Zzztt zztttz ztzztt zzzzt isn’t the sound you want from a muscle car.
Dodge is charging ahead into a new era of muscle cars with the world's first and (so far) only electric muscle car - the Dodge Charger.
Everything is going electric these days, and Dodge is hopping on that bandwagon, introducing its first "multi-energy muscle car," offering both electrified and combustion-powered versions of the Charger.
Despite its electric transformation, the Charger retains its title as the “world's quickest and most powerful muscle car” to date.
As for the electrified Charger models, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack is the top dog, with 660bhp and 627 lb-ft of instant torque coupled to an all-wheel drive setup. The “regular” 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T has to make do with 489bhp and 404 lb-ft of torque.
These models are powered by a 100.5kWh battery pack, delivering ranges of over 510km and 418km, respectively.
The top-rung Daytona model will also feature an overboost function called "Power Shot" that gives an additional 40hp spurt for up to 15 seconds. Dodge claims that while there's a 30-second delay between Power Shot uses, it can be used unlimited times until the battery runs dry.
For those who still prefer good ol’ dinosaur fuel, the Dodge Charger will also be available with the 3.0-litre Twin Turbo Hurricane High Output engine. These models deliver approximately 542bhp and 414bhp, respectively. Dodge has yet to reveal torque figures for the ICE engines.
The Charger Sixpack comes standard with all-wheel drive, but we're sure that future owners will still manage to perform burnouts and donuts.
The lack of a V-8 option is sure to upset some Dodge diehards, but Dodge has been pointing out that the standard output produces more horsepower and torque than the 5.7-litre V-8 in the outgoing R/T, while the high-output motor outdoes the old Scat Pack's 6.4-litre V-8.
The exterior design of the Charger, with features like the front R-wing exclusive to Charger Daytona models, pays homage to the original Charger Daytona from the 1970s.
But what about the sound? There's been much debate about the electronic exhaust, both from external and internal folks inside Dodge.
The new Charger will use what Dodge terms a “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” to give the Charger a muscle car rumble. But what exactly does that mean? And more importantly, what does it sound like?
The Charger Daytonas presented during Dodge's press event were silent, and while an official launch video is online that includes some sound clips, they aren't the final sounds you’ll eventually hear.
That's because Dodge is still finalising what its new electric Charger should sound like.
Inside, the Charger boasts a layered instrument panel and console, with a 10.25-inch or 16-inch cluster screen and a 12.3-inch centre display.
The interior is also equipped with customisable ambient lighting, offering 64 colours that react to vehicle events.
Dodge will position the fully electric Daytona Scat Pack as the flagship model, offering exclusive Race Option modes - Donut Mode and Drift Mode - for drivers to "explore muscle car performance”... whatever that means.
Production for the two-door coupe versions of the all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack and 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T will begin in mid-2024, while the four-door models will begin production in the first quarter of 2025.