From Drawing Board to Driveway: Dodge Charger EV Stays True to Concept

Many hardcore Charger and Challenger fans have been a bit disappointed to hear that the brand is ditching the Hemi V8. The good news is that the automaker has a thrilling ace up its sleeve reminiscent of a relentless storm! The twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six made its debut under the hood of the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. It eagerly cranks out 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque in its base form.

The high-output variant scorches the pavement with 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Both of these options should be available in the next-generation Challenger and Charger muscle cars. The good news? They will have even more power than their outdoor-slaying Jeep counterparts. The available Dodge Charger EV stays very true to concept, and will be marketed as a Daytona version. 

Dodge Charger EV Stays True to Concept

While attempting to soothe those mourning the loss of the Hemi V8, the presence of the multi-speed electro-mechanical eRupt transmission will suffice. These models will also be equipped with Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which uses an amplifier and a tuning chamber. It’s mounted at the rear and emulates the real-life roar of the SRT Hellcat’s V8. There are also plans for an entirely new line of engines under the Dodge Direct Connection Hurricane namesake.

The electric variants are carried over from the Charger Daytona SRT Banshee concept. It was unveiled a year ago and is incredibly true to its concept. The two-door model pays a rousing tribute to the 1968 Dodge Charger Daytona, which was the first NASCAR model to break 200 mph. Up front there was a massive R-wing, enabling world-class speed.

Smart Living on Wheels + Whisper-Quiet Performance

Electrifying one of the brawniest muscle cars ever was quite an undertaking! It does come with substantial payoffs, as the eco-friendly premise is now quite a bit more widely accepted. The electrified version is slated to be a two-door coupe with a liftback trunk. The entry-level 340 model is supposed to crank out 455 horsepower The mid-range 440 model is poised to rush the gate with 590 horses. 

Not all of the details are 100% solid yet. The range-topping SRT Banshee is rumored to utilize an all-wheel-drive architecture. The exact horsepower stats are not yet available, but there will certainly be a multi-speed transmission. Similar to what is found on the Porsche Taycan, the “simulated” shift is said to be amazingly realistic. The concept also offered a large panoramic glass sunroof and a pistol-grip shift lever. 

Beyond the Pump + Wired for Thrills:

When it comes time to excitedly hit the ignition, there is a very sweet fighter-jet style cap that flips open. The interior design is immaculate and modern at first glance! There is also an additional textured trim that replicates the grille makeup from the highly-revered 1968 Charger. Renderings of the Charger EV prototype show a digital gauge display with a futuristic curve.

When the final design is ready to hit the road, it should feature the latest version of the Uconnect interface. CEO Tim Kuniskis officially declared during a press conference that the “brotherhood of muscle’s electric power will be phenomenal”. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is another electric vehicle that will boast segment-leading performance. Our preference lies with the Charger, as it is a bit less domesticated and consistently fierce! 

A First Glance That Careens Toward Curiosity: 

These shots from TopElectricSuv.com show some excellent views of the concept unveiled last August. The new “Greys of Thunder” color shown on the concept is coupled perfectly with the car’s sinister and all-out pavement domination! The R-wing’s homage to the original Daytona Charger design will undoubtedly please lovers of everything sleek. The return of the 3-pointed Fratzog badge officially marks the beginning of Dodge’s petrol-free journey. 

There’s an XXL quarter-glass that allows for an excellent view for those in the rear seat. The top-level Banshee has very defining red Brembo brake calipers, and 18-inch Direct Connection lightweight carbon-fiber concept wheels. When it showed up in star-studded fashion at the LA Auto Show later in the year, it was switched over to a 3rd alloy set. The sound system onboard to create the exhaust note includes a box with well-tuned chambers and pipes. 

Peeking at the Platform and Range: 

The STLA Large Platform can accommodate battery packs that can provide a range of up to 500 miles. It also allows for high-output electric motors that produce 150-350 kWh. There may be as many as three on board, and customers can select from 3 different trim classes. In addition to power level upgrades, drivers will be able to unlock new drive modes anytime during ownership. 

Electric muscle car hopefuls will also enjoy the thrilling presence of the “Power Shot” horsepower boost. Patent filings suggest that the Dodge Charger EV will also feature an F1-inspired pushrod suspension. “Crystal” color codes will be needed for some advanced upgrades. This dynamic new model will be built at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. 

How Do Fans Really Feel About the Charger EV Hype?

What do you think of the incoming Charger EV? Is it possible to have the same fire-breathing and rowdy characteristics? Dodge has actually done quite a fine job of bringing this project to life. Let us know if you think all the engineering and design work was worth it in the comments below, or check out another article about this concept.