Electric Muscle: Dodge Charger Daytona SRT faster than Hellcat

If there’s one thing that’s certain in everyday life, it's that nothing lasts forever. That couldn’t be truer than in the automotive world where automakers are now shifting toward electrified vehicles. While the internal combustion engine (ICE) is still alive and well, it might be living on borrowed time.

So when Dodge announced it was going to build an all-electric muscle car, some doubted the automaker’s plans. It was only when the company announced that they were going to ax both the Challenger and Charger by 2024 that the public knew they were serious. In addition, the company released a teaser of its upcoming EV concept last year, and it looks promising.

Now, Dodge has taken the covers off its concept, and it looks menacing. Say hello to the Charger Daytona SRT, the model that previews the brand’s electrified future. Without a V8 under the hood, Dodge’s new concept is essentially an electric muscle car that they claim is more powerful than the famed SRT Hellcat.

First and foremost, let’s talk about its looks. Borrowing inspiration from classic muscle cars of yesteryear, the Charger Daytona SRT’s two-door silhouette is a clear nod to the 60s-era design. From the muscular (scalloped) hood and fenders to the sleek roofline, as well as the aggressive and stylish front and rear fascias, Dodge made sure the Charger Daytona SRT is a looker.

Also worth mentioning on the vehicle are the distinct alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tires, the flush door handles, full-width LED taillights, and the rectangular LED headlights that add to the concept’s mean exterior. It also has what Dodge calls the R-Wing which is placed at the hood. While most wings are supposed to be placed at the back, Dodge opted to place it on the hood which also helps in providing downforce and improved aerodynamics.

Those with keen eyes might have noticed two unique emblems on the concept. First is what appears to be a modified ‘Hellcat’ logo. That’s actually the new ‘Banshee’ logo which denotes the concept’s all-electric powertrain which we’ll get to later. The other one is the ‘Fratzog’ badge which was originally used on Dodge vehicles of the 60s and 70s. It has now made a comeback and signifies the brand’s electric future.

Now we get to the most interesting part of the concept, its powertrain. Instead of a V8, it has an 800V electric powertrain that powers all four wheels. Official figures and specifications were not yet revealed, but Dodge says this makes their first-ever EV faster than a Hellcat in all key performance measures.

It’s then coupled to a multi-speed transmission dubbed the eRupt Transmission. It comes with electro-mechanical shifting that the automaker says provides distinct shift points that will throw occupants to their seats. For even faster acceleration, the concept also has a PowerShot push-to-pass feature. With just a push of a button on the steering wheel, PowerShot delivers a jolt of increased horsepower for quicker acceleration.

Last but not least is the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. While most EVs run silently, Dodge decided they want to make their EVs as loud as possible. The system itself does not have exhaust gasses per se but is instead an amplifier with a built-in tuning chamber that’s located at the rear of the vehicle. Dodge says that it can produce a 126-decibel roar that can rival that of the SRT Hellcat under full acceleration.

As for the interior, Dodge kept it simple and discrete. It comes with a large steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system, a gear selector on the center console, as well as a digital instrument cluster for the driver. What makes it different is the heavy use of the color red on the LED ambient lighting and steering wheel trim pieces.

Also present are the lightweight seats which are slim and race-inspired in design. It features the Fratzog logo along with a unique pattern that fades out as it travels down the seat and reappears towards the center of the seatbacks. Lastly, a panoramic glass roof gives an open-air feel to the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept.

“Dodge is about muscle, attitude, and performance, and the brand carries that chip on its shoulder and into the BEV segment through a concept loaded with patents, innovations, and performance features that embody the electrified muscle of tomorrow. The Charger Daytona SRT Concept can do more than run the car show circuit; it can run a blazing quarter-mile. And when it comes to product cycles, it outruns Darwin. Charger Daytona does more than define where Dodge is headed, it will redefine American muscle in the process,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Dodge.

Will the Charger Daytona SRT concept sprout a production model in the future? Based on the overwhelming response the vehicle is receiving, it looks like it will be more of a question of when, rather than if.