Marking a significant leap into the realm of electric mobility, Dodge Charger has unleashed the much-anticipated all-new Charger, a culmination of groundwork laid since the unveiling of the Charger Daytona SRT concept in 2022. However, the unveiling of this latest offering holds surprises beyond the realm of electric power alone.
Contrary to previous speculation, the Charger lineup extends its reach to encompass both electric and gasoline-powered iterations. This expansion also sees the Charger embracing a versatile dual-body style, effectively inheriting the mantles of both the Charger and Challenger models, which saw production cease at the close of the preceding year.
Referred to as “coupe” and “sedan” by Dodge, both iterations of the Charger boast a unique feature: a substantial tailgate adorned with a rising glass panel, distinguishing them as three-door and five-door liftbacks, respectively. Despite this divergence, both variants share identical dimensions, including a wheelbase of 3074 mm and overall measurements of 5248 mm in length, 2028 mm in width, and 1499 mm in height. Ground clearance stands at a notable 143 mm, while trunk capacity has seen a significant expansion, increasing by a staggering 133% compared to its predecessor.
The production design takes cues directly from the Charger Daytona SRT concept, boasting sleek lines and angular contours reminiscent of the Charger’s illustrious lineage. Notable design features include air ducts replacing the traditional radiator grille, forming an unmistakable “R-Wing” on electric variants. Electric models also feature simulated exhaust sounds, generated by speakers discreetly placed beneath the rear bumper.
Inside the Charger, the muscular aesthetic is preserved, with design elements borrowed liberally from the concept unveiled two years prior. Standout features include a distinctive “pistol grip” transmission lever and intricately embossed door trims. The centerpiece of the interior is a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 media system display, complemented by a configurable virtual instrument cluster. Optional enhancements include a head-up display, ambient lighting, wireless charging, premium Nappa leather upholstery, and a powerful 914-watt Alpine audio system.
Beneath its skin, the Charger rests on the STLA Large platform, an evolution of the Giorgio architecture shared with other prominent models. This platform enables extensive electrification options, accommodating various drivetrain configurations. Suspension duties are handled by aluminum springs, comprising double wishbones at the front and four-link setups at the rear, with optional adaptive dampers available for heightened performance.
Electric variants feature all-wheel drive, propelled by universal modules on each axle, delivering robust outputs of 340 hp and 407 Nm per motor. Notably, the top-tier Daytona Scat Pack achieves an impressive maximum output of 680 hp, while the Daytona R/T variant is limited to 503 hp. Both models are powered by a 400-volt traction battery, boasting a capacious 100.5 kWh capacity and supporting rapid charging up to 350 kW.
Performance figures for electric models are equally impressive, with the Daytona Scat Pack sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds. Gasoline variants, denoted by the “SixPack” prefix, are motivated by a three-liter inline-six engine, available in High Output (558 hp) and Standard Output (426 hp) configurations.
Production of the Charger is slated to commence in Ontario, Canada, with electric variants expected to roll out by mid-2024. Dodge has also teased a special law enforcement variant in development. However, pricing details for the new lineup remain undisclosed at this juncture.