Following the debut of Dodge’s first-ever electrified performance vehicle with the 2023 Dodge Hornet R/T, the American automaker has given us a preview of its vision for an electrified future with the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept. And what an interesting future it’s going to be, considering this BEV has an exhaust.
Yes, you read that correctly — in true Dodge fashion, this concept has a new, patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system that gives out a 126 dB roar just like the SRT Hellcat. Absurd? Maybe. But would you expect any less from Dodge? The exhaust is one of three patent-pending features that aim to change up the BEV market, joining the “R-Wing” and “eRupt” technologies Dodge also previewed with the Charger Daytona SRT Concept.
The R-Wing, not to be mistaken for a starfighter in Star Wars, is actually a homage to the original Charger Daytona design. It’s a front aerodynamic wing that is designed to allow air to flow through the front opening to enhance downforce. Accompanying the R-Wing are carbon fiber intakes that provide an air curtain to further enhance aerodynamic performance. Yes, intakes and exhausts on a BEV, because why not?
The third of the patent-pending design features is a multispeed transmission with electromechanical shifting called eRupt. According to Dodge, it offers distinctive shift points and works in concert with the exhaust to create a visceral “Dark Matter” sound profile.
Unveiled today at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, this two-door concept is powered by an 800V Banshee propulsion system that aims to be faster than a Hellcat in all key performance measures. A standard all-wheel-drive system is no surprise for a BEV, especially one that wants to outpace a Hellcat. To make it even more entertaining, there’s a “PowerShot” button located on the steering wheel, which delivers increased horsepower for a quick burst of acceleration. We reckon it’s similar to the Genesis GV60’s boost button. Another button on the steering wheel also allows the driver to change between Auto, Sport, Track, and Drag modes to instantly change the driving dynamics, display graphics, as well as the sound and interior lighting.
While Dodge didn’t announce actual performance figures or specifications (it is a concept after all), it did emphasize its goal to push beyond Hellcat performance.
Despite being a BEV, the concept was designed to drive like a Dodge, look like a Dodge, and feel like a Dodge. The front grille features cross-car illuminated lighting with a white illuminated Fratzog badge in the center. If you recall, the three-pointed symbol was teased last year by the Dodge brand and it was originally used on Dodge muscle cars from 1962 through 1976. Dodge is bringing back the Fratzog logo to represent its electrified future. Other aesthetic elements worth noting are the full width design front and rear lighting, flush door handles, “waterline” tracks around the sides, and the overall muscular shaping of the wheel fenders we’ve come to associate with the Dodge brand.
The Greys of Thunder finish provides a high-gloss graphite feel with deep textures. We also get a look at the “screaming” Banshee fender badges that will go with the new propulsion system. The concept does sport a new hatchback design that will provide an unexpected amount of storage capacity for this muscle car. Stopping power is provided by six-piston brakes, while the concept rolls on large 21-inch wheels with a turbine-like design for aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside the cabin, the move forward towards an electrified future continues to be present. There’s a 12.3-inch center screen that is angled nearly 10 degrees towards the driver. The instrument cluster is a 16-inch curved display, accompanied by an 8-inch by 3-inch head-up display (HUD). One standout feature is a unique pistol-grip shifter designed to deliver an effortless shifting experience when the driver squeezes the grip’s trigger. Continuing with that theme is a jet-fighter inspired cap, which flips up when engaging the start button. Capacitive touch controls can be found on the doors and steering wheel. Whether or not many of these features make it to production remain to be seen, but it’s clear that Dodge isn’t conforming to traditional BEV styling inside or out.
“The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept exists because performance made us do it,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer — Stellantis. “Dodge is about muscle, attitude and performance, and the brand carries that chip on its shoulder and into the BEV segment through a concept loaded with patents, innovations, and performance features that embody the electrified muscle of tomorrow. The Charger Daytona SRT Concept can do more than run the car show circuit; it can run a blazing quarter-mile. And when it comes to product cycles, it outruns Darwin. Charger Daytona does more than define where Dodge is headed, it will redefine American muscle in the process.
This is the final expected announcement from the three-day Dodge Speed Week event series, but this won’t be the last we hear about the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT. Expect more news in the coming months on Dodge’s plan to enter the BEV space.
