Now that the L-platform Charger and Challenger have been retired, Dodge has introduced the all-new STLA Large-based Charger for 2024. There are no V8s for the foreseeable future, but the official release confirms the rumors: the eighth-generation Chargers are both EVs (called Daytonas) and ICE models using Sixpack badging.
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EVs enter production later this year in two 400V trims: the 496 hp R/T and the 670 hp Scat Pack. In 2025, Dodge will add an 800V Charger Daytona Banshee with way more muscle, along with two ICE versions of the eighth-generation Charger powered by Stellantis’ twin-turbocharged Hurricane straight-six.
All versions come with AWD and, more importantly, you get to choose between a two-door version effectively replacing the L-platform Challenger and a four-door one that’s a direct successor to the L-chassis Charger built up to 2023. The four-door is set to hit the market in Q1 2025, though.
The world’s first electric muscle car has an aero trick (sort of) like the original Daytona
While GM retired the Camaro altogether—there’s been nothing to fuel the EV revival rumors lately—and Ford introduced a heavily revised ICE (V8) Mustang for the S650 generation (this S650 does the 1/4-mile in 9s), Dodge took on a more complicated mission by bringing the world its first electric muscle car alongside the gas-powered versions.
That’s why you get wide tires (the 2024 Charger Daytona has 305s up front and 325s at the rear) and a design that sacrifices the ultra-slippery bits you find on most EVs for a more muscular look. Of course, these impact range, but we’ll get to that below.
In fact, Dodge designers cleverly concealed the more rounded, quickly-falling nose under an air bridge that helps the nose resemble the iconic Charger of the late 1960s—Dodge calls this the R-Wing and you first saw it on the Charger Daytona SRT EV concept two years ago. So while the newcomer isn’t an aero car in the same sense as the original, NASCAR-revolutionizing Charger Daytona, it still qualifies for this label.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona electric specs
For 2024, you’ll only be able to buy the two-door EV that is the Charger Daytona. Featuring a 400V architecture, the 340 kW (496 hp) R/T and 440 kW (670 hp) Scat Pack achieve these figures by incorporating standard power upgrades, aka Dodge’s Direct Connection Stage Kits, which will become optional as of 2025.
In addition, the peak output is achieved when engaging a “PowerShot” button that delivers a 40 hp temporary boost (imagine having these figures with a nitrous kit, which you can only engage from time to time).
With all the added electric muscle, the range-topping (for now) 2024 Charger Daytona Scat Pack can hit 60 mph in 3.3s and do the 1/4-mile in 11.5 seconds, which is impressive for a car that tips the scales at over 5,800 lbs (2,600 kg), albeit with a near 50:50 weight distribution. As for the top speed, things are the other way around, with the R/T being limited to 137 mph (220 km/h) and the Scat Pack topping out at 134 mph (216 km/h).
There’s a RWD mode
All Charger Daytonas come standard with a mechanical limited-slip integrated into the rear electric drive module (EDM). As for the front EDM, this features a wheel end disconnect to boost range. Choose the optional Track Package on the Scat Pack and you’ll get 16-inch Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers behind the 20-inch wheels.
The battery pack features a nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) chemistry. It has a total capacity of 100.5 kWh and a peak discharge rate of 550 kW. The peak discharge rate shows the maximum power the battery can deliver in a short burst, useful for acceleration, but potentially a challenge to battery health. With a peak discharge rate of 2.19C, the Dodge Charger Daytona sits above many EVs, another hint that the carmaker is prioritizing performance.
With that in mind, we’ll tell you the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T has an official range of up to 317 miles (510 km), while the quicker Scat Pack offers up to 260 miles (418 km). However, the system can be charged at up to 350 kW, with this AC fast charging meaning the range can be boosted from 20 to 80% in about 27 minutes.
However, the Dodge Charger Daytona Banshee coming next year (remember, 800V) will ditch the single-gear transmission of the R/T and Scat Pack for a dual-speed setup as we’ve seen on the pre-facelift Porsche Taycan.
Dodge is still working on what it calls a Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust for the Charger Daytona after listening to feedback gathered from 2023 the public demo of the synthetic exhaust sound on the concept. The speaker-based system should gift the V8 with an on/off V8 soundtrack and props to the carmaker for not rushing this crucial muscle car component to the market.
The interior of the new Charger does away with the minimalism seen on most EVs, featuring a more traditional arrangement that caters to muscle car fans. However, the digital side is fully present. We’re looking at a 12.3-inch centrain infotainment screen. This is joined dby a 10.25-inch driver display that can be replaced by an optional 16-inch unit.
Other notable features include the pistol grip shifter knob, Dodge’s Uconnect 5 infotainment with TomTom navigation, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and others, along with a generous list of driver assistance systems like forward collision alert with automatic braking.
Regardless of the number of doors, the new Charger Daytona is around 17 feet long and just under 7 feet wide. And with its rear hatch, a feature that reminds of the original, its trunk offers 22.7 cubic feet (make that 37.3 with the rear seats folded). And yes, there’s a 1.5 cubic feet frunk.
Internal Combustion 2025+ Charger Daytona
Following multiple rumors, Dodge has confirmed the eighth-generation Chargers will also be offered with the Hurricane straight-six we’ve seen at work on Ram and Jeep models.
You’ll be able to choose between the 420 hp Sixpack S.O. (standard output) and 550 hp Sixpack H.O. (high output). As stated, both come with AWD, even though it remains to be seen if they can be switched to RWD mode as the EVs.
Of course, the aftermarket is willing to drop a V8 into the engine bay of the new Charger. However, it remains to be seen whether the electrical architecture of the STLA Large platform (this is the first production model based on it) will allow swaps or whether these operations will be too complicated or even impossible for a while.