Why I am excited for the Dodge Charger Daytona EV

Dodge has lengthy been synonymous with muscle vehicles, roaring V8s, and an unmistakable presence on the highway. Now, the model is stepping into the future with its first all-electric muscle car: the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV.

With the enduring Charger nameplate main the cost, this electrical muscle automotive resets the frequent conception of electrical autos and guarantees to keep up the daring angle Dodge is thought for whereas introducing a brand new period of efficiency and know-how.

The Charger Daytona contains an all-electric 400-volt twin motor system, commonplace all-wheel drive, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. It is also the primary car to make the most of the Stellantis STLA Massive platform. Moreover, a collection of performance-oriented driving options and accessible stage upgrades are designed to retain and elevate the muscle automotive personification. To begin, Dodge will supply two high-performance fashions. Each will qualify for a full $7,500 federal tax credit.

Pricing for the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV displays its place as a premium efficiency car. The bottom mannequin 496-hp R/T begins at $59,595, making it competitively priced within the electrical muscle automotive market. For these looking for extra energy and options, the 670-hp Daytona Scat Pack is accessible for $73,190, providing enhanced efficiency and extra luxurious touches. Whereas these costs put the Charger Daytona EV in the next bracket, in addition they mirror the superior know-how, efficiency capabilities, and model heritage that include proudly owning a Dodge muscle automotive.

10 Energy configurations

Promising numbers, however will they ship?

The Charger Daytona EV can be accessible in a number of energy configurations. The R/T entry-level mannequin delivers 455 horsepower, which may be elevated to 496 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque with the factory-installed Direct Connection Stage 1 Improve.

For these craving much more energy, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack comes commonplace with the Direct Connection Stage 2 Improve, boosting output to 670 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque.

These figures are spectacular, rivaling among the most potent V8s of yesteryear. Nonetheless, the true check can be how these numbers translate on the observe and in on a regular basis driving.

Moreover, Dodge plans to supply two inside combustion engine choices in a later section of the Charger Daytona rollout. These will embody two variations of the three.0L Twin Turbo I-6 Hurricane engine: a 550-horsepower SIXPACK H.O. and a 420-horsepower SIXPACK S.O.

9 Efficiency on faucet

Thrills on the strip and avenue

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV is anticipated to ship sturdy efficiency, notably when it comes to acceleration. In its strongest configuration, Dodge claims the automotive will dash from 0 to 60 mph in simply 3.3 seconds. This could place it among the many faster autos in its class and one of many quickest Dodges ever made. However acceleration is just a part of the efficiency equation.

Stellantis

Dealing with and driving dynamics can be carefully scrutinized by lovers. The Charger Daytona EV’s reported weight — round 5,838 kilos — may very well be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the low middle of gravity from the battery pack might help stability and cornering.

Alternatively, the car’s mass would possibly have an effect on agility and responsiveness, particularly in comparison with lighter, extra conventional muscle vehicles.

8 However wait, there’s extra!

A dose of performance-enhancing flavors

Velocity isn’t the one trick up the Charger Daytona EV’s sleeve. Dodge has packed this automotive with options that make it aggressive on the observe and a standout on the road.

Probably the most talked-about options is the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. Sure, you learn that proper — an exhaust on an electrical car. This modern system makes use of sound chambers and amplifiers to create an exhaust word that may attain 126 decibels, rivaling the roar of a Hellcat’s V8. It’s loud, it’s aggressive, and it’ll guarantee everybody is aware of this isn’t your common EV.

In a transfer that feels nearly surreal, Dodge has included options like one-pedal driving, regenerative braking, and paddle shifters on a heated steering wheel to boost the driving expertise.

Moreover, Dodge has launched “Lively Vibration Enhancement,” a characteristic designed to make the automotive really feel prefer it has a vibrating V8 engine. Extra particulars on this factor are forthcoming.

There are additionally extra artificial driving enhancements down the driveline. In a world the place most electrical vehicles are content material with single-speed transmissions, the Charger Daytona EV dares to be completely different with the eRupt multi-speed transmission. This method simulates gear adjustments and is claimed to ship sharp, exact shifts that make you are feeling much more linked to the driving expertise. Maybe that is the automotive that may fulfill Dominic Toretto’s insatiable want for limitless shifting.

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7 Competitors-ready options

Efficiency on the observe and the road

Stellantis

The Charger Daytona EV is loaded with competition-ready options, notably within the Scat Pack mannequin, which is designed to take efficiency to the following degree with superior drive modes and an elevated Monitor Package deal.

Subsequent-gen efficiency dynamic key options

• PowerShot Mode: Offers an additional 40 horsepower for 15 seconds, enhancing acceleration when activated.
• Excessive-Efficiency Brakes: Huge 16-inch Brembo brakes with elevated swept space for superior observe efficiency and fade resistance.
• Brake by Wire eBoost: Clever braking system blends regeneration with basis braking for optimum stopping energy and suggestions.
• Staggered Wheels/Tires: Outfitted with 20-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires, tuned for optimum grip and stability.
• Twin-Valve Semi-Lively Suspension: Adaptive damping suspension with enhanced physique management and journey consolation.
• Drive Modes: A number of modes, together with Auto, Eco, Sport, Moist/Snow, Monitor, and Drag, customise driving dynamics for numerous circumstances.
• Race Choices: Options Donut Mode, Drift Mode, Line Lock, Launch Management, and Race Prep for tailor-made observe and drag efficiency.
• Efficiency Pages: Offers detailed efficiency metrics, together with timers, gauges, and propulsion system data.
• Enhanced Physique Construction: Close to-perfect weight distribution and elevated rigidity for improved dealing with, journey high quality, and minimized cabin vibrations.

6 Design

A nod to the previous with a glimpse of the long run

The design of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona is a tribute to its muscle automotive heritage whereas embracing modernity. The physique retains the basic Charger profile, however with edgy, futuristic traces that may very well be straight out of a blockbuster sci-fi film.

Notable design options embody the R-Wing — a entrance wing built-in seamlessly into the hood that directs airflow to enhance downforce. Different parts like widebody proportions and a hidden hatch design add to the automotive’s distinctive look. Whereas the Charger Daytona’s design is unmistakably Dodge, it additionally hints at the way forward for efficiency autos.

5 Vary

How far will it go?

Stellantis

Vary nervousness has been a priority for a lot of potential EV consumers. The Charger Daytona addresses this with a decent 100 kWh battery that enables for as much as 317 miles of driving on a single cost. This vary makes it appropriate for each every day driving and medium-sized highway journeys, providing the comfort of a conventional gasoline-powered car. Anticipate that vary to drop when drivers drop the hammer with spirited flights of Superman pace identical to their ICE counterparts.

4 Charging and charging course of

What’s your time price?

Stellantis

Charging the Charger Daytona needs to be easy, because of its superior charging capabilities. The car helps as much as 350 kW quick charging, enabling drivers so as to add as much as 180 miles of vary in simply quarter-hour. For residence charging, the car is suitable with commonplace Stage 2 chargers, making in a single day charging handy and hassle-free.

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3 Expertise and connectivity

Chopping-edge or overcomplicated?

Stellantis

The Charger Daytona EV has loads of trendy connectivity options. Superior driver help techniques (ADAS) like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and automatic emergency braking guarantee security and ease of driving. The customizable digital instrument cluster and enormous touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Uconnect 5, combine seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Uconnect 5 system offers real-time navigation updates, site visitors data, and over-the-air software program updates. A number of consumer profiles permit for a tailor-made expertise, giving every driver a customized setup. Upgrading to the Monitor Package deal features a digital Drive Expertise Recorder to seize the motion when issues get sizzling on the observe. Nonetheless, all this tech raises the query: is it making life on the highway simpler, or are we buying and selling simplicity for a extra sophisticated journey?

2 Inside

Sporty and practical with a contemporary twist

The inside of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV blends trendy consolation with muscle automotive heritage. The driving force-focused cockpit attracts inspiration from the enduring 1968 Charger however is undeniably trendy. Options embody push-button and distant begin, a pistol grip shifter, and a performance-oriented flat-top/flat-bottom steering wheel geared up with paddle shifters and the PowerShot button for immediate bursts of pace. Premium supplies like accessible Black Nappa leather-based and Demonic Purple Nappa leather-based upholstery add an expensive contact, whereas sporty, high-backed seats guarantee each consolation and help throughout spirited drives.

Excessive-tech options are seamlessly built-in, together with a wi-fi cellphone charger, nine-speaker Alpine audio with subwoofer, and customizable digital shows. The cabin is illuminated by a 64-color Perspective Adjustment lighting system, which dynamically reacts to car occasions.

Performance can be key, with the Charger Daytona EV providing a best-in-class cargo capability of 38.5 cubic toes when the rear seats are folded flat, because of its “hidden hatch” design.

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