expected on future performance models. In addition, the Daytona weighs a gargantuan 5,838 lbs, though we don't yet know how heavy the gas versions will be. All in all, this thing is huge, especially for not being an SUV.
As for what differentiates the Charger Daytona from the gas-powered Sixpack models––aside from its electric powertrain, of course––the EV flaunts a state-of-the-art passthrough that directs air into the gap between the thin headlights and out through the duct beneath the "R-wing" hood spoiler. That's supposed to be a nod to the huge rear wing found on the 1969 Charger Daytona, though we don't quite see the resemblance. Meanwhile, the gas-powered Charger has a traditional domed hood and a larger lower grille up front, and it trades out the EV's Daytona badging for a simpler set of "Dodge Charger" logos.
Charger Daytona EV Offers Up To 670 HP
The first new Charger to reach dealer lots will be the fully electric Daytona coupe. It comes in two 400-volt model variants, though Dodge is also planning four more 400-volt trims and a range-topping 800-volt performance model. But for now, we have the R/T and Scat Pack, which are two familiar names that now pack powertrains we've never seen before from Dodge. These models come with Direct Connection eStage power upgrades, though this feature will become merely optional later on.
Things start off with the R/T, which produces a healthy 496 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque with its 40-hp Stage 1 kit. This model makes it to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, and can reach the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds. Top speed sits at 137 mph, and the R/T is capable of traveling for up to 317 miles on a single charge.
The Scat Pack features a Stage 2 upgrade that enables it to make significantly more power––670 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, to be exact. This version goes from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and sprints through the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds. It's worth noting, however, as these numbers can only be reached with the Power Shot button on the steering wheel, which gives the EV an extra 40 hp for 15-second intervals. Dodge hasn't told us how fast the Scat Pack can go without this feature, except that its top speed interestingly undercuts that of the R/T at 134 mph. Nonetheless, the extra performance delivered by the Scat Pack costs it some of its efficiency, as this model has a range of only 260 miles.
Charging times are identical for both models, which can juice up from 5 to 80 percent in around 32 minutes on a 350-kW charger, while hooking the electric muscle car up to a Level 2 charger will take a sluggish 6 hours and 51 minutes. Dodge hasn't spoken about DC fast-charging rates, nor has it confirmed whether the Charger will support Tesla's NACS ports.
The R/T and Scat Pack can be distinguished from one another both inside and out. The R/T features simple lettering throughout, while the Scat Pack has its racing bee emblem stamped onto each front fender. In addition, the R/T rides on 18-inch wheels with a Tech Silver finish, while the Scat Pack upgrades to 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels. Unfortunately, the latter set of wheels are not actually made of carbon––it's the name only.
The differences continue inside the cabin, which has been vastly modernized compared to the previous Charger. Both models feature a pair of displays with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen for the Uconnect 5 infotainment, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in the R/T and a huge 16-inch version in the Scat Pack. Other features include a wireless phone charger, cloth and vinyl seat materials, and a pistol grip-style shifter, while options include ambient lighting, Nappa leather upholstery in black or red, and sports seats.
Something the two Daytona trims do share is what Dodge calls the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system. It emits sounds to match the roar of the old V8-powered Charger Hellcat, though activating Stealth mode will quiet things down to normal EV silence. The noises are different depending on the drive mode, and they vary based on how the vehicle is being driven. While Dodge is still working on the final sound, CEO Tim Kuniskis promises that the beat, cadence, and tempo are reminiscent of the Hemi V8.
Loses The V8, But Gains A Sixpack
This isn't a muscle car without a good ol' Sixpack, and that's why Dodge is naming its new inline-six gas powertrains as such. They are no V8s, but the power they bring is comparable enough.
The Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six is available in two trims for now, though by the time this powertrain makes it to dealers in early 2025, there will likely be more variations of it. The base trim for the gas-powered Charger is the Sixpack S.O., which delivers a respectable 420 hp. In fact, this model is more powerful than the 5.7 liter Hemi it replaces, and by a large margin––the old base V8 made 375 hp.
With that in mind, the more powerful Sixpack H.O. sounds like it should offer plenty of punch, and it does. This model produces 500 hp, which is a 65-horse jump over the old 6.4 Hemi V8.
Dodge hasn't told us how long it will take for these inline-six models to make it to 60 mph, though it's easy to assume that the 3.3-second 0-60 time for the electric Scat Pack won't be beaten.
It Still Does Donuts And Drifts
If there was one thing the old Charger and Challenger were known for, it was their ability to do plenty of tire-squealing action. Luckily, Dodge hasn't forgotten that, and it has implemented dedicated modes for drifting and donuts in the Charger Daytona EV. However, the most fun modes are exclusive to the Scat Pack model.
Enabling Donut Mode puts the rear limited-slip differential to use, and spins the back wheels exclusively to allow for endless donuts without getting ESP involved. Drift Mode, meanwhile, softens the front dampers while stiffening the dampers in the rear, and offers three slip angles that are kept in check with the front axle.
As for the other modes, owners of either the R/T or Scat Pack have access to Auto, Eco, Sport, Wet/Snow, and Track modes via a button on the steering wheel. Both trims also come equipped with launch control and line lock, which were available on the previous Dodge Charger.
There are also plenty of packages that will be available only for the Scat Pack. One of which is the Track Package, which adds 16-inch Brembo brake discs with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, along with a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires, widened rear wheels, adaptive dampers, and a Drive Experience Recorder. The latter brings a dashcam with a microphone, along with a data logger. The rest of the available packages include Plus Group, Blacktop, Carbon & Suede, and Sun & Sound.
The Slow Rollout Begins This Summer
Dodge will not be releasing everything all at once, so we'll have to wait until early 2025 to see the inline-six and four-door variants on public roads. The first model to arrive on dealer lots will by the entry-level version of the Charger Daytona EV, the R/T. It will be joined by the Scat Pack coupe in the fall. Dodge hasn't provided any pricing, but the R/T is expected to cost around $50K, while the Scat Pack will have a price tag of around $60K.
As for what's in store further down the road, Dodge plans to offer a grand total of six 400-volt trims for the electric Charger Daytona, all featuring a dual-motor powertrain hooked up to a 110-kWh battery and a single-speed transmission. An 800-volt Banshee performance model will eventually be introduced to top it all off, and we're also expecting more variations of the gas-powered Charger Sixpack.
Image Credits: Dodge
Revealed
Mar 16, 2024
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2024 Dodge Charger Brings New-Age Muscle With EV Alongside Good Ol' Gas
While the V8 is gone, there are still many choices with this new Charger.
Fans are still lamenting over the loss of the old Dodge Charger, weeping over the grave of the Hemi V8. But there's a new Charger in town, and it proves that Dodge hasn't given up on the muscle car game. This new model is a vast separation from its predecessor, and we're not just talking about the headline-grabbing Daytona EV. This new model departs from its previous 19-year-old platform and embraces a clean slate, offers a pair of gas-powered inline-six engine options, features all-wheel drive as standard, and comes as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan. And that's not all, as Dodge is preparing to release a police car package and some insane performance variants sometime in the future.
Since it comes in both two- and four-door configurations, this new Charger takes the place of both the previous Charger and the Challenger. Production will begin this summer at the Windsor, Ontario plant with the electric Charger Daytona coupe, though the sedan and inline-six variants won't follow until early next year.
Gas vs. Electric: Similarities And Differences
All models ride on a new STLA Large platform from Stellantis, which features support for both gas and electric powertrains.
Each and every new Charger has a 121-inch wheelbase, and overall length grows to 206.6 inches––that's an increase of as much as 8 inches. This car is also 5 inches wider than before, making it longer than a BMW X7 and wider than a Rolls-Royce Phantom. And that's without the crazy fender flares expected on future performance models. In addition, the Daytona weighs a gargantuan 5,838 lbs, though we don't yet know how heavy the gas versions will be. All in all, this thing is huge, especially for not being an SUV.
As for what differentiates the Charger Daytona from the gas-powered Sixpack models––aside from its electric powertrain, of course––the EV flaunts a state-of-the-art passthrough that directs air into the gap between the thin headlights and out through the duct beneath the "R-wing" hood spoiler. That's supposed to be a nod to the huge rear wing found on the 1969 Charger Daytona, though we don't quite see the resemblance. Meanwhile, the gas-powered Charger has a traditional domed hood and a larger lower grille up front, and it trades out the EV's Daytona badging for a simpler set of "Dodge Charger" logos.
Charger Daytona EV Offers Up To 670 HP
The first new Charger to reach dealer lots will be the fully electric Daytona coupe. It comes in two 400-volt model variants, though Dodge is also planning four more 400-volt trims and a range-topping 800-volt performance model. But for now, we have the R/T and Scat Pack, which are two familiar names that now pack powertrains we've never seen before from Dodge. These models come with Direct Connection eStage power upgrades, though this feature will become merely optional later on.
Things start off with the R/T, which produces a healthy 496 hp and 404 lb-ft of torque with its 40-hp Stage 1 kit. This model makes it to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, and can reach the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds. Top speed sits at 137 mph, and the R/T is capable of traveling for up to 317 miles on a single charge.
The Scat Pack features a Stage 2 upgrade that enables it to make significantly more power––670 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, to be exact. This version goes from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and sprints through the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds. It's worth noting, however, as these numbers can only be reached with the Power Shot button on the steering wheel, which gives the EV an extra 40 hp for 15-second intervals. Dodge hasn't told us how fast the Scat Pack can go without this feature, except that its top speed interestingly undercuts that of the R/T at 134 mph. Nonetheless, the extra performance delivered by the Scat Pack costs it some of its efficiency, as this model has a range of only 260 miles.
Charging times are identical for both models, which can juice up from 5 to 80 percent in around 32 minutes on a 350-kW charger, while hooking the electric muscle car up to a Level 2 charger will take a sluggish 6 hours and 51 minutes. Dodge hasn't spoken about DC fast-charging rates, nor has it confirmed whether the Charger will support Tesla's NACS ports.
The R/T and Scat Pack can be distinguished from one another both inside and out. The R/T features simple lettering throughout, while the Scat Pack has its racing bee emblem stamped onto each front fender. In addition, the R/T rides on 18-inch wheels with a Tech Silver finish, while the Scat Pack upgrades to 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels. Unfortunately, the latter set of wheels are not actually made of carbon––it's the name only.
The differences continue inside the cabin, which has been vastly modernized compared to the previous Charger. Both models feature a pair of displays with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen for the Uconnect 5 infotainment, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in the R/T and a huge 16-inch version in the Scat Pack. Other features include a wireless phone charger, cloth and vinyl seat materials, and a pistol grip-style shifter, while options include ambient lighting, Nappa leather upholstery in black or red, and sports seats.
Something the two Daytona trims do share is what Dodge calls the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system. It emits sounds to match the roar of the old V8-powered Charger Hellcat, though activating Stealth mode will quiet things down to normal EV silence. The noises are different depending on the drive mode, and they vary based on how the vehicle is being driven. While Dodge is still working on the final sound, CEO Tim Kuniskis promises that the beat, cadence, and tempo are reminiscent of the Hemi V8.
Loses The V8, But Gains A Sixpack
This isn't a muscle car without a good ol' Sixpack, and that's why Dodge is naming its new inline-six gas powertrains as such. They are no V8s, but the power they bring is comparable enough.
The Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six is available in two trims for now, though by the time this powertrain makes it to dealers in early 2025, there will likely be more variations of it. The base trim for the gas-powered Charger is the Sixpack S.O., which delivers a respectable 420 hp. In fact, this model is more powerful than the 5.7 liter Hemi it replaces, and by a large margin––the old base V8 made 375 hp.
With that in mind, the more powerful Sixpack H.O. sounds like it should offer plenty of punch, and it does. This model produces 500 hp, which is a 65-horse jump over the old 6.4 Hemi V8.
Dodge hasn't told us how long it will take for these inline-six models to make it to 60 mph, though it's easy to assume that the 3.3-second 0-60 time for the electric Scat Pack won't be beaten.
It Still Does Donuts And Drifts
If there was one thing the old Charger and Challenger were known for, it was their ability to do plenty of tire-squealing action. Luckily, Dodge hasn't forgotten that, and it has implemented dedicated modes for drifting and donuts in the Charger Daytona EV. However, the most fun modes are exclusive to the Scat Pack model.
Enabling Donut Mode puts the rear limited-slip differential to use, and spins the back wheels exclusively to allow for endless donuts without getting ESP involved. Drift Mode, meanwhile, softens the front dampers while stiffening the dampers in the rear, and offers three slip angles that are kept in check with the front axle.
As for the other modes, owners of either the R/T or Scat Pack have access to Auto, Eco, Sport, Wet/Snow, and Track modes via a button on the steering wheel. Both trims also come equipped with launch control and line lock, which were available on the previous Dodge Charger.
There are also plenty of packages that will be available only for the Scat Pack. One of which is the Track Package, which adds 16-inch Brembo brake discs with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, along with a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires, widened rear wheels, adaptive dampers, and a Drive Experience Recorder. The latter brings a dashcam with a microphone, along with a data logger. The rest of the available packages include Plus Group, Blacktop, Carbon & Suede, and Sun & Sound.
The Slow Rollout Begins This Summer
Dodge will not be releasing everything all at once, so we'll have to wait until early 2025 to see the inline-six and four-door variants on public roads. The first model to arrive on dealer lots will by the entry-level version of the Charger Daytona EV, the R/T. It will be joined by the Scat Pack coupe in the fall. Dodge hasn't provided any pricing, but the R/T is expected to cost around $50K, while the Scat Pack will have a price tag of around $60K.
As for what's in store further down the road, Dodge plans to offer a grand total of six 400-volt trims for the electric Charger Daytona, all featuring a dual-motor powertrain hooked up to a 110-kWh battery and a single-speed transmission. An 800-volt Banshee performance model will eventually be introduced to top it all off, and we're also expecting more variations of the gas-powered Charger Sixpack.
Image Credits: Dodge
