Here Is How Dodge Could Have Launched The New Charger Better

As of November 1st, Dodge has yet to fully launch its all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. This highly anticipated vehicle marks Dodge’s first electric vehicle (EV) entry and represents a massive step into a new era for the brand. With its legacy tied closely to high-performance V8 muscle cars, Dodge faces a challenge: keeping its loyal fans satisfied while transitioning toward electrification. It appears, however, that Dodge could have saved itself a lot of trouble if it had approached this transition differently.

The Case for an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Launch –

Instead of leading with the all-electric Charger Daytona, Dodge could have introduced its new Charger lineup with the revamped internal combustion engine (ICE) models first. The new ICE powertrains, powered by the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane I6 engines, are already tried and tested under the hoods of vehicles like the Jeep® Wagoneer and Ram 1500. These engines come in two flavors: a 420-horsepower standard-output (S/O) version and a 550-horsepower high-output (H/O) variant. Starting with these proven powertrains would have allowed the engineering team more time to perfect the EV architecture and ensure a smoother, more polished electric debut.

Releasing the ICE models first would have introduced the redesigned Charger’s stunning new look to the market while easing customers into the changes. It also would have provided more time for Dodge to address any potential hiccups with the EVs. This phased rollout could have maintained enthusiasm among muscle car enthusiasts while building anticipation for the electric models.

Naming Confusion and Heritage –

Dodge’s decision to use familiar trim names—like R/T and Scat Pack—for the electric Chargers is another sore point among fans. Originally, Dodge announced at the 2022 SEMA Show that each electric Charger variant would be named based on its kilowatt (kW) output. For instance, the Charger Daytona R/T would have been called the Charger Daytona 340 (reflecting 340 kW or roughly 456 horsepower), while the Charger Daytona Scat Pack would have been the Charger Daytona 440 (for 440 kW or about 590 horsepower). This naming scheme would have provided clarity and set the electric models apart from their ICE counterparts, making the lineup feel more distinct and better preserving Dodge’s heritage.

An Unconventional Rollout –

The way Dodge is sequencing the Charger models also raises questions. The two-door electric Charger Daytona will arrive first, followed by a four-door version in early 2025. Meanwhile, ICE models won’t make their debut until the latter half of 2025. This staggered approach seems less than ideal. A more cohesive plan might have involved launching both two- and four-door ICE variants in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) options right away. For example, an RWD Charger R/T with the S/O engine and an RWD Scat Pack with the H/O engine could have catered to enthusiasts who prefer traditional muscle car setups.

While AWD is undoubtedly beneficial for those in colder climates, not all customers need or want it, the flexibility to choose between RWD and AWD would have been more in line with Dodge’s reputation for offering something for everyone, a key reason behind the popularity of the outgoing Charger and Challenger.

Limited ICE Configurations –

The all-new ICE Charger lineup, called SIXPACK, will feature AWD exclusively, with two distinct models: a 420-horsepower S/O four-door sedan and a 550-horsepower H/O two-door coupe. Offering both powertrains across both body styles from the get-go would have made more sense. Fans have come to love the wide array of options Dodge has historically provided, and a more extensive initial lineup could have met that demand.

A Missed Opportunity for Balance –

Dodge could have balanced the ICE and EV models even further by keeping a HEMI® V8 option, like the beloved supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI HELLCAT V8, for a special SRT model. This setup would have allowed the 800-volt SRT Banshee EV to serve as a direct performance counterpart, showcasing the advantages of electric power while giving traditionalists something to cheer for. Retaining a HEMI would have been a nod to Dodge’s history while introducing a cutting-edge EV that outperforms the gas engine in raw power and acceleration.

Dodge could have smoothed the transition and kept its core audience engaged by opting for an ICE-first approach and offering a HEMI SRT variant alongside the EV models. This phased, more gradual introduction would have highlighted the best of both worlds: the immediacy and thrill of electric performance and the iconic rumble and heritage of internal combustion muscle.

In the end, Dodge is embarking on an ambitious journey, and while it’s hard to please everyone, a more strategic launch might have eased some of the tension around this significant shift. There’s still hope that the all-electric Charger Daytona and ICE SIXPACK models will both find their place and pave the way for a new era of muscle cars.