Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Idea previews a wild electrical roadmap

Dodge has staked its declare as a muscle automotive model. Its Charger and Challenger have carried muscle automotive appears to be like and efficiency because the mid-2000s. That is not going to vary within the model’s electrical future as proven by the Charger Daytona SRT Idea the model confirmed on Wednesday.

The final information from Dodge’s Speed Week in Pontiac, Michigan, is the largest. Dodge says the Charger Daytona Idea is a preview of issues to come back, and if any of us had been apprehensive that the model’s electrical vehicles can be boring, that is now not a priority.

The Charger Daytona Idea has three options positive to draw consideration: an aerodynamic entrance wing known as the R-Wing, a brand new “exhaust system” to supply a signature sound known as the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, and the eRupt multi-speed transmission. That is to not point out a modern, attractive look that’s sure to enchantment to conventional Dodge muscle automotive patrons.

Dodge selected the title Charger Daytona in honor of the primary automotive that went 200 mph on a racetrack, the basket-handled 1970 Charger Daytona of NASCAR fame. Whereas Dodge is not offering energy specs, the corporate says its new Banshee electrical powertrain will present all-wheel drive and assist the automotive outperform Hellcat fashions in all key measurements. We take that to imply a minimum of two motors, if no more, that crew as much as make 800 hp or extra. Dodge is not sharing battery dimension, both, however mentioned the automotive has an 800-volt electrical structure, which is able to enable quick DC charging instances, possible in extra of 200 kw.

Whereas most EVs have single-speed transmissions as a result of electrical energy does not want completely different gear ratios (the Porsche Taycan has a 2-speed transmission), the Charger Daytona Idea has a “multi-speed” transmission with electro-mechanical shifting to supply distinct shift factors that may push occupants’ shoulders into the seat backs, in response to Dodge. The automotive additionally has a “PowerShot push-to-pass” button on the steering wheel that may enhance horsepower to supply a burst of acceleration.

Dodge can even present a gas-engine sound with its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. The system sends its proprietary sound by way of an amplifier and tuning chamber behind the automotive to push out as a lot as 126 dB, equal to the sound of a Hellcat. The way it’s categorised as an exhaust system is but to be defined, however Dodge says it has a “Darkish Matter” sound profile.

Since efficiency is but to be outlined, the Charger Daytona’s greatest draw to date is its design. A two-door hatchback, the automotive is a contemporary interpretation of the beloved 1968 Charger in a lot the identical approach the current Challenger apes the 1970 Challenger. The nostril takes on the blunt, blacked-out look of the ’68 Charger whereas incorporating the R-Wing, a flow-through opening on the prime of the nostril that gives entrance downforce. The R-Wing results in a sculpted hood with a central bulge that appears prefer it’s there to make approach for a pair of Holley double-pumpers. Carbon-fiber intakes on the decrease corners of the entrance and rear fascias assist aerodynamics by creating air curtains.

The nostril additionally sports activities an illuminated “Fratzog” badge, which appeared on Dodge vehicles from 1962 to ’76. Whereas Dodge mentioned it had no that means again then, the model claims it now represents Dodge’s electrified future. Slim headlights sit on the edges of the nostril and the entire entrance finish has a ringed lighting signature that is echoed in pink on the rear much like the present Charger.

The slab-sided physique has little or no ornamentation, only a clean look with a Coke-bottle form, flush door handles, Banshee fender badges, and Greys of Thunder paint for a graphite look. The automotive sits on 21-inch wheels with a turbine-like design and Fratzog brand heart caps. Six-piston calipers peek out from below the wheels.

The Charger Daytona SRT Idea has a black cabin like the present Challenger, but it surely’s ringed with pink lighting that flows into the doorways and extends to the middle console. Occupants sit on 4 well-bolstered racing-inspired seats with carbon-fiber backs. Blue and silver accent stitching trims the seats and different parts of the cabin. Carbon-fiber covers the ground and door sills, which have illuminated Daytona lettering, and graphics all through the cabin present a circuit-board aesthetic. The lightning bolt on the throttle pedal is a nod to the electrical energy, whereas a pistol-grip shifter performs off Dodge’s muscle automotive previous. A steering wheel with a flat prime and backside and paddle shifters provides a sporty contact.

A button on the steering wheel offers entry to Auto, Sport, Monitor, and Drag driving modes that change the dynamics, instrument cluster data, HUD data, sound, and inside lighting.

The sprint contains a 16.0-inch curved digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch heart touchscreen that is angled towards the driving force. The tech continues with an 8×3-inch head-up show. The doorways and steering wheel have capacitive-touch controls. A panoramic sunroof opens up what would in any other case be a darkish cabin, and the hatchback design opens up helpful space for storing.

A manufacturing model of the Charger Daytona SRT Idea is due in 2024, presumably as a substitute for the present Charger and Challenger, that are attributable to finish manufacturing after 2023. It is anticipated to trip on Stellantis’ new STLA Large dedicated EV architecture. Simply how shut it can look to this idea automotive is not recognized, but when the present Charger is any indication, it must be very comparable, if not an identical.