Dodge has unveiled its new concept car, the Charger Daytona SRT, the company’s first all-electric muscle car. The vehicle is expected in 2024 and replaces Dodge’s recently discontinued gas-powered Challenger and Charger muscle cars. The Charger Dayton SRT features technologies designed to make it look, feel, and drive like the traditional muscle cars that Dodge has become famous for. It features a body style reminiscent of the current Dodge Challenger, but with a more futuristic, aerodynamic look. New features include the “R-Wing,” a large opening in the front end that allows air to pass through, the “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust,” and a multi speed transmission dubbed “eRupt.” The multi speed transmission and exhaust are unique to an EV, as they only drive in one gear and are typically silent during operation. These features are currently patent pending, and the names are inspired by past Dodge vehicles. “This car, we believe, will redefine American muscle,” said Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. “This is not a science project,” he said. “It looks like a Dodge, sounds like a Dodge and drives like a Dodge.”
Manufacturers have struggled to deliver electric vehicles that include driving dynamics and performance characteristics that owners often want. Dodge’s concept car attempts to remedy that problem with the inclusion of the exhaust system, which Kuniskis says is as loud as a Hellcat engine, and the multi speed transmission, which features “electro-mechanical shifting” that rivals today’s muscle and performance cars. “It is exactly what you would expect a Dodge EV two-door to be,” said Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst at S&P Global. “It looks the part, it sounds the part and it’s pretty exciting.” Despite the included performance enhancements possibly affecting the electric range of the vehicle, Kuniskis said, “Don’t care; it’s badass…it’s a muscle car.”
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