Dodge has managed to bring the past and the future together in one exciting vehicle.
Earlier this year, Dodge unveiled “the world’s first and only electric muscle car,” the all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger. Available in two flavours, the Charger EV will deliver 670 hp (Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack) or 496 hp (Dodge Charger Daytona R/T).
The Scat Pack version promises a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a quarter mile time of 11.5 seconds. Unlike the muscle cars of the past, the all-new Dodge Charger will come with all-wheel drive, and all Scat Pack and R/T models come with “PowerShot Mode,” which is accessible via a button on the steering wheel, and delivers an extra 40 hp for 15 seconds when activated by stomping on the throttle.
Dodge is throwing some exciting technologies into the mix including a number of innovative driving modes. Donut Mode, for example, enables the vehicle to spin only the rear wheels and to rotate around either of the front wheels without tripping the traction control system.
Drift Mode sends most of the torque to the rear wheels, using the front axle to help maintain slip angle. Front dampers become soft and rear dampers go stiff to enable oversteer, and the traction control system allows for different wheel speed differentials without setting fault codes.
Dodge says that the all-electric Charger, which is driven by a 400V propulsion system, delivers supercharged V8 performance, as well as instant torque. It’s equipped with both front and rear electric drive modules (EDM). The front EDM employs “front wheel-end disconnect,” which allows the front wheels to spin freely by deactivating the front EDM, thereby increasing range. The rear EDM includes a mechanical limited-slip differential to increase traction and performance.
The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is expected to offer a range of more than 500 km on a full charge, while the higher-performance Charger Daytona Scat Pack promises roughly 420 km of all-electric range.
Muscle car vs. EV
The idea that a muscle car could be fully electric seems counterintuitive. However, with the entire automotive industry embracing electrification, perhaps the development of an all-electric muscle car was inevitable.
Paul Tyll, Senior Manager, Dodge Muscle Cars explains how the company managed to marry the two concepts. “The All-new Dodge Charger represents the brand’s muscle car of the future,” he explains. “For Dodge, electrification is an enabler for performance. Our brand is about muscle, attitude, and performance. If we get there with ICE, if we get there with PHEV, if we get there with BEV, that’s just an enabler to get to that performance level that we want to achieve for our performance-loving Dodge ‘Brotherhood of Muscle.’ The Charger is part of Dare Forward 2030, Stellantis’ blueprint for an electrified future.”
Tyll says that the all-electric Charger is likely going to appeal to a broad audience. “We’re targeting existing muscle car customers that demand performance and attitude, but also courting EV intenders that find the current offerings boring/monotonous,” he says.
The “multi-energy” muscle car
That said, Dodge isn’t leaving traditional muscle car fans behind. For those who still prefer the sweet aroma of gasoline, Dodge has announced that they’ll be adding two internal-combustion engine options to the Charger lineup, with production scheduled to start in early 2025: the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., powered by a 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane High Output engine, and the 420-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK S.O., equipped with a 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane Standard Output engine.
“With the Charger multi-energy lineup, there is something for all brand enthusiasts,” Tyll says. “The electrified 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers Charger Hellcat Redeye levels of performance and announces its presence through the patent-pending, world’s first Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, while Hurricane engine-powered Dodge Charger Sixpack models give the ‘Brotherhood of Muscle’ a gas option.”
The “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system,” mentioned above, employs two passive radiators to create a unique exhaust profile with “Hellcat levels of sound intensity.” The goal here is to make sure that muscle car fans can still enjoy the growl of a traditional V8, even though they’re driving an EV. Stealth mode is still available for those times when you don’t want to wake up the neighbours.
“Our user experience team worked to create a sound profile for the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust that would shatter the perception of a BEV as a quiet, boring vehicle,” Tyll adds. “The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona features a tactile, muscle attitude and features distinctive sounds when starting up, revving, and more. The next generation of Dodge muscle has arrived, and we’re confident a bright future lies ahead.”
