When we think of a vehicle having versatility, we normally mean that it performs exceptionally on a multitude of terrains, or it offers flexible storage options. It rarely means the vehicle offers different engines, door configurations, and both electric and gas-powered architectures. But that’s exactly what Stellantis is proposing with its overhauled Dodge Charger line.
The eighth-generation Charger was revealed this week, having traded out its old Hemi V-8’s and superchargers for electric motors and all-wheel drive performance. But the muscle car legend’s ambitions stretch beyond that, with plans to introduce a gas powertrain, four-door option, and more to the Charger in 2025. In other words, don’t call the muscle car dead; call it evolved.
Muscle Memory
The past year has been the Charger’s transitional era. When the seventh generation ended in 2023, taking the Hemi V-8 with it, we weren’t certain what the future held for the Charger. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long to see what the next wave would look like, as three next-generation Chargers are primed to be released over the next two years. Let’s explore all three, starting with the Charger named the Daytona – the moniker all electric powertrain Chargers will use moving forward.
Dodge Charger Daytona (Late 2024)
The first of the revamped Chargers is an EV that is expected to become available later in 2024. The Daytona was first revealed back in the summer of 2022 as a concept. To our pleasant surprise, the production model is extremely faithful to the concept we were shown over 18 months ago. Now, the first-ever EV muscle car is ready to do work.
The Charger Daytona will come in both R/T and Scat Pack trims. Both trims feature a 400-volt architecture and a battery with 93.9 kWh of capacity. With an electric motor on both the front and rear axles, the Charger Daytona will debut with standard all-wheel drive. The coupe-like two-door Daytona will be the first available, with four-door alternatives to follow next year.
Dodge Charger Banshee (2025)
The Banshee is a high-performance variant of the Daytona, set to arrive in 2025. If you were wondering what happened to some of the more intriguing equipment from the Daytona concept, Stellantis was saving it for their top-spec performance model. Upping the 400-volt Daytona, the Dodge Charger Banshee will feature 800-volt architecture and two-speed transmission.
In many ways, the Banshee is the resurrected, electrified version of the Hellcat. Now that the Hellcat has been retired along with its Hemi V-8, the Banshee can showcase what a high-performance, electric muscle car is capable of. The Daytona may be the first-ever EV muscle car, but the Banshee will take it to new heights.
Dodge Charger Sixpack (2025)
The eighth-generation Charger is exclusively electric in its inaugural year, but it won’t remain that way for long. Dodge is set to reintroduce its gas powertrains to the new Charger lineup in 2025, starting with the Charger Sixpack. This time around, they’ll be powered by Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engines. Already used with Jeep vehicles such as the Wagoneer, the two engines produce either 420 or 550 horsepower. The Sixpack will be available with both two and four doors.
Ready, Set, Charge!
Here at Savage 61, we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new-look Charger and its eventual fleet of variants. In the meantime, there’s always something new to discover on our lot. If you’re unsure about going fully electric with the Charger Daytona, why not test the waters with the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid? Or hit the road this spring in the new Ram 1500.
While there’s always a chance the Charger might be biting off more than it can chew, we can’t fault it for attempting too much. When it comes to ambition, we’re cut from the same cloth here at Savage 61 – Pennsylvania’s most awarded dealership.
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