The next-generation Dodge Charger is right here, and the rumors were true. Electric and combustion-powered Chargers will coexist going ahead. Electric fashions are all Charger Daytonas, whereas fuel Chargers get “Sixpack” branding. But Dodge would not need patrons to see electrical or fuel vehicles right here. In the eyes of Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, the brand new Charger is a muscle automobile no matter how the ability is made.
He makes a compelling case. When 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona manufacturing begins this 12 months, the least highly effective model could have as much as 496 horsepower. There’s additionally a 670-hp model, every sending energy to all 4 wheels. The ICE Charger can be AWD, coming into manufacturing subsequent 12 months with 420 hp or 550 hp. At launch, the quickest Charger Daytona reaches 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and goes 11.5 seconds within the quarter-mile. Dodge claims the brand new Charger Daytona is the quickest and strongest muscle automobile on this planet — barring the bonkers 800-volt Banshee that comes subsequent 12 months.
Charger Daytona Deep Dive
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona launches in two trims: R/T and Scat Pack. Both have a 400-volt structure and share the identical dual-motor format, powered by a 100.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack with a discharge charge of 550 kilowatts. R/T is the starter trim, with Scat Pack serving because the range-topper for now. It’s the primary automobile to journey on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, and with all of the EV elements plugged in, Dodge says the Charger Daytona has a close to 50/50 weight distribution.
Dodge additionally says the new Daytona weighs 5,838 pounds, making the outdated Charger appear positively mild by comparability. To assist handle the heft, Dodge provides the Daytona the biggest tire package deal ever supplied on a manufacturing unit Charger. Scat Pack trims with the Track Package get 20-inch wheels carrying 305/35-series tires in entrance and 325s on the again. Behind these entrance wheels are 16-inch Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers. All Charger Daytonas get a mechanical limited-slip differential in its rear electrical drive module (EDM), too.
At the entrance, the EDM has a wheel finish disconnect designed to enhance vary and effectivity. Dodge says the R/T has a variety of 317 miles, whereas the Scat Pack and its further horsepower handle 260 miles between fees. Juicing up on a 350 kW quick charger can refill vary from 20 p.c to 80 p.c in roughly 27 minutes.
The Scat Pack is what you may want to achieve 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and run the 11.5-second quarter mile. The R/T trails at 4.7 and 13.1 seconds, however it’s truly a bit quicker total. Stay on the throttle and the R/T will prime out at 137 mph, versus 134 mph within the Scat Pack. Each has one variable-ratio gear, although Kuniskis says a dual-speed setup is coming for the Banshee.
The Charger Daytona rides on a multi-link entrance suspension with an unbiased rear setup. Dual valve semi-active suspension with adaptive dampers is non-compulsory on the Scat Pack with the Track Package, and on this case, observe would not merely imply drag strips. A brand new race prep system is designed to present the battery a colder beginning temperature, permitting drivers to show extra laps earlier than warmth turns into a difficulty. There’s a barely completely different prep system for quarter-mile racers, and you may even have interaction line lock to warmth up the rear tires earlier than launching. Or, you’ll be able to nix all of that and get sideways with Donut or Drift Mode.
Variable Horsepower
Here’s the place the caveats are available in. The Charger Daytona Scat Pack launches with 670 peak hp and 627 pound-feet of torque, whereas the R/T has 496 hp and 404 lb-ft. However, these numbers are achieved solely when urgent the “PowerShot” button on the steering wheel whereas at full throttle. Doing so provides a 40-hp enhance from the electrical motors for 15 seconds, not in contrast to a nitrous-oxide system on a gas-powered automobile. After every press, it’s a must to wait 30 seconds earlier than grabbing one other shot. Without it, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack has 630 hp whereas the R/T goes right down to 456 hp. But wait, there’s extra.
For 2024, the Charger Daytona is just out there with Dodge Direct Connection improve kits already put in from the manufacturing unit. The R/T will get a Stage 1 equipment that provides 40 hp over inventory, so primary math tells us it generates 416 hp in customary guise with out the PowerShoot figured in. The Scat Pack has a Stage 2 equipment that provides 80 hp, so it falls to 550 hp earlier than the PowerShot. We requested Dodge for some clarification concerning the energy figures; a spokesperson defined that the utmost rankings all the time embody the PowerShot enhance, and for 2025 the improve kits will not be customary. Take that as you’ll.