Dodge Jumps into the EV Game with the Charger Daytona SRT Concept

First Dodge EV features an exterior unlike anything in the segment, and it makes exhaust sounds.

For the past seven years, the Dodge Charger has been known as the most powerful gasoline-powered sedan in the world, with the Hellcat models packing between 707 and 807 horsepower. However, during the final night of Dodge’s Speed Week “muscle announcements” at the M1 Concourse road racing facility, the Charger became the name of the Hemi-powered brand’s first battery electric vehicle. This doesn’t come as a surprise, as Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis stated last year that they were working on an electric vehicle and he went so far as to make a comment about a “Charger having a charger”, but the way that they are going about their entry into the EV world is unique and frankly, unusual.

Rather than offering up a vehicle in the booming electric crossover segment, Dodge created an electric car, but not just an electric car – an electric two-door. Sure, it has a longer wheelbase than the current Dodge Challenger, leading to much more useful passenger space in the back, but at a point in time when EVs are all about functionality, Dodge stuck to their guns and created an electric muscle car. They even gave it proper muscle car lines, allowing it to truly stand out in an EV segment where most vehicles are designed with nothing more than aerodynamics in mind, leading to a bunch of vehicles that look similar.

Oh, and Dodge created a type of exhaust system that allows the Charger Daytona SRT Concept to roar just as loudly as the Hellcat cars.

Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept Details

Sadly, Dodge has only provided the basic details on their new Charger Daytona SRT Concept EV, but the car shown here is outfitted in premium Banshee trim. The Banshee will be the top of the line performance model and will be offered via the Dodge Direct Connection program. The plan is for the Charger EV to be offered by dealerships in three trim levels and each of those trim levels will have two upgrade packages from Direct Connection, leading to a total of nine configurations. The higher powered models will have an 800-volt system while the less expensive versions will have a 400-volt system.

All-wheel-drive is standard on all models, as is the new Dodge eRupt transmission; a multi-speed transmission with electro-mechanical shifting characteristics that do away with the linear acceleration of the electric drive system. Many drivers don’t like the shift-less feel, so Dodge fixed that in a way that doesn’t hinder performance while providing a more familiar driving feel.

While we don’t know any performance numbers for the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept, the brand did state that the Banshee model will beat the SRT Hellcat in every performance metric. The SRT Hellcat cars offer 717 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, leading to a top speed around 200 miles per hour and the ability to run low-11-second quarter mile times in stock form. Based on those numbers, we would expect that the Charger Banshee will have more power, allowing it to run at least a 10-second quarter mile while also reaching a top speed in excess of 200 miles per hour.

Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept EV is the Fratzonic chambered exhaust system. Many performance car fans knock electric vehicles because the roar of the engine is an important aspect of a proper performance car to them. While most EVs are designed to be as quiet as possible, Dodge made theirs as loud as a Hellcat. Using a system of chambered tubes, similar to a pipe organ, the Charger EV makes sounds at idle and under load that mimic the action of an ICE exhaust system, but this new Dodge isnt playing recorded Hemi sounds. Instead, the team created a completely unique sound that is unmistakable, and while not everyone loves it, Dodge has clearly solved the “problem” of the silent performance EV.

One other interesting feature of the new Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept is the PowerShot system, which Kuniskis called a “push to pass” function. This system allows the driver to enjoy 15 seconds of peak performance, whether launching from a stop or accelerating at speed on the highway. This system works with a button on the steering wheel and can be repeated over and over, with 15 second breaks between each boost of power.

Muscle Car Design on an EV

While Dodge has added exhaust sounds and simulated transmission shifts, the overall function of the Charger Daytona SRT Concept powertain is similar to other EVs on the market today.

Where this Dodge really stands apart from the electric competition is in its design. Where most EVs are very round, with curved front ends and a flowing silhouette, the new Charger is downright boxy looking. Its design was inspired by the 1968-1970 Dodge Charger and the team hit that nail right on the head. This car looks a great deal like the classic muscle car, but in looking at the flat front end and the recessed grille, you might wonder how they achieved strong aero numbers.

The key is the patented R-Wing. While the grille area of the front fascia appears to be enclosed, similar to the 68-70 Chargers, the upper portion is actually open, allowing the air hitting the front fascia to flow up over the curved hood and sleek roofline. Basically, Dodge has put a small spoiler over the angled front fascia, creating the look of a muscular, upright front end while still offering aero properties that are 25% better than the current Charger Hellcat.

The rest of the body makes perfect sense for aerodynamics, with a slippery roofline and a long tail section which incorporates the huge rear glass hatch. The longer wheelbase makes it clear that this car is more than a Challenger with a facelift, while also making more room for the rear passengers.

Aside from the intricate aero properties, the exterior design of the Charger Daytona EV Concept is fairly subdued for Dodge. There is a big Banshee logo on the fenders, along with an illuminated grille, glowing Fratzog badges front and rear and a LED race track taillight, but there are no other badges and few styling points that break up the flow of the body lines.

As you can see in the images here, the Banshee model comes with 21-inch, center-lock wheels, similar to what is used on endurance road race cars, along with massive Brembo brakes and wide, high performance tires measuring 305 millimeters up front and 325 out back.

High Tech Cabin

Finally, Dodge has packed the cabin of the Charger Daytona SRT Concept with the best of their modern interior tech, starting with a 16-inch curved driver information screen mounted just beyond the unique flat-bottom steering wheel. There is also a big 12.3-inch infotainment screen mounted in the middle of the dash, while the rest of the key controls, including the drive modes, start button and launch control are mounted in the center console.

Next, the Charger Daytona Concept showcases a 2+2 seating layout with four racing-inspired buckets. These lightweight seats look like they came out of an endurance racing Viper, with carbon fiber construction making them strong and slim, leading to increased leg room for everyone. The rear seats fold flat to create a huge cargo area under the glass hatch while the long doors make it easy for rear passengers to get in and out of the car.

Finally, the design team added unique trim throughout the cabin, including a circuit-like design that flows from the dashboard through the door panels and along the storage area of the center console. This bolsters the luxury-sport feel of Dodge’s first electric vehicle.

This car is only a concept, but brand boss Tim Kuniskis expects that many aspects of this car will make it to the production version of the next generation Dodge Charger. Should that be the case, Dodge will be the first to offer an EV like this one, showcasing a truly unique form and an array of unique attributes that you cannot get from the electric competition.