Dodge Unveils 2025 Charger Daytona EV Muscle Car andits Gas Variant

Dodge, a division of Stellantis, has launched their next-generation all-electric muscle car, the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona, becoming the world's pioneer in creating electric muscle cars. Interestingly, it also declared an unexpected unveil of an internal combustion engine (ICE) version to satisfy traditional gasoline fans.

The electric version of the Charger Daytona was first hinted at in 2022 under the name Charger Daytona SRT concept car. This upcoming model is an all-wheel-drive vehicle that boasts a redesigned body style. One of the significant features is an "R-Wing" pass-through, designed to channel airflow through the grill and over the hood.

The forthcoming Electric Charger Daytona offers two trim levels; the "Scat Pack" and the R/T version. The former comes with a robust 670 horsepower setup, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds. On the other hand, the R/T version delivers 496 horsepower.

These variations integrate front and rear "electric drive modules," or motors, with the rear motor equipped with a mechanical slip differential for enhanced traction. Both are furnished with a 400-volt architecture and a 100.5 kWh battery pack, offering estimated ranges of 317 miles for the R/T and 260 miles for the performance-enhanced Charger Daytona Scat Pack.

In contrast, Dodge’s decision to continue manufacturing gas-powered engines isn’t in line with their previous stand and hence came as a surprise to everybody. What added to the interest is Dodge’s recent choice of calling these ICE versions “multi-energy powertrain options”.

The line-up for this category begins with the 550-horsepower Charger Sixpack HO model, powered by a 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane "high output" six-cylinder engine, and the 420-horsepower Dodge Charger Sixpack SO model that uses a detuned version of the same engine, known as the Twin Turbo Hurricane "standard output" engine. These Hurricane engines constitute Stellantis' new inline six-cylinder engines using twin turbos for amplified power.

Stellantis’ vision for the future is defined by its ongoing Dare Forward 2030 transformation plan that pushes for 50% EV sales in the US by 2030. Its CEO Carlos Tavares takes a cautious approach towards EV expenditure; in a recent interview, he revealed plans for reevaluating EV spending in 2027 before allocating more capital.

Tavares along with Dodge brand CEO Tim Kuniskis demonstrated flexibility in the company’s long-term strategy by planning for multiple powertrain options, pivoting towards either EV or ICE or potentially both, depending on the economic factors, governmental incentives, and evolving customer preferences.

In addition, the farewell variants of Dodge's Charger and Challenger have undoubtedly gained considerable popularity among the company's self-proclaimed "brotherhood of muscle."

In conclusion, Dodge's strategic unveiling of both an electric and gasoline variant of their iconic Charger Daytona muscle car underscores the brand's commitment to its traditional petrolhead fanbase while progressively adapting to the inevitable electric vehicle revolution.