The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona EV delivers true muscle car mania in a brilliant all-electric package offering 496 horsepower out of the gate or a whopping 670 horses with the Scat Pack version.

Electrified Muscle

We were recently invited to put a new Dodge Charger Daytona EV through its paces on a mild Oregon day and were eager to throw it around by the scruff of the neck. Blown away by its low-slung custom car looks and impressive pedigree, we couldn’t wait to hit the “go” button. Imagine our surprise at the sound this thing makes when we did. What is called a Fratzonic Exhaust System produces a realistic V8 rumble that was music to our ears. An EV that makes faux engine noises… who woulda thunk?
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A 93.9-kWh battery pack gets the power to the front and rear electric motors and this sleek two-door, five-seater will soon be followed by a four-door model that will be available in both EV and gas-powered variants. Besides the 496 horsepower R/T version we drove, the meatier Daytona Scat Pack brings 670 hp for the ultimate in all-electric muscle. But wait, there’s more. Dodge is even planning a hellacious SRT Banshee model for 2026. Stay tuned.

Pure Power

Both the R/T and Scat Pack versions of the Daytona use Dodge’s 400-volt system with two motors and an integrated charge module. Go power is provided by a 93.9-kWh nickel cobalt aluminum battery pack. There are three levels of regenerative braking at your fingertips and a Power Shot button on the steering wheel instantly offers 40 more horsepower for fifteen seconds. Optional extras include a Donut mode, Drift mode, and Launch control for your various hooligan shenanigans.
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A Track Package gives you 20-inch wheels shod in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 rubber. You can record your performance metrics for your later review via an available Driver Experience Recorder that uses outside cameras to create driver videos. When the rubber meets the road, this howling muscle EV will take you from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds in R/T trim with a top speed of 134 mph. It will manage an impressive 3.5 second time in Scat Pack trim topping out at 137 mph.

Range and Charging

The EPA tells us that range for the Daytona R/T is 308 miles while the Scat Pack version will take you 241 miles on a charge. Add the optional sticky Goodyear tires and your range will drop to 268 miles or 216 miles, respectively. Dodge tells us the Daytona can be recharged from 20 to 80 percent in about 27 minutes on a Level 3 DC Fast Charger. Level 2 chargers are available through Dodge as are public charging credits through its Free2Move charging program.

In the Cockpit

The inside of this dynamic dynamo is as sleek as its outside. Designers have created a look, feel and style reminiscent of the second generation 1968 Dodge Charger, known as the King of Muscle Cars. There’s even a “pistol grip-style” shifter knob on the center console. Though you’d never guess to look at it, the new Daytona is a hatchback offering 39 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down. There’s also an additional 1.5 cubic feet of storage up front in the “frunk”.

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The latest infotainment and navigation goodies are found on a 10.3- or big 16-inch screen on the dash and you’ll discover a full suite of safety and driver assist features as standard including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and lane-keep assist. You can add a video parking assist as well.

What’s it like to Drive?

We had goosebumps while putting the R/T through its paces. No lie. The sound, while electronically produced, sure adds to the thrill. This thing is a ton of fun on curvy roads and launches off the line like a rocket on straight-aways. The power is pure and amazing. It is an EV that can actually smoke the tires. We were highly impressed to say the least.

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Not every driver wants a true muscle car, let alone the average EV driver, but we think Dodge is keeping true to its bad boy image with the new Daytona. MSRP begins at $61,590 for the R/T and can head upwards to $74,185 for the Scat Pack with options.

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