2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Brings Electrified Muscle, Four-Door and Gas Models to Follow
This is it! The next-generation Dodge Charger Daytona made its debut today looking very much like the sensational Charger Daytona SRT concept that was first shown in August 2022.
Also, it turns out the rumours were true: the new muscle car will initially launch as a full EV with two doors only, but gas-powered and four-door models are coming, as well.
- Also: Hear Dodge’s Updated Electric Muscle Car Sound
- Also: Future Stellantis EVs to Adopt Tesla’s Connector Design
Inspired by the Past
Styling is in many ways inspired by the iconic 1968 Charger, starting with the front grille in a rectangular design. The patent-pending front R-Wing is another example, enabling air to flow through a front pass-through area to enhance downforce and create a unique visual profile. Also, the fenders are wider.
Distinctive white LED full-width front lighting and red “ring of fire” LED taillights are found on all models, with front and rear lights centered by a lit Fratzog logo—the new symbol of Dodge’s next-generation vehicles.
Inside, the driver-centric cockpit further evokes the original Charger Daytona. The steering wheel is performance-oriented and technical in feel, with a flat top/flat bottom design and paddle shifters to manage regenerative braking. The modern "pistol-grip" shifter and the start/power button are packaged close together on the centre console.
The optional full-length glass roof enhances the open-air feel of the cabin, while new 64-colour “Attitude Adjustment” ambient lighting—wrapping 270 degrees from the driver door to the instrument panel to the passenger door—reacts to vehicle events such as opening the door and pressing the ignition button. Pretty cool.
In front of the driver is a 10.25- or 16-inch digital instrument display (depending on the model) next to an angled 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The latter is obviously powered by Uconnect 5 and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A nine-speaker 506W Alpine stereo comes standard, while a premium 18-speaker 914W Alpine system is optional for all trims.
Power Galore
The STLA Large platform will underpin both the electric and gas variants of the Dodge Charger Daytona. The former utilizes a 100.5 kWh Nickel Cobalt Aluminum battery supplied by Samsung and a dual-motor powertrain. The front motor employs front-wheel end disconnect, improving range and efficiency, while the rear motor includes a mechanical limited-slip differential to increase traction and performance.
The 400V propulsion system packs six performance levels into one powertrain. The 2024 Charger Daytona R/T first arrives with a standard Direct Connection Stage 1 upgrade kit that adds 40 horsepower to reach a total of 496 horsepower, while the Daytona Scat Pack is delivered with a Stage 2 kit that offers an increase of additional 80 horsepower, taking total output to 670 horsepower.
R/T:
- 496 horsepower (Stage 1)
- 404 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 4.7 seconds
- Quarter mile: 13.1 seconds
- Range: 317 miles (510 km)
Scat Pack:
- 670 horsepower (Stage 2)
- 627 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 3.3 seconds
- Quarter mile: 11.5 seconds
- Range: 260 miles (418 km)
Incidentally, future Daytona models will require the purchase of Direct Connection Stage kits to upgrade from base models to Stage 1 and Stage 2 performance. As for charging, the maximum DC charging rate is 183 kW, so going from 5-80 percent can be done in 32.5 minutes using a 350kW fast charger.
The gas-powered, two-door Dodge Charger SIXPACK, as it will officially be called, won’t bring back the HEMI V8. Instead, it will feature the new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine nicknamed “Hurricane.” Look for standard-output (420 horsepower) and high-output (550 horsepower) models. By the way, the four-door Charger SIXPACK will come exclusively with the standard-output Hurricane.
Lots of Tech
Dodge has also stuffed plenty of technology into the next-generation Charger Daytona. We won’t list all of the available features and gadgets, but there’s a Track Package complete with a Drive Experience Recorder. The same package adds massive 16-inch Brembo vented rotors and red six-piston front/four-piston rear fixed calipers, dual-valve semi-active suspension and staggered Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires (305/35ZR20XL front and 325/35ZR20 rear).
Accessible by a button on the steering wheel, the PowerShot feature delivers an incremental 40 horsepower for 15 seconds when activated by a throttle punch (you’ll need to wait 30 seconds before using it again). Drive modes include Auto, Eco, Sport and Rain/Snow, as well as Drift, Donut and Line Lock. Who wants to do some burnouts?
Oh, and remember that Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system? It uses two passive radiators to create a unique exhaust profile with Hellcat levels of sound intensity. Don’t worry about your neighbours: a stealth sound mode is also available.
What About Pricing?
Production of the two-door 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona will begin in the middle of this year at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, while the sedan and the gas-powered models will follow in the first quarter of 2025.
"Next year, when we get there, when we have the 4-door launch and the ICE launch at the same time, we are going to launch the Banshee—that is going to be our ultimate performer," Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said.
It’s still too early to talk about prices, however. The company will announce them closer to launch this summer.
