Performance in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has largely been the realm of technology company Tesla, but now another American brand is out to shatter skeptics’ expectations as far as EVs are concerned. Dodge, known for its muscle cars, has unveiled its electric Charger Daytona SRT Concept to the world.
Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept Running Footage
“The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept exists because performance made us do it,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer for parent company Stellantis. “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.”
Dodge’s reveal of its all-electric muscle car concept came at the concluding day of its Dodge Speed Week event at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. It follows the launch of the 2023 Hornet crossover that offers an electrified powertrain.
Named after the Charger Daytona, the first vehicle to break 322 kilometers per hour on a NASCAR track in 1970, the new Charger Daytona SRT Concept makes use of patent-pending features that Dodge claims will change the game for the BEV segment.
The design is reminiscent of original Chargers that offered a two-door body style
These are the R-Wing, an aerodynamic pass-through feature; the eRupt multi-speed transmission simulating electro-mechanical shifting; and an industry-first Fratzonic Chambered BEV exhaust that combines an amplifier and tuning chamber to produce a 126-decibel roar, similar to the range-topping SRT Hellcat.
The smooth silhouette of the Charger Daytona SRT Concept begins with the sleek fascia concealing the LED headlamps, while the R-Wing integrated on the hood enhances downforce. This is augmented by carbon fiber intakes on the front and rear corners to assist in aerodynamic performance, accompanied in between by subtly muscular wheel fenders housing 21-inch wheels.
It isn't shy about showing off its tech in the cabin
A driver-centric cockpit awaits in the interior, with an 8-inch Heads Up Display emanating from the slim instrument panel and a 12.3-inch center screen, the largest featured by Dodge. Occupants sit down on lightweight, race-inspired seats while surrounded by details such as a panoramic glass roof, circuit-like graphics, and adjustable ambient lighting.
Monster power is delivered by a new propulsion system Dodge has nicknamed Banshee that packs 800 volts. The automaker claims that Banshee surpasses the Charger Hellcat in key performance benchmarks, without disclosing figures. This is accompanied by the eRupt transmission and a PowerShot push-to-pass feature, the latter providing a momentary horsepower boost for acceleration. All-wheel-drive, a staple on Dodge muscle cars, comes standard.
Dodge says the concept electric muscle car surpasses the performance of the Charger Hellcat
Is Dodge ready to leave the combustion era and welcome the electric age where its muscle cars are concerned? We’ll know in the succeeding years if the Charger Daytona SRT Concept will readily translate into a production version.
See more of our electrifying industry updates at Philkotse.com.