Wild 500kW 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV revealed

The long-awaited new-generation 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona has been unwrapped overnight, revealing the US car-maker’s first muscle car for the electrified era.

The big news is the V8 versions are no more and that the Dodge Charger is all-new from the ground up, including a fresh platform and sharing nothing with the ancient 19-year-old model it replaces.

For the first time ever there will also be a range of EVs – all sold with the Daytona tag – while all-wheel drive is standard and the two-door coupe body style returns to the line-up.

Clearing up some initial confusion, the 2024 Dodge Charger will effectively replace both the old Charger and Challenger models when North American deliveries of the EV versions begin in the third quarter of this year.

The combustion-engined cars, dubbed Sixpack, join the range early in 2025.

Much bigger than the previous car, the new Charger measures in at an imposing 5248mm long, 2028mm wide and stands 1497mm tall, resting on a long 3074mm wheelbase.

That means it’s as much as 203mm longer and a considerable 127mm wider than the old Charger and Challenger.

What’s more, with standard all-wheel drive, the incoming muscle car reboot is expected to weigh around 2000kg, while the Dodge Daytona EV tips the scales from an alarming 2648kg.

All models are underpinned by the Stellantis group’s latest STLA Large platform that accommodates EVs, with the range-topping battery-electric Banshee version featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture and a two-speed transmission.

Lower-powered Charger EVs make do with a 400-volt platform, but all come with dual e-motors and a 100kWh battery.

At the entry level, the Daytona R/T dual-motor produces 370kW/548Nm and, with a Stage 1 30kW power boost, can launch from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in just 4.7 seconds. The quarter mile (402m) is completed in a claimed 13.1sec, while top speed is 221km/h.

Opt for the faster Scat Pack and a Stage 2 power-up (worth 60kW) and you get the full 500kW and 850Nm of torque that drops the 0-60mph dash to just 3.3sec. The quarter mile pops up in 11.5sec, however top speed falls slightly to 216km/h.

To achieve the quickest acceleration, Dodge says owners must punch the Power Shot button on their steering wheel that adds a further 30kW boost for maximum performance off the line.

Thanks to its big 100kWh battery, the range for the R/T is an impressive 510km and even a Daytona Scat Pack can travel up to 418km between charges.

Topping up, meanwhile, can only be carried out at a peak rate of 183kW, meaning a 5-80 per cent charge takes around 33 minutes.

Both Charger Daytona EVs are fitted with a controversial Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system that can generate as much noise to match the old Hellcat. There’s also a Stealth mode.

No audio clips of the production car have been released but engineers say the sound generator is capable of matching the beat, cadence and tempo of the old supercharged V8.

The R/T base model has 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, while the faster Scat Pack gets larger 20-inch wheels and racing bee logos rather than R/T badges.

Inside, the new Charger gets twin screens – 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment – as well as wireless phone charging, ambient lighting and an updated version of the pistol grip shifter.

The coupe is said to offer up to 1090 litres of cargo space when the rear seats are folded, while the Daytona also comes with a handy 42.5-litre front trunk (frunk).

Classic vinyl and cloth seat upholstery is standard, with black or red Nappa leather optional. There’s also the further choice of a pair of more supportive sport seats with fixed head restraints.

If you prefer your Charger fossil fuel-fed, Dodge will continue to offer combustion power via its latest 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder that produces either 280kW (badged Sixpack SO) or 410kW (Sixpack HO).

The high-output turbo-six is expected to be capable of a sub-4.0sec 0-60mph sprint, but official figures have yet to be released.

From launch, all Chargers get Auto, Eco, Sport, Wet/Snow and Track driving modes. There’s also a launch control and line lock burnout feature.

Choose the Scat Pack and you can unlock a new Donut Mode that allows the Charger to rotate at will. A Drift Mode with three slip angles will also be available, adjusting the dampers for more seamless sideways fun.

Furthermore, the Scat Pack will be available with a Track Pack that adds bigger 16-inch Brembo brakes with six-piston font callipers, wider 305-section front and 335 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tyres, adaptive dampers and a dashcam and data logger to record your hot laps (or massive fails) on your circuit of choice.

Prices have yet to be released, but the Daytona R/T is expected to start well north of $US50,000 ($A76,900). There is no word at this stage on right-hand drive production.

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