Dodge Charger Daytona: Muscle Car Revival or Electric Letdown?

Dodge Charger Daytona revealed
The lifespan of the internal combustion engine has been extended, but
Why is there so much disappointment?

Muscle cars, led by the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger, are in decline. This is because increasingly stringent environmental regulations threaten their existence due to the nature of muscle cars, where large-displacement V8 engines are essential.

With the discontinuation of the Camaro and Challenger, the only true muscle car left is the Ford Mustang. Recently, the sedan model Dodge Charger has been attracting attention after being transformed into a full-change model. The two-door model has been revived to fill the void left by the discontinued Challenger, but the electric vehicle version is the main focus. The internal combustion engine version is not equipped with a V8 engine, which causes sighs of disappointment.

Size similar to a full-size sedan
and Powerful Electric Car Specifications

Stellantis group’s Dodge unveiled the Charger Daytona. This new model was developed based on Stellantis Group’s STLA Large platform and will be launched in both pure electric and internal combustion vehicles. The car’s size has significantly increased, with a length of 206.7 inches, a width of 79.8 inches, a height of 58.9 inches, and a wheelbase of 121 inches. In terms of size, it is comparable to the Genesis G90 and Benz S-Class.

First, the electric vehicle version is equipped with a 100.5 kWh battery. It’s divided into R/T and Scat Pack specifications, each capable of driving 317 miles and 260 miles on a single full charge based on EPA standards. The R/T trim generates a top output of 503 horsepower and a 0-62 mph acceleration of 4.7 seconds. The Scat Pack generates 680 horsepower, a maximum torque of 86.7kgf.m, and a 0-62 mph acceleration of 3.3 seconds. In Boost mode, 40 horsepower can be used for 15 seconds.

In-line 6-cylinder turbo instead of V8
Equipped with the largest tires ever

Contrary to the feeling that electric vehicles would completely replace it, Sixpack with internal combustion engine specifications will be launched together. However, the existing 6.2L V8 Hemi engine is no longer installed, and the 3.0L in-line 6-cylinder turbo Hurricane engine replaces it. Like the electric cars, the Six Pack is also divided into two versions: SO and HO. The basic SO version generates a top output of 420 horsepower, while the higher HO version generates 550 horsepower. 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are supplied to both versions as standard.

The overall driving ability has been improved with a significantly enhanced lower body. The Brembo brake system, which consists of a 6-inch rotor, 6-piston front wheel, and 4-piston caliper at the rear wheel, ensures reliable braking power. Based on the Track Package, the tires are front 305/35ZR20 and rear 325/35ZR20, the largest size ever applied. The dual-valve semi-active suspension offers both a sticky grip and a comfortable ride.

The interior resembles a 1968 Charger
Production begins mid-year

The interior has also changed significantly. The layout resembles the original 1968 Charger and combines authenticity and future-oriented sensibility. A 10.25-inch digital cluster and a 12.3-inch center display are standard, and a 16-inch cluster can also be selected as an option. The electric vehicle version, the 2-door SRT, is scheduled to be produced from mid-year. The four-door version of the SRT and the internal combustion engine version are expected to be made in the first quarter of 2025. All vehicles will be produced in the factory in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.