Okay, so there's another article on the site showcasing a race between a 496hp Daytona R/T Stage 1 and a Tesla Model Y Performance model. To read the article without watching the video makes it initially sound like the Tesla walked away from the Charger, but watching the video shows that the Telsa did in fact win, but not even by a car length. The Charger's biggest disadvantage is in fact it's weight along with a surprising lack of torque for a car that considers itself a performance EV. Now I know people are going to use this video as ammo to crucify Stellantis and cry for the salvation of the Six pack or the return of the Holy V8, but I really want to break something down about the EV Charger and it actually ties into this article here. Even in the R/T Stage 1 trim, had this car been lighter, it would have won that race because for it to carry all of that weight and still not even be a full car length behind says alot about this car. Even with the excessive weight, the car still performs in the same realm of a Charger Scat Pack 392, which weighs alot less. Another thing that hinders this car is the single speed transmission. Stellantis really needs to consider adding their 3-speed EV gearbox to the 400V vehicles as well and not just putting in the 800V banshee cars. Less weight and a better drivetrain equals improved performance and that's without adding any horsepower. I already know how the 670hp Daytona scat pack feels and I will say this, if they make that car lighter and give it a better EV multi-speed driveline, that car is going to be a problem on the street and if people get behind the wheel of a car like that, they WILL buy that car and that is a genuine promise. I still feel the pricing is a bit inflated on these cars by about $15K give or take. But I think Dodge did this because they are unsure of how these cars are going to sell and our Mopar family hasn't taken too kindly to this new car and yes Carlos Tavares and the former heads of Stellantis are to blame for the botched presentation of this car. Personally, I think the Charger will be fine without the V8 with Hurricane and EV powertrains, especially if Stellantis takes the time to properly introduce something else that has a high performance V8 like a Viper or Cuda and a few Ram 1500 models. Personally, I would love to see Dodge bring out an Affordable Charger GT/ GLH car with a 300hp 2.0L Hurricane Turbo with a hybrid 880RE 8-speed with a total combined horsepower & torque rating of about 395hp and 480lb-ft of torque with a few Stage Upgraded kits from Direct Connection and stuff like that so it can be customized. But that's just me. Still moves within the Charger's heritage because in the 80's there was a Charger GLH car and it was a four-cylinder turbo hatchback so it definitely makes sense for where we are at now. I think Dodge needs to take GLH alot more seriously with the new cars coming out because it'd be a great way to add performance and fun to the affordable end of the spectrum. But back to the EV Charger. No, it didn't win this race, but it is a benchmark so they can make steps in the right direction for this car.
moparinsiders.com
