Dodge introduced the new Charger in March last year confirming the wild rumors. Gas and electric Chargers now exist side by side. The electric ones are all branded as Charger Daytonas. On the other hand, the gas-powered models wear the “Sixpack” name. Dodge, however, is eager for buyers to ignore the type of engine under the hood. CEO Tim Kuniskis insists both machines are muscle cars, no matter how they’re powered.
His argument isn’t weak. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona rolled off production lines last year with the “base” model pushing an impressive 496 horsepower. Then there’s the 670-hp variant, both utilizing all-wheel drive (AWD). For gas fans, the ICE (internal combustion engine) Charger—also AWD—arrives this year with 420 or 550 horsepower options. The fastest Dodge Electric Charger, at launch, rips from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and can blast through the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds flat. Dodge is claiming this Daytona as the “quickest and most powerful muscle car in the world.” That is until the insane 800-volt Banshee model shows up this year.
The Daytona Details
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona debuted with two trims to choose from: the R/T and the Scat Pack. Both trims sit on a 400-volt system and utilize a dual-motor layout, backed by a 100.5-kilowatt-hour battery capable of discharging 550 kilowatts. The R/T is your entry-level option, while the Scat Pack packs more punch for now. This Dodge electric car rides on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, designed specifically for electrics. Thanks to clever engineering, weight distribution of this first muscle car in EV guise is nearly 50/50.
And speaking of weight, the Daytona isn’t what you’d call a lightweight. It tips the scales at 5,838 pounds, significantly heavier than the outgoing model. To keep that mass under control, Dodge offers the largest tires ever fitted on a Charger straight from the factory. For Scat Packs with the Track Package, 20-inch wheels wrapped in 305/35-series front and 325/30-series rear tires get the job done. Brembo brakes (16 inches, six-piston) ensure stopping power matches the go-power. A limited-slip differential in the rear electric drive module (EDM) adds to the handling prowess.
Efficiency matters too. To boost range, the EDM at the front can disconnect its wheels when not needed. The EPA rates the R/T at 308 miles on a charge, while the Scat Pack manages 241 miles due to its higher output. On a 350-kilowatt fast charger, you can juice the battery from 20% to 80% in roughly 27 minutes. Not bad for a muscle car.
Performance enthusiasts will gravitate to the Scat Pack, capable of 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a blazing 11.5-second quarter-mile. The R/T is no slouch either: 4.7 seconds to 60 mph and a 13.1-second quarter-mile. Interestingly, the R/T has a slightly higher top speed of 137 mph compared to the Scat Pack’s 134 mph.
Handling and Performance Tricks
The Charger Daytona’s suspension is built for action. A multi-link front setup and independent rear suspension keep things stable, while optional adaptive dampers fine-tune ride quality. The Scat Pack’s Track Package brings a race-ready cooling system that preps the battery for extended high-speed runs. For drag racing, features like line lock (to heat rear tires) and launch control are also included. Prefer some sideways fun? Drift Mode and Donut Mode are ready for tire-smoking shenanigans.
Power at the Push of a Button
Interestingly, peak horsepower numbers for these electric muscle cars are only achievable using a “PowerShot” button on the steering wheel. This feature adds 40 extra horsepower for a 15-second burst. Once used, there’s a 30-second cooldown before it’s ready again. Without the PowerShot, the Scat Pack runs 630 hp and the R/T operates at 456 hp. Direct Connection upgrade kits bump those numbers further, but only for 2024 models, as Dodge plans to sell these kits separately by 2025.
Looks, Tech, and Comfort
Dodge has carried over much of the design from its Charger Daytona SRT EV concept, including the “R-Wing” in the grille for improved aerodynamics. The interior, while tech-heavy, still carries some retro flair with a pistol-grip shifter and dashboard lines reminiscent of the 1968 Charger. The driver gets a digital display (10.25-inch standard or 16-inch optional) paired with a 12.3-inch central screen. There’s also an optional panoramic roof and a customizable 64-color interior lighting system.
The seats of this Dodge EV muscle car? Depending on the trim, you can choose anything from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather. On the tech side, expect features like Amazon Alexa compatibility, heads-up display, and a suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection.
The ICE Comeback
For those sticking with gasoline, the Charger Sixpack will arrive in 2025. Built on the same STLA Large platform, this model uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, offering 420 or 550 horsepower. Unfortunately, the beloved Hemi V-8 isn’t making a return for these muscle cars.
Pricing and Availability
The Charger Daytona hit the market last summer as a two-door coupe, with four-door models following in early 2025. The Daytonas are not cheap – starting at $61,590 for the base R/T and $74,185 for the Scat Pack. The four-door models are a tad more expensive than the coupe.
