One of the cars that drew the most attention at the Stellantis booth during CES 2023 was the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT BEV, a 100% electric version of one of the most iconic muscle cars at all times. THE canaltech saw it up close and can confirm without fear: purists will like it.
Known for their big, noisy engines, the muscle cars they nurture fans all over the world, but here in the United States it’s taken to the tenth power. With wide streets and far-flung roads, accelerating these monsters is practically a way of life. But, transforming these cars into electric ones requires a certain amount of care — something that Stellantis knows how to do.
In the case of the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT BEV, the company did not hesitate and tried to develop two types of powertrains, which should yield, when launched, 462hp or 600hp, depending on the chosen version. But all that power will be accompanied by a simulated snoring of the classic V8 engine that has already equipped this and other models of the group.
We even asked the staff at the Stellantis stand to start the car for our report, but it wasn’t even possible to get in the car. The prototype exhibited at CES was the only one manufactured, according to our findings on site.
According to Stellantis, the secret is in the 800V set that equips the Charger BEV. There’s a kind of electronic exhaust that manages to emit that engine roaring sound. The company claims: it is louder than the original V8.
Data such as autonomy, equipment and price will still be revealed.
Classic and futuristic design at the same time
Something that we also liked and that will certainly please purist fans of muscle cars it’s the design. The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT BEV manages to move towards the future, with the presence of LEDs and more rectilinear accessories, but, at the same time, takes us back to more remote times, with the classic coupé and muscular body that this type of car sports.
There is grandeur and, at the same time, a style that can be called charming, especially in the front and rear, which were the parts most worked on in “futurism”. The interior, from what we could see, must be much more luxurious than the models on sale at the moment.
It is worth remembering that the SRT line is Dodge’s performance cars, which suggests that milder versions may appear in the future. Other muscle car of the brand, the Challenger, will also be transformed into an electric model.
