Dodge, a brand synonymous with raw power and unapologetically retro designs, is stepping into the future with the 2024 Charger Daytona EV. For a company known for its glorious, gas-guzzling muscle cars of yesteryear, this electric leap is a bold move. But is the Dodge Daytona Car truly a muscle car for the modern age, or just an electric vehicle in disguise? After spending considerable time behind the wheel of both the R/T and Scat Pack versions, both on the track and open roads, here’s a deep dive into what makes this electric Dodge Daytona car tick.
Muscle Car DNA, Electrified: The Dodge Daytona Car Experience
The Dodge Daytona car, particularly in its electric Charger guise, aims to be the first true electric muscle car. While some might point to the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Charger Daytona car feels different, more aligned with the traditional muscle car ethos. Dodge has infused enough character and engaging elements into the Charger Daytona car to make it feel like a genuine successor to its gasoline-powered predecessors. The core muscle car attribute? Blistering straight-line speed, even if cornering isn’t its strongest suit. This new Dodge Daytona car stays true to that formula.
The Daytona car lineup offers two initial trims: the R/T Stage 1 and the Scat Pack Stage 2. Both models deliver exhilarating performance figures that are sure to impress muscle car enthusiasts.
Dodge Daytona R/T: Electrified Performance for the Masses
The base model Dodge Daytona R/T car is far from basic. Its dual-motor setup produces a robust 456 horsepower, with a Power Shot button unleashing 496 hp for short bursts. Torque is equally impressive at 404 lb-ft. This translates to a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.6 seconds in a vehicle weighing nearly 5,700 pounds and stretching over 206 inches long. The quarter-mile is dispatched in a respectable 12.6 seconds, and the top speed is capped at 135 mph. Fueling this performance is a 100.5-kWh battery pack, providing an EPA-estimated range of 308 miles, making the Dodge Daytona car R/T a capable daily driver as well as a weekend thrill ride.
Dodge Daytona Scat Pack: Unleashed Electric Fury
Stepping up to the Dodge Daytona Scat Pack car amplifies the performance dramatically. While using the same motors as the R/T, the Scat Pack configuration cranks up the output to a staggering 630 horsepower (670 hp with Power Shot) and 627 lb-ft of torque. The range takes a hit, dropping to 241 miles, but the performance gains are undeniable. The 0-60 mph time plummets to just 3.3 seconds, and the quarter-mile is conquered in a mere 11.5 seconds. The top speed remains limited to 135 mph. Real-world testing on the drag strip confirms these figures, even with a less-than-perfect reaction time, the Scat Pack Dodge Daytona car proved to be a true powerhouse.
However, the sheer speed of the Dodge Daytona car, especially in Scat Pack trim, can be deceiving. The electric drivetrain delivers power so smoothly and effortlessly that the sensation of speed is somewhat muted. While the speedometer climbs rapidly, the visceral feeling of acceleration, often associated with traditional muscle cars, is less pronounced.
Handling and Dynamics: Straight-Line Muscle vs. Track Prowess
True to its muscle car heritage, the Dodge Daytona car excels in straight-line acceleration and sweeping curves. However, when pushed hard on tight racetracks or winding roads, its limitations become apparent. The Scat Pack version, while offering good steering feel for a heavy EV, struggles with cornering. Understeer is prevalent, particularly in Track mode, requiring trail braking to mitigate. The car feels most comfortable in long, flowing corners rather than sharp, technical turns.
In high-G corners, the driver may find themselves wrestling with the squircle steering wheel for support, even with the supportive 12-way track seats. While the staggered Goodyear Eagle F1 tires (305/35R20 front, 325/35R20 rear) provide ample grip, the Dodge Daytona car is no track weapon. Yet, in the spirit of classic muscle cars, track performance isn’t the primary focus. The Dodge Daytona car prioritizes raw power and road presence over nimble handling.
Road Manners and Comfort: A Dual-Personality Dodge Daytona Car
On public roads, the Dodge Daytona car transforms into a surprisingly comfortable cruiser. The suspension, while not ideal for aggressive track driving, excels at absorbing bumps and imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride even on rough surfaces. This dual personality is a key characteristic of the Dodge Daytona car. Drivers can choose between Sport or Track modes to unleash the Fratzonic “exhaust” and aggressive driving dynamics, or select Auto mode for a quiet and refined near-luxury driving experience. The long 121-inch wheelbase contributes to the car’s comfortable and stable ride quality.
Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust: The Sound of Electric Muscle
A defining feature of the Dodge Daytona car is the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. This system is not just a simple speaker; it’s a complex arrangement of chambers, woofers, and mid-range speakers designed to create a unique and engaging sound experience. The goal is to bridge the gap between the silent nature of EVs and the roar of traditional muscle cars. The Fratzonic exhaust produces a blend of digital and analog noise, aiming to evoke the spirit of classic muscle car rumble. While subjective, the system is surprisingly effective at creating a sense of auditory excitement, making you momentarily forget you’re driving an electric vehicle. The sound is unlike a traditional ICE exhaust, offering a futuristic yet familiar tone. For those who prefer silent EVs, the option to turn off the Fratzonic exhaust is available. However, for muscle car purists, this unique sound system adds a playful and undeniably Dodge-like element to the Daytona car.
EV Technology and Charging: Under the Skin of the Dodge Daytona Car
The Dodge Daytona car is built on Stellantis’ SLTA Large 400-volt architecture. While not as cutting-edge as 800-volt systems found in some EVs, it provides respectable charging capabilities. DC fast charging at up to 183 kW allows the 100.5-kWh battery to charge from 5 to 80 percent in approximately 32.5 minutes. Level 2 charging takes around 6.8 hours. Regenerative braking is adjustable, including a one-pedal driving mode. Dodge engineers focused on aerodynamic efficiency to maximize range, resulting in a liftback design and the unique R-Wing front spoiler. The design, however, has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising its modern muscle car aesthetic and others finding certain angles less appealing. The liftback configuration, while controversial in styling, significantly enhances practicality with a large trunk and cargo opening.
Interior and Technology: Modern Muscle Car Cabin
The interior of the Dodge Daytona car represents a significant upgrade over previous Dodge muscle cars. The cabin features a modern design with dual screens: a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 and a 16-inch digital gauge cluster (optional on R/T, standard on Scat Pack). The system is generally user-friendly, although some lag was noted in pre-production models. A heads-up display is also available. Driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are well-integrated and effective. Physical haptic buttons are retained for climate controls, a welcome touch in a screen-dominated era. Material quality is appropriate for a muscle car, with unique textures and plastichrome accents adding character. The “Pistol Grip” shifter, a Dodge tradition, is also present, albeit controlling PRND functions in this EV.
Space and Practicality: Surprisingly Roomy Dodge Daytona Car
Despite being a coupe, the Dodge Daytona car offers exceptional interior space. Rear passenger room is generous, with ample headroom and legroom comparable to a four-door sedan. Front occupants also enjoy plenty of space. Cargo capacity is impressive, with a large rear hatch offering 22.8 cubic feet of space, expanding to 37.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. An optional frunk adds a small amount of extra storage.
Pricing and Availability: Electric Muscle Doesn’t Come Cheap
The Dodge Daytona car comes with a premium price tag. The R/T starts at $61,590, and the Scat Pack begins at $75,185, both including destination and mandatory packages. Optioning up a Scat Pack can push the price towards $86,000. While expensive for a Dodge, the performance and technology justify the cost to some extent. Leasing may qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Two-door Dodge Daytona cars are currently arriving at dealerships as 2024 models, transitioning to 2025 models in January. Four-door and internal-combustion engine versions are expected in mid-2025.
Conclusion: Is the Dodge Daytona Car a True Muscle Car for the Electric Age?
The Dodge Daytona car represents a significant step for Dodge into the electric vehicle market while attempting to retain the soul of a muscle car. It delivers on performance, sound (thanks to the Fratzonic exhaust), and bold styling, capturing much of the essence of a traditional muscle car. While it may lack some of the visceral rawness of its gasoline-powered predecessors and isn’t a track-focused machine, the Dodge Daytona car offers a compelling blend of electric performance and muscle car attitude. It’s a fun, fast, and undeniably unique vehicle that successfully bridges the gap between the past and future of American muscle. Whether it’s a genuine muscle car or an impressive cosplay is a matter of personal interpretation, but the Dodge Daytona car is undoubtedly a bold and exciting entry into the electric vehicle landscape.
