Dodge unveiled an EV concept on Wednesday that looks — and even sounds — like the gas-powered Charger muscle car that will be discontinued next year.
The two-door Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept — the Daytona name is a nod to its gas-powered predecessor’s 200-mph NASCAR track cornerstone — isn’t just a design exercise, according to the Stellantis brand. The Charger EV Concept was unveiled at the M1Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan during the Dodge Speed Week Series of Events is something of a stand-in for the production version coming in 2024. Dodge was we’re talking about that day at least since last summer, but now consumers are starting to see exactly what the automaker has in mind.
It’s unclear how much of the concept shown Wednesday will make it to the final production version. A company spokesperson told TechCrunch that “we’re calling it a concept… it’s very close to production.” Which means it’s worth taking a closer look at the concept that will replace the gas-powered version.
Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept
Like so many concepts, the automaker didn’t share pricing details. It shared many specs and design details that clearly use some of the original Dodge Charger DNA.
Dodge emphasizes three main areas that they believe will “rewrite the rules” of the battery electric segment: a front R-wing that acts as an aerodynamic passage, a multi-speed transmission with electromechanical shifting, and finally, an exhaust that can reach 126 decibels. Yes, the automaker put an “exhaust system” on the EV and gave it a dB that would make it as loud as a Hellcat-powered Dodge by pushing sound through an amplifier and tuning chamber located in the back of the car.
The R-Wing on the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept is an homage to the original Charger Daytona design. It is built into the hood and allows air to flow through the front opening, increasing downforce. Image credit: Dodge/Stellantis
Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Dodge brand under Stellantis, didn’t mince words in a statement when he said that “Charger Daytona not only defines where Dodge is headed, but will redefine American muscle in the process.”
It’s an ambitious goal, and Dodge’s streak of success appears to be starting with the upcoming EV, surpassing the power, performance and sound of the gas-powered Dodge SRT Hellcat.
Like its gas-powered siblings, the powertrain in the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept even gets some special branding. The 800v drive system, called the Banshee, makes the EV faster than the Hellcat in all key performance metrics. according to Dodge. The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept also has standard all-wheel drive and a steering wheel button called PowerShot that will generate an extra surge of horsepower.
The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV Concept features an illuminated triangular Fratzog emblem, Image credit: Dodge/Stellantis
Dodge referred to its past when designing the Charger EV concept, although there are plenty of modern elements, such as an R-wing, a more aerodynamic shape and a panoramic glass roof. Some of the historical nods include a white, illuminated three-dot Fratzog emblem that was originally featured on Dodge muscle cars from 1962 to 1976. Then there’s the front grille, with its vertical detailing reminiscent of the 1968 Dodge Charger. manufacturer have taken this grille design from 1968 and incorporated the interior textures as well.
Inside, there are many of the modern touches one would expect in a new EV, including a 12.3-inch center screen, a curved 16-inch instrument cluster, and an 8-by-3-inch Head-up Display (HUD).