Dodge's iconic Charger muscle car has been reimagined, but many enthusiasts are mourning its fossil fuel guzzling predecessor's death.
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On March 5, Stellantis (STLA) brand Dodge introduced a controversial new product - an electrified version of its iconic Charger model in the form of the Charger Daytona, Daytona R/T and Daytona Scat Pack, the first of the brand's all-electric muscle cars.
The highlight of the new line of electric muscle cars is the Daytona Scat Pack, which boasts 670 horsepower through its all-wheel-drive electric powerplant. Dodge says it goes from zero to sixty miles and hour in just 3.3 seconds, and covers the quarter-mile in about 11.5 seconds.
All the electric Charger Daytona models feature retro-inspired styling and are powered by a 400 V propulsion system that includes dual electric drive modules. The brand says that these underpinnings helps the car provide the feeling of a muscle car with its instant torque and acceleration.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
Stellantis
Additionally, the Daytonas feature a patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which brings the noise to what would be an otherwise silent EV.
In addition to the electric Charger Daytona models, Dodge has introduced revamped gas-powered models dubbed the Charger SIXPACK. Gone are the Hemi V8s and in its place are 3-liter twin-turbo inline six "Hurricane" engines, in either 420 horsepower or 550 horsepower variants.
Dodge says that the diverse set of models is intended to provide muscle car fans with a variety of options, including a four-door sedan version. Gas or electric, all the models offer more horsepower and more torque from cleaner and more efficient powertrains.
“The electrified 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers Charger Hellcat Redeye levels of performance and announces its presence through the world’s first Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, while Hurricane engine-powered Dodge Charger SIXPACK models will give the Brotherhood of Muscle a gas option that produces better horsepower and torque numbers than the outgoing 5.7- and 6.4-liter HEMI engines,” Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said in a release.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
Stellantis
Though the new Charger has its fair share of admirers, the mere existence of a Dodge Charger with an electrified powertrain has proved to be extremely controversial amongst some enthusiasts on social media who feel alienated from the brand.
In the comments on Dodge's announcement video on YouTube, many users felt dumbfounded and betrayed about Dodge's move.
"Truly an awful day to be a Dodge fan. The glory days are over, it's been fun gentlemen," YouTube user @Dhall123 said in the comments.
"If you're fighting the system wouldn't you stay with the V8?," YouTube user @ModernCowboy78 asked in the comments.
"Can't believe that I now have to strike off Dodge from my dream cars list," YouTube user @kxtave02 lamented.
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Over on Dodge's Instagram, many users voiced their opinions in the comments under their announcement post.
"Dodge just pulled a Bud Light," one comment on Dodge's Instagram read.
"Go woke and go broke. Do not buy this," read another comment.
"Wow let's ruin a car, and completely steer away from out driver base! Take some notes from ford, and keep the v8!!!," another Instagram user suggested.
Dodge says that the two-door Charger Daytona R/T and Scat Pack will hit dealers this summer, while four-door models and the gas Charger Sixpack will arrive in Q1 2025. Pricing has not been announced yet.
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