Dodge has officially unveiled the 2026 Charger Daytona lineup, which includes an all-new liftback sedan. It closely echoes the coupe as the fascias, roofline, and liftgate are shared across body styles.

However, the new five-door variant promises to be far more practical even though interior and exterior dimensions remain unchanged. That means there is 37.2 inches (945 mm) of rear seat legroom as well as a cargo capacity of up to 37.4 cubic feet (1,059 liters).

More: It’s Official, Dodge Is Killing The Electric Charger Daytona R/T

Speaking of the interior, it comes nicely equipped with a 16-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Buyers will also find a heated steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a garage door opener, and cloth/leatherette seats.

They’re joined by a long list of driver assistance systems that includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Active Driving Assist, and Active Lane Management. There’s also Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross Path Alert, and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning.

Options Galore

While the standard model comes nicely equipped, the Plus trim adds fancier LED headlights, a power liftgate, and a frunk. The cabin gains a wireless smartphone charger, a 64-color ambient lighting system, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a ParkView 360 surround view camera system, and an upgraded alarm.

Other options include a panoramic glass roof, an 18-speaker Alpine premium audio system, and a self-explanatory Carbon & Suede package. Customers can also get a Blacktop package that includes dark badging and 20-inch wheels with a dark finish.

Sticking with styling, there’s a new gloss black painted hood. 2026 models can also be equipped with matte black Fratzog stripes that have red accents as well as a repeating pattern.

AWD And 670 HP

The 2026 Charger Daytona lineup is offered exclusively in Scat Pack guise and this means there’s a 100.5 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 630 hp (470 kW /  639 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. However, a PowerShot function can deliver an additional 40 hp (30 kW / 41 PS) for 10 seconds at a time.

Both the sedan and coupe accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.3 seconds, run the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, and have a top speed of 135 mph (217 km). Those are impressive numbers, but the 241 mile (388 km) range leaves a lot to be desired.

When it comes time to replenish the battery, a 350 kW DC fast charger can take it from 20-80% in just 24 minutes. With a more common 175 kW DC fast charger, the same process will take roughly 42 minutes. At home, you’re looking at around 5.4 hours to go from 20-80% with an 11 kW Level 2 charger.

Customers looking for maximum performance can get an optional Track package. It features 20-inch aluminum wheels that are backed up by a Brembo braking system with red six- and four-piston calipers. The package also includes a dual valve adaptive damping suspension, a gloss black rear spoiler, a drive experience recorder, and leather/suede performance seats with fixed headrests.

Now Up For Order

Dodge is currently accepting orders for the 2026 Charger Daytona coupe and sedan. The company didn’t mention pricing, but deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of this year.

However, you might want to hold off as the Charger Sixpack is also coming later in 2025. It’s notable for featuring a twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six that will have outputs of 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS).

It’s not every day a Stellantis design chief gives your senior thesis a shoutout on social media, but that’s exactly what happened to John Carioti. While working on his senior project at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Carioti created a stunning Dodge muscle car that caught the eye of none other than Ralph Gilles, Stellantis’ Chief Design Officer.

Gilles, who oversees the styling for brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, and Maserati, isn’t exactly a rookie when it comes to spotting standout concepts. The Stellantis exec shared Carioti’s work on Instagram, captioning the post “Once again @ccs_detroit Seniors are Fire! ##.” It’s the kind of exposure that most young designers can only dream of, and it’s safe to assume it can do wonders for Carioti’s career.

More: This Is How America’s Teens Imagine Chrysler’s Future

The [DODGE] project, which was part of an exhibition for the end of the academic year, looks like a worthy competitor to the Ford Mustang GTD,thanks to its oversized aero enhancements. It takes design cues from the Charger Daytona but features a smaller footprint, a fastback tail, and more aggressive proportions.

The front end is a showstopper. A massive chin spoiler leads the way, complemented by full-width LED headlights that flank a narrow pass-through grille. Air is directed through the grille and into a hollow vent on the hood. Given the Fratzog logos, it’s obviously designed for a fully electric powertrain. But hey, if your imagination drifts toward a supercharged Hemi V8 instead, no one’s going to judge you for it.

John Carioti / Instagram

The profile is just as striking, with muscular fenders, sharp creases on the doors, and large alloy wheels. At the back, the design doesn’t disappoint. The LED bar under the active rear spoiler adds an extra layer of visual drama, and the rear deck does away with the windscreen, following the same trend popularized by brands like Polestar and Avatr. Carioti has also presented a version with a fixed rear wing, which perfectly complements the rear diffuser.

More: Forget The C9, This Corvette Concept Reclaims Retro Glory

While Dodge is struggling to sell the electric Charger Daytona and is leaning heavily on the upcoming ICE-powered Charger SixPack, Carioti’s design offers a glimpse into what the future of muscle cars could look like. Sure, the public might not be fully ready for electric muscle cars just yet, but that’s no reason to disregard his vision.

As with most senior thesis projects, the [DODGE] is purely a design exercise with no plans for production. However, it’s a concept that could easily be adapted to house a Hemi V8, tapping into the more traditional, hardcore muscle car fanbase.

Carioti expressed his gratitude to Gilles for the shoutout, and we sincerely hope this marks the beginning of a successful career. With talent like his, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him helping to shape the future of muscle cars (well, yes, and SUVs, it goes with the territory these days…) at a Stellantis design studio.

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A post shared by John Carioti (@john.carioti)

The reception to the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona has been, well, less than enthusiastic. Critics have pointed out that it’s too heavy, too bulky, and, frankly, feels somewhat half-baked. To top it off, it doesn’t set your pulse racing the way the classic V8-powered Challenger did. Things have gotten so rough that Dodge has decided to pull the plug on the base Daytona R/T for the 2026 model year, leaving only the Scat Pack as the remaining option.

Read: You Aren’t Buying It, So Dodge Is Killing The Electric Charger Daytona R/T (Update)

So, how does the Charger Daytona Scat Pack stack up against the competition? Edmunds recently put it head-to-head with one of the best value-for-money electric performance cars around right now, the Tesla Model 3 Performance, in their U-Drag race.

Edmunds’ U-Drag Race pits two cars against each other in a straight-up test of acceleration and handling, with real-world drag racing and tight cornering on display. It’s a test of how these cars actually perform when pushed to their limits.

Price Gap: More Than Just a Numbers Game

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. The Tesla comes in at a much lower price, $56,630 with destination charges included, while the Charger Daytona Scat Pack starts at $70,190 with no options. Add in a few optional features, and that gap widens to nearly $28,000. Both cars qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. But let’s not get distracted by the price just yet; it’s time to talk performance.

Tesla’s Clear Edge in Acceleration

Accelerating away from the line, the Model 3 Performance has the clear advantage. Tesla says its twin electric motors combine to produce 510 hp and 554 lb-ft (751 Nm), whereas Dodge says the Charger Scat Pack is good for 670 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm). On paper, it’s a tight match. The more powerful Dodge claims a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds, while Tesla states the Model 3 Performance hits 60 mph with a rollout in just 2.9 seconds.

In reality, not only does the Tesla easily pull away in both races, but even as the speeds exceed 60 mph, it continues to stretch ahead, arriving at the braking point well ahead of the Charger. In the first race, the driver of the Dodge was able to close the distance under braking, but the Model 3 handles better and performs a tighter and quicker U-turn, thanks in part to its more neutral handling, the reviewers note.

During its tests, Edmunds recorded a best 0-60 mph time in the Tesla of 3.1 seconds and 3.7 seconds for the Dodge. The Model 3 then stormed down the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 122.1 mph (196.4 km/h), compared to the 12.0 seconds of the Dodge at 118.7 mph (191.0 km/h). Interestingly, the Charger had the advantage in lateral grip, pulling a peak of 1.19G compared to the Tesla’s 1.13G. But, that wasn’t enough to make up for its slower acceleration.

Update: A Dodge spokesperson reached out to confirm that the base Charger R/T will indeed be discontinued from the lineup, leaving the Scat Pack as the sole option in the electric Daytona range, at least for the 2026 model year.

“Production of the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is postponed for the 2026 model year as we continue to assess the effects of U.S. tariff policies,” the company told us in a statement. “The Charger’s flexible, multi-energy STLA Large platform allows us to focus on the Charger Daytona Scat Pack’s performance as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car, add the new four-door model to the Charger mix for the 2026 model year and lean into the new Charger SIXPACK models that will launch in the second half of the year.”

Original story follows below.

Dodge has found itself in a bit of a pickle with the Charger Daytona, and let’s just say, the ‘brotherhood of muscle’ isn’t exactly embracing the EV revolution. In fact, it seems like their idea of “muscle” is still firmly rooted in gas-powered engines, leaving expensive electric coupes to languish on dealership lots, forcing huge markdowns.

A quick search online reveals a $61,590 Charger Daytona R/T listed for a mere $34,184 in Florida. Over in Texas, Richardson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has their $61,590 Charger Daytona R/T priced at $39,055.

More: Dodge Desperate To Sell Charger Daytona EVs, Prays Huge Discounts Will Lure Buyers

While those are just two examples, it’s clear the Charger Daytona was an answer to a question no one asked. Dodge might finally be acknowledging that as a new report suggests the entry-level R/T variant will be killed off for 2026.

We’ve reached out to Dodge for a comment and are still waiting for a response (as of this writing), but Mopar Insiders is reporting that the R/T was originally going to be an “order-only” model for 2026. However, given the dismal reception, Dodge is apparently preparing to pull the plug on it entirely.

Scat Pack and New Models

The Charger Daytona Scat Pack is rumored to survive and it’s notable for featuring a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. That’s considerably more than the R/T’s 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm).

While the 2025 Charger Daytona Scat Pack starts at $68,195 before a $1,995 destination fee, the 2026 model is reportedly getting a price cut. There’s no word on how much, but it appears to be dropping equipment and perks including the previously standard Track Pack.

Aside from the rumored elimination of the Daytona R/T, a four-door model is set to join the lineup in 2026. It will be accompanied by the previously announced twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six. The publication also says the 2026 Charger lineup will gain a new wheel design as well as a stripe package that was previewed at Springfest.

• Dodge and Factorial begin solid-state battery tests with production aimed for after 2028.
• The batteries promise faster charging speeds, higher energy density, and better range.
• Factorial’s tech also offers improved performance even in extreme cold temperatures.

Stellantis, and especially its Dodge brand, could really use a win right now. Enter solid-state batteries, the shiny new tech that could provide just the boost they need. Factorial, the company working on these next-gen batteries, has teamed up with Dodge to test them in the real world. If everything goes according to plan, Dodge might roll out vehicles with this technology between 2028 and 2032.

More: GM’s Secret Battery Breakthrough Could Slash EV Costs

The two companies have been working together since 2021, but this marks the first time Dodge will test prototypes on public roads. Starting in 2026, they’ll begin rolling out a fleet of Chargers equipped with Factorial’s solid-state batteries to work out the kinks and fine-tune all the details.

A Milestone for Cell Performance

“What happened with Stellantis is a very important milestone for cell performance validation,” Factorial CEO Siyu Huang told Autonews. “It’s not just about higher energy density, it’s about cycle life, and about fast charging. Above all, this is the first full-blown validation that automakers have shared.” The potential benefits are widespread and vital for the EV movement.

For instance, solid-state batteries offer faster charging speeds. The batteries that Dodge will test offer 375 watt-hours per kilogram, and can go from 15 percent to 90 percent full in just 18 minutes. In addition, they’re more energy-dense. In practice, that means more range in a solid-state battery compared to a conventional one.

Lighter Batteries, More Range, and Cold Weather Performance

On the flip side, an automaker could, in theory, offer a smaller, lighter battery while still offering the kind of range most EVs do today. Factorial says it’s also made progress on cold-weather solid-state battery tech. Finally, they’re safer too since they use a solid, non-flammable electrolyte. “Not only can we deliver a strong performance at room temperature but also at temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius. We weren’t able to do this until a few months’ ago,” she said.

Also: A Simple Button Sequence Could Save Your Charger And Challenger From Thieves

Notably, Factorial isn’t working with Stellantis alone. It’s also tied up with Kia, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker is also testing these batteries on the road as of February of this year.

Suffice it to say, all of these automakers will benefit as soon as solid-state batteries become the norm. Additional range, better charging rates, and potential weight reduction are all good reasons to get excited. Hopefully, testing goes well and we see this technology develop sooner rather than later. 

Charging an electric vehicle can sometimes be a really peaceful experience. Some models even offer the ability to watch TV or play games during the process. One Cybertruck owner had that peace ruined recently when a Dodge Charger driver lost control and rammed his pickup. It just so happens that another Tesla owner caught the entire situation on camera too.

The situation unfolded at the Destiny USA mall in Syracuse, New York. There, a Model Y owner says that the folks in the Dodge nearly hit him. “I was out for a walk when I nearly got hit by these [explicit]. A moment later, I heard their engine rev and I KNEW they were going to do something stupid. So I started recording,” he wrote on Reddit.

More: No One Knows Where This Tire Came From, But It Ripped Through A Mercedes Roof Anyway

He couldn’t have been more correct about his assertion. Despite having an expansive parking lot at their disposal, the driver of this Charger R/T begins a donut relatively close to nearby Teslas charging at a Supercharger station. He gets quite a slide going, complete with some opposite lock, too. When he straightens out, things go sideways in a more metaphorical sense, though.

First, he drives over a calming island near the parking lot entrance. For whatever reason, it’s only after clearing the island that he engages his brakes. Video shows that despite his brakes being on, the car has enough momentum to carry it into the next calming island on the other side of the entrance. When he hits that, the front end flies up and off the ground. Ultimately, the car comes back to earth and keeps rolling until it hits the driver’s side of the Cybertruck.

Video Reddit

It’s clear from the video that the Dodge is not okay after the crash. Smoke is billowing from the front rather than from the rear tires. Part of the undercarriage protection is on the ground, and there is debris all over the lot, though it could be organic rather than bits of Mopar left behind. That said, the Cybertruck looks great for having just been hit by a car, even at a slow speed.

According to the Reddit post, the crash left motor oil and transmission fluid leaking out onto the ground. Meanwhile, the Cybertruck owner got out to check the damage and apparently found… none. “The truck looked completely fine!” the poster added. Safe to say, the Dodge driver got a little more Cybertruck than they bargained for.

Credit: Hammer Of Something/Reddit

In early April, one of the first crash-damaged 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona models landed on our desks after it took a hefty side hit. It didn’t take long for the second one to show up just a few days later. Fast forward a few weeks, and now a third Charger Daytona is sitting at one of IAAI’s yards in the U.S., getting prepped for sale.

More: Want To Break Your Dodge Charger Daytona? Try Slamming Its Hood

This time, it’s the Charger Daytona Scat Pack model, and it’s currently in Atlanta, Georgia. The car was totaled with only 822 miles (1,322 km) on the odometer. Naturally, the insurer decided it wasn’t worth fixing, which, at least on the surface, seems like a bit of an overreaction. The damage doesn’t look that bad and could probably be patched up without much trouble at all.

The damage seems to be isolated to the rear of the car, most likely from a rear-end collision with another vehicle. There’s a chance the driver may have backed into something, but we’ll go with the rear-end theory for now. The rear bumper is broken, the tailgate has been knocked out of place, and one taillight is completely busted.

Some damage may have also been done to the rear crash structure of this Charger, but it’s hard to say based on these images alone. From what we can see, the car could be repaired with a new bumper, tailgate, taillight, and may also need a new rear window installed. Other than that, it looks mostly fine, and there’s no visible damage to the sides or front of the car. The impact also wasn’t severe enough to trigger the airbags.

Read: Can A HEMI V8 Save This Wrecked Dodge Charger Daytona EV From The Scrap Heap?

While the all-electric Charger hasn’t exactly set the world on fire nor gotten enthusiasts particularly interested, it’d be a shame if this car isn’t repaired. Yes, it’s electric, but it packs an impressive 670 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque thanks to a pair of electric motors. It also features a 100.5 kWh battery pack and can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds, quicker than even an old Charger Hellcat Redeye with 797 hp.

And hey, if you’re feeling lucky and want to get your hands on what could be the next big project car, you can check out the listing for yourself over here.

IAAI

Last fall, Stellantis and Factorial announced plans to put solid-state batteries into a fleet of Dodge Charger Daytonas by 2026. That development is inching closer today as the two companies have successfully validated automotive-sized solid-state battery cells with a 375 Wh/kg energy density.

While that’s Greek to most of us, the automaker said they validated 77Ah FEST (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) cells over 600 cycles and are “progressing towards automotive qualification.” The latter is a “milestone” for large-format lithium-metal solid-state batteries.

More: Mercedes EQS Solid-State Prototype Hits The Street With 621 Miles Of Range

Besides having an impressive energy density, solid-state batteries allow for a significant reduction in charging time. In particular, at room temperature, they can go from a 15% to 90% charge in 18 minutes. The cells also promise to “deliver high power output with discharge rates up to 4C, supporting greater performance demands in electric vehicles.”

While work still needs to be done, Factorial’s latest electrolyte formula allows for operational temperatures between -22°F and 113°F (-30°C and 45°C). That’s a pretty wide range and would allow solid-state EVs to operate in all but the most extreme climates.

Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Ned Curic, remarked “This breakthrough puts us at the forefront of the solid-state revolution, but we are not stopping there. We continue working together to push the boundaries and deliver even more advanced solutions, bringing us closer to lighter, more efficient batteries that reduce costs for our customers.”

His sentiments were echoed by Factorial Energy CEO Siyu Huang, who said “Battery development is about compromise. While optimizing one feature is simple, balancing high energy density, cycle life, fast charging, and safety in an automotive-sized battery with OEM validation is a breakthrough. This achievement with Stellantis is bringing next-generation battery technology from research to reality.”

The launch of the new Charger Daytona hasn’t exactly gone according to Dodge’s master plan. It seems most buyers are still holding out for the ICE-powered versions. But for those who’ve already taken the plunge and bought the EV, they might want to be extra careful when closing the hood, unless they’re itching for a pricey trip to the service center.

More: This Dodge Charger ICE Prototype Allegedly Sounds Like A Hemi V8

According to Dodge’s official service manual, you can’t just slam the hood like you’re angry at it. No, the automaker suggests owners gently close it. In fact, they specifically warn against pressing or slamming it too hard, acknowledging that doing so could cause some damage. It’s a delicate dance with a car that’s supposedly meant to be tough enough for the masses (even if its price tag is anything but mainstream).

Technician Finds the Issue

Jordan Rose, a certified Mopar technician at Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Virginia, recently shared a video showcasing two Chargers that suffered a similar issue with their hoods. For those who aren’t familiar, Rose has extensive experience with the quirks of early-production models, frequently working with a fleet of Chargers and sharing his findings on YouTube and Instagram.

In one case, the hood, or rather the frunk, of a red Charger wouldn’t open using the dashboard button, though the manual release still worked. Upon inspecting the latch, Rose noticed that it was bent. While he can’t say for certain how it happened, he suspects that the owner may have, perhaps, slammed the hood with a little too much gusto.

After removing the plastic covers and replacing the bent latch with a new one, the repair seemed to go off without a hitch. The button worked perfectly once the muscle car had been put back together.

Potential Problems with a Broken Latch

As highlighted by Mopar Insiders, a misaligned or broken latch is more than just a nuisance. It can leave your hood either stuck in an open position or bouncing around while you’re driving. Not exactly what you want happening in your brand-new car. Fortunately, Dodge has provided clear instructions to help owners avoid such issues.

So, now you know; treat the hood with the care and caution of a fragile antique, and you’ll hopefully avoid the kind of hood mishaps that lead to expensive repairs. If not, well, there’s always the service center waiting.

More: First Wrecked Dodge Charger Daytona EV Surfaces

It’ll be interesting to see if the hood of the ICE Charger Six Pack holds up better to rough handling, given its different design compared to the zero-emission version. More specifically, the gas-powered model features a bulging hood to accommodate the six-cylinder engine underneath and lacks the R-Wing front aero pass-through found on the EV.

Here’s the official guide from the Mopar Service Library on how to properly close the hood of your Charger Daytona:

INSTRUCTIONS

Photos: Jordan Rose YouTube / Dodge

Electric dreams don’t always go according to plan, especially when you’re trying to replace roaring V8s with silent speed. The transition from combustion powertrains to all-electric ones was supposed to be a one-way trip for automakers, the future most agreed was inevitable. But Dodge’s recent experience suggests the road ahead is a lot bumpier than expected.

In fact, the Charger Daytona, which abandoned the ICE powertrains of the previous-gen muscle car, has been underperforming both in tests and, more crucially, in sales.

More: Dodge Sold More Old Challengers And Chargers Than New Daytona EVs In Q1

The situation appears to be so bad that Dodge, which introduced the Charger Daytona EV at the end of last year, is now offering buyers a $6,500 National Retail Consumer Cash rebate, according to Cars Direct, which cites a bulletin sent to dealerships. That’s in stark contrast to what usually happens when a brand new sports car is launched, as dealers are more than eager to slap huge markups on them provided, of course, there is sufficient demand.

However, fans haven’t warmed up to the EV at all, as they still miss the Hemi V8, leaving Dodge with a serious problem on its hands. That challenge is further complicated by reports that the ICE-powered Sixpack could be delayed, as Stellantis has idled the Windsor plant, where it’s set to be built, in response to Trump’s 25% import tariffs.

Even if the Sixpack is launched on time and gets well received by buyers, Dodge still has to sell the electric Daytona as well. Apparently, that’s easier said than done, and its dealers know it all too well as they’ve been offering much bigger discounts on their own way before the brand announced its $6.5k rebate.

More: Dodge Charger Still Thinks It’s 1970 And Racing Ford’s Fastest EV Just Proved It The Hard Way

This started in December 2024, but only last month, we found a 2025 Charger Daytona R/T on sale for $39,945. Since this car stickers at $62,685, that’s a discount of $22,740 – and it’s not the largest we’ve seen. In fact, another example that originally retailed for $61,590 was being offered for $36,932, which is $24,658 below MSRP.

Having sold more old, ICE-powered Chargers and Challengers than electric Charger Daytonas in Q1, Dodge has definitely heard the message buyers are sending loud and clear. Thus it falls to the Sixpack to save the day, which is a tall order indeed. The EV lacks anything but power, so that’s not an issue; the character of its ICE predecessor, however, sure is.

Sticker Shock Doesn’t Help

Beyond the lack of emotional connection, there’s the price tag. The Daytona’s pricing strategy follows the same playbook Dodge used with the Challenger, where upper trims stretched into premium territory. But with the new Charger, the starting price has jumped to $59,595 for the R/T and $73,985 for the Scat Pack. Some well-optioned examples are approaching, or even surpassing, the $100,000 mark in terms of MSRP.

More: New Age Charger Daytona Vs. Old-School Mustang V8 In U-Drag Showdown

At that point, the Daytona isn’t just competing with muscle cars, it’s going head-to-head with more refined and tested performance rides. The Ford Mustang GT starts at $46,560. A BMW 440i Coupe runs about $65K. Even the M4, a benchmark in the segment, starts at $80K. It’s hard to imagine what Stellantis was thinking pricing the Daytona this far north, especially with electric performance still a tough sell.

Can A Hemi Save The Day?

So what can Dodge do? The new platform wasn’t built for a V8, but Stellantis might not have a choice. Recent reports suggest the company is already exploring ways to cram a Hemi into the new Charger’s engine bay, possibly as soon as 2026. Whether that move comes in time to save the brand’s muscle legacy is another question entirely. Here’s hoping it’s not too late.

We all knew this was coming, or at least, we should have. Actually, it already happened once. The all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona only began deliveries earlier this year, but now a second wrecked example has surfaced at auction in Florida. And while it might be repairable, given the lukewarm reception to Dodge’s electric muscle car, we’re not holding our breath for a heroic restoration.

This dark blue Charger Daytona was involved in a wreck with just 1,085 miles (1,746 km) on the clock and is in a very sorry state. We don’t know exactly what happened, but the damage appears to be limited to the driver’s side. In all likelihood, it was either T-boned by another car or perhaps slid sideways into something, but that seems less likely as all four wheels look pristine.

More: First Wrecked Dodge Charger Daytona EV Surfaces

The driver’s door has been caved in from the impact, and the dents extend across part of the rear quarter panel. The impact was also strong enough to trigger the side curtain airbags, which more often than not turns a crash into an insurance write-off. Even though the Charger is almost brand-new, it seems the insurer decided it wasn’t worth repairing, perhaps in part because spare parts could be in short supply and some damage may have been done to the frame.

If the door and rear quarter panel are the only areas of damage, they should be easy enough to replace if anyone wants to be brave and revive this Charger Daytona. The Copart listing notes it’s the flagship Scat Pack model, meaning it has a pair of electric motors with a combined 670 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. These motors are fed by a 100.5 kWh battery pack.

Watch: Dodge Charger Still Thinks It’s 1970 And Racing Ford’s Fastest EV Just Proved It The Hard Way

And then there’s the wildcard option. Somewhere, a Dodge traditionalist is already grinning through a cloud of tire smoke, dreaming of yanking out the EV guts and shoehorning in a good old-fashioned HEMI V8. Would it be completely unnecessary and gloriously chaotic? Absolutely. But if there were ever a platform ripe for an identity crisis, it’s this one. Well, we don’t technically know if it’s possible, but hey, when has that ever stopped someone with a welder, a questionable parts stash, and a dream?

If nobody steps up to repair it, or commit heresy by stuffing a gas engine under the hood, there’s always the fallback plan: part it out. The battery and motors alone could find new life in some future EV project. Then again, given how early we are in this car’s life cycle, even that seems like a stretch. Either way, this Charger Daytona’s next chapter probably won’t look anything like Dodge imagined.

Copart

The idea of two American hallmarks of the automotive industry going all-electric might have sounded like a bad sci-fi subplot just a few decades ago, but here we are, watching it happen in real time. The Mustang Mach-E GT Performance and the Dodge Charger Daytona are taking their rivalry to the track in a U-drag race to determine which EV carries its weight (literally) better.

As a reminder, a U-drag race is exactly what it sounds like. At the end of a quarter-mile conventional drag race, the competitors have to turn around and race back to the start line as fast as they can. Essentially, the test helps us understand acceleration, braking, and handling in one convenient competition.

Read: Stellantis Halts Charger Daytona Production As It Temporarily Cuts 5,400 Jobs And Idles Plants

Our entrants are two of the most controversial American cars this side of a Tesla. First up, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance, which delivers 480 horsepower (357 kW) and 700 lb-ft (948 Nm) of torque. It weighs in at around 4,950 pounds (2,245 kg), making it over 1,000 pounds (453 kg) lighter than its rival.

In the other corner, there’s the Dodge Charger Daytona, weighing in at a hefty 5,974 pounds (2,709 kg). Sure, it’s heavier – by a lot – but it makes up for it with sheer muscle. When the driver hits the special “Powershot” button, the Charger unleashes 670 horsepower (499 kW) and 630 lb-ft (853 Nm) of torque, turning that mass into serious forward momentum.

Numbers vs. Reality

Specs are nice, but we’re here for results. Off the line, the Mustang jumps ahead, its lighter weight helping it put its power down quicker. But it’s short-lived. The Dodge claws back ground almost immediately and overtakes before the first leg is over.

By the end of the quarter-mile, the Dodge is more than a full car length ahead. In the bend at the end, the Mustang is quicker to make the turn, but not quick enough. The Dodge has a large enough lead that it exits the corner ahead and stretches that lead to the finish line.

Round Two: Dodge Power, Ford Control

Race two goes largely the same way, but with one notable change: the Charger struggles during the braking segment and nearly moves into the Mustang’s lane. The consensus is uniform; the Charger is faster, but much more unruly. It feels like an old-school muscle car, says one host.

Of course, that’s not really a good thing in this case. It’s not the performance that we all love about old-school muscle cars, but rather the unwieldy nature that the new Charger mimics. That sounds like it’s in line with other comments we’ve heard about it. Hopefully, we’ll get our first chance to drive one soon.

For now, the Charger wins on speed, but the Mustang makes a case for balance – just not enough of one to cross the line first.

Credit: Edmunds

Turns out Americans still like their muscle cars loud, angry, and slightly outdated. While Dodge is trying to nudge its performance lineup into the electric era, the early numbers show many buyers are in no rush to give up their V8s—or even their V6s. In the first quarter, more people bought the long-discontinued Challengers and Chargers over the shiny new Daytona EV, which says a lot about where Dodge buyers’ heads are.

More: Thousands Of V8 Challengers And Chargers Sitting On Dodge Dealer Lots A Year After Production Ended

From January through March, Dodge sold 1,947 units of the Charger Daytona EV. That might sound decent until you realize they moved 1,052 of the last-generation ICE Charger and 922 Challengers in the same period. Combined, that’s 1,974 old-school muscle cars—just edging out the Daytona EV.

To be fair, that’s two body styles against one, but the comparison still stings considering these vehicles are museum pieces at this point. The Charger traces its roots back to 2005 and the Challenger to 2008, and both were officially discontinued at the end of 2023.

It’s not just that the Charger Daytona EV was outsold by the old duo, it’s also that 1,947 units nationwide in three months works out to just 22 cars per day. Compare that to Ford, which moved 9,377 Mustangs in the same period, even while facing a 32% drop in sales year-over-year. If that’s not painful enough, we’ll remind you that Dodge sold 9,737 Challengers in Q1 2024. That’s more than five times the sales of the new EV this year.

Inventory Hangover

Speaking of discontinued, Dodge is still sitting on a surprising number of 2023 Chargers and Challengers. An inventory check shows 657 Chargers and 691 Challengers still listed for sale across the country. The fact that these cars are still clogging up lots 15 months after production ended suggests that while nostalgia sells, it might not sell fast.

More: Gas Mustang Sales Crash 32% In Q1 But Mach-E And Bronco Are Killing It

Dodge is banking on new additions to the Charger Daytona lineup to help turn things around. The upcoming four-door version, along with new internal combustion variants powered by an inline-six, could give the brand more traction with traditional muscle car buyers. But for now, the numbers aren’t encouraging.

A Disastrous Quarter All Around

Overall, it was a rough quarter for Dodge. The brand’s total sales nosedived from 42,948 units in Q1 2024 to just 21,731 this quarter marking a 49% drop. Every model in the lineup took a hit. The Hornet was down 45%, totaling 4,108 units, while the aging Durango saw a 9% dip, settling at 13,701 units.

DODGE SALE USA Q1 2025

Dodge gave members of the public their first opportunity to see the four-door Charger Daytona last weekend at SpringFest 2025 in Southern California. The automaker has released several images of the car in the past, but this is our first chance to see it up close and painted in a special shade of blue known as Bludicrous.

While the new two-door Charger could be best viewed as a replacement to the Challenger, the four-door is a direct successor to the previous-gen Charger. No, it will not be sold with a V8, and we will have to make do with an electric powertrain or, for those yearning for an ICE, a twin-turbocharged six.

Read: Does The 2025 Dodge Charger Sedan Outmuscle Its Predecessor In Style?

While we don’t mind the shape of the two-door Charger, the doors do look a little too small and the space between the doors and the rear wheels is way too big. Fortunately, the proportions of the four-door Charger Daytona look a little nicer, and this paint color is spectacular. It could look even better with a widebody kit, but we’ll likely have to wait some time for Dodge to launch such a model.

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Customer deliveries for the four-door Charger were initially scheduled to start in Q1 2025, but production has been delayed until May, with the car launching for the 2026 model year.

In addition to showcasing this Bluedicrous Charger, Dodge brought along the black and red two-door model it previewed last week. It is bathed in black with matte black racing stripes with hundreds of small Fratzog logos and red pin stripes. Dodge’s online configurator doesn’t include these stripes, which is a shame, as we think they suit the car nicely and could be popular among shoppers if they were available.

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Well, it was inevitable. The first crashed 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, or at least the first one we know about since customers started getting their hands on them, has made its appearance online. And because the universe has a sense of humor, it’s already up for sale. If you’re one of those people who loves a good gamble and prefers your vehicles with a touch of “character,” this is your lucky day.

More: Someone Already Crashed A 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper After Only 197 Miles

This particular wreck is a 2024 Charger Daytona R/T, which is the base model starting at $59,595, before you start adding options like the $595 Demonic Red seats this one comes with, or deducting the sweet discounts running up to $21,000 some dealers are offering just to move these things off the lot.

Being an R/T, it features a 93.9-kWh nickel-cobalt-aluminum battery powering front and rear motors, delivering up to 496 horsepower and a solid 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.7 seconds.

What Happened to This Daytona?

Photos IAAI

Now, onto the important stuff—the damage. This one didn’t make it past its first 682 miles (just under 1,100 km) before finding its match. From what we can gather, it either had a mild run-in with another car or maybe just collided with a stationary object. Who can really say?

While the front-end damage doesn’t seem catastrophic at first glance, it was enough to trigger the driver’s airbag, which we all know is usually the kiss of death for a car’s viability in the eyes of an insurance company. So, the insurance folks did what they do best and decided to write it off and call it a day.

More: Dodge Charger Rumored To Get Hemi V8 Power In 2026

On the outside, the damage on the electric Dodge seems pretty concentrated at the front: bumper, LED lights, and hood all took a hit. What lies beneath the sheet metal? Well, your guess is as good as ours. It’s entirely possible there’s more hidden damage under the surface, but for the right price, a skilled repair shop or even someone with some mechanical know-how might be able to bring this Charger Daytona back to life.

Feeling Lucky?

If you’re feeling adventurous and willing to take the risk the insurance company wasn’t, this Charger Daytona R/T is now up for auction at IAAI’s Texas division. You can check out the listing here before it hits the block in a few days. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to take on this crashed Daytona and give it a second chance for a price that won’t make you cry.

Photos IAAI

As we enter the era of electric muscle cars, the question on everyone’s mind is: How do we compare them? In the latest U-Drag, we get as close to a direct comparison as you can ask for. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse squares off against the Dodge Charger Daytona in a battle of over 1,100 horsepower. Strap in, it’s about to get interesting.

The Stats: Not Always What They Seem

First, let’s talk about numbers because they can be deceptive or very telling. The Ford Mustang brings 500 horsepower (372 kW) and 418 lb-ft (566 Nm) of torque to the table from its naturally-aspirated, Gen-5 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine. It tips the scales at 4,016 pounds (1,821 kg) and, like any true muscle car, sends all that power to the rear wheels.

Read: Can A $147K Corvette Z06 Beat A $371K Maserati MC20?

On the other side, we have the Charger—a different beast altogether. It’s all-electric and all-wheel drive. It makes 670 horsepower (499 kW) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. That’s a lot more than the Ford but the Dodge also weighs 5,972 pounds (2,708 kg). That’s nearly 33% heavier than the Mustang, which raises an important question: Does all that extra weight come with its own set of challenges?

The Race: Power vs. Handling

In theory, all of that should add up to better acceleration from the Dodge, but better braking and handling from the Ford. On tarmac, the first part of that prediction sure enough proves true. The Dodge rockets away from the Ford and puts a car length or more on it before the braking zone. Then, the Mustang begins to gain ground as the two enter the corner, and that’s where things start to get interesting.

In the past, electric vehicles really struggled toward the top-end of the speedometer. Now, things are different and the Charger uses its brute force to roll away from the corner and keep its lead. In race two, things are mostly the same but the ending is a bit different. Once again, the Charger leads off the line and into the corner.

There, the Mustang begins to pull ahead as it corners harder and exits a bit quicker. In fact, it does so well that it has at least a car-length lead on the Dodge as the two head for home. Sadly for Ford, the Mustang just doesn’t have enough power to get away though.

Close, But Not Quite Enough

The Dodge slowly but surely reels in the pony car and takes this victory 2-0. It’s a tight race, but when it’s all said and done, the Dodge Charger Daytona claims the win. The Mustang, for all its handling prowess, simply doesn’t have the power to hold off its electrified rival. Still, let’s not forget: the Mustang might have lost the race, but it sounds way more exciting doing it, no matter how hard Dodge tries to fake it with its synthetic Fratzonic engine noises.

Credit: Edmunds

One of the best things about owning a V8-powered muscle car is the usually intoxicating exhaust sound. The old Dodge Challenger had a particularly incredible roar on a cold start, and Dodge looks to have tried to replicate the experience with the new all-electric Charger Daytona. Has it done a good job? We’ll let you be the judge of that.

After perusing the net, we’ve found a few videos that nicely capture the “cold start” (more like power-up) of the Charger EV, which can be switched on remotely with the key fob. It uses the controversial Fratzonic ‘exhaust’ to try and replicate the sound of a V8 muscle car.

Watch: Dodge Charger Daytona EV Smokes 797HP Challenger Hellcat Redeye To 60 MPH

Hyundai arguably pioneered the use of fake ICE sounds in high-performance EVs with its widely-praised Ioniq 5 N. Dodge aimed to replicate this with the Fratzonic system, but it hasn’t received the same kind of praise Hyundai’s system has. This is probably because whereas the Ioniq 5 has no ICE predecessor, the Charger Daytona has to somehow fill in the shoes of one of the most beloved muscle cars, which, in recent years, has been sold with burbly V8 engines producing up to 1,025 hp.

Given Dodge’s history of building incredible muscle cars, releasing an EV was always going to cause controversy, and trying to make it sound like a V8 has naturally drawn comparisons with real eight-cylinder behemoths.

Obviously, the Charger Daytona’s “cold start” feature doesn’t sound as good as a V8, certainly not on video. Personally, I don’t think it sounds terrible, and it’s a little more interesting and engaging than having no sound at all. Dodge may not have failed to replicate the thrills of the old Challenger with its new-generation muscle car, but at least it tried to make something appealing for enthusiasts. After all, most EVs on the market feel like refrigerators on wheels and don’t even have the tiniest bit of emotion.

@appleautos This things actually super loud. #dodge #charger #hellcat #hellcatcharger #hellcatchallenger #hellcatredeye #demon #dodgedemon #challengerhellcat #chargerhellcat #supercharged #coldstart #loud #ev #newcar #carguy #cartok #carsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Apple Autos

In case it wasn’t obvious after several years of proof from various automakers, electric cars are seriously quick. All-wheel-drive EVs with gobs of power are understandably even faster. What might surprise some die-hard petrolheads, though, is that Dodge’s new Charger Daytona is quicker than a Challenger Hellcat Redeye.

The new Charger Daytona isn’t getting rave reviews. Whether that’s because of its electric motors, its lack of a V8 option, the inability to do a burnout, pricing, or something else, its welcome was lukewarm at best – and it’s likely why some dealers are offering massive discounts and Dodge itself is leasing it out at low rates.

More: Dodge Charger Daytona Lease Drops To As Low As $249 With $4K Down, 0% APR For 6 Years

What is not up for debate is how fast it is. According to Car And Driver, the Daytona Scat Pack with its 670 horsepower (499 kW) and all-wheel drive system managed to rocket from 0-60 mph (0- 96 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds. When the magazine tested the 797 hp (594 kW) Challenger Hellcat Redeye, which was rear-wheel drive, its best time was 3.8 seconds.

On the flip side, the Charger Daytona wasn’t as agile as a similarly rapid BMW i4 M50. Whereas the German electric sedan had a nicely tuned chassis and suspension, the Charger plowed through corners with “excessive understeer.”

It did manage to out-brake the BMW and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N though. On the skid pad, it matched the Hyundai and was 0.01 off the mark set by the BMW. That mix of skills might not be exactly what everyone wants, but it does make the Charger Daytona appealing to those whose main priority is straight-line acceleration.

In the end, buying a new Dodge Charger Daytona is a quick way to smoke every stock Challenger (and probably Charger) Hellcat you come across, alongside some much more expensive machinery. Having four fat tire patches all gripping and ripping, as well as instantly available torque, is just too much for the old ICE-powered Hell Kitty to handle.