2027 Dodge Charger Daytona
The automotive world is buzzing, and much of that noise centers around the rebirth of an icon: the Dodge Charger.
While whispers might circulate about a far-off 2027 Dodge Charger Daytona, the reality-hitting showrooms now and very shortly are arguably even more revolutionary.
We’re talking about the next-generation Dodge Charger, a machine that dares to redefine American muscle for an electrified era alongside a potent gasoline counterpart.
Forget crystal balls; let’s dive into what the first Dodge Charger Daytona reviews and previews are telling us about this bold new chapter.
The Shock and Awe: Electric Muscle Debuts
The headline act is undoubtedly the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV. Available initially in Charger Daytona R/T and the more potent Charger Daytona Scat Pack trims, this isn’t just Dodge dipping a toe into electrification; it’s a cannonball splash.
Built on the advanced STLA Large platform – a flexible architecture designed for battery-electric vehicles (BEV) but adaptable for internal combustion – the Daytona aims to prove that electric muscle car isn’t an oxymoron.
Early Dodge Charger Daytona reviews confirm Dodge hasn’t skimped on performance. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup delivers staggering numbers, especially in the Charger Daytona Scat Pack. Outfitted with its standard Direct Connection Stage 2 kit for the launch year, it unleashes a formidable 670 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of instant torque.
Testers are verifying Dodge’s claims, clocking 0-60 mph times as low as 3.3 seconds. That’s quicker than the legendary outgoing Hellcat, silencing many skeptics about EV acceleration.
The Charger Daytona R/T, with its standard Stage 1 kit, offers a still-potent 496 horsepower and 404 lb-ft, achieving 60 mph in an estimated respectable 4.7-4.9 seconds.
However, reviews consistently highlight the car’s weight, tipping the scales at nearly 5,900 pounds. This height impacts handling dynamics.
While the low center of gravity (thanks to the underfloor battery) and AWD provide stability, testers describe the driving experience as less like a traditional nimble muscle car and more like a powerful grand tourer.
Expect blistering straight-line speed and a surprisingly compliant, comfortable ride (especially with optional adaptive dampers), but anticipate significant understeer when pushed hard in corners.
As some reviewers note, it drives “big,” making it a fantastic cruiser but perhaps not the canyon carver some purists hoped for.
Sound and Fury: The Fratzonic Question
Perhaps the most debated feature in Dodge Charger Daytona reviews is the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust.
This system uses external speakers and resonators to create an artificial engine sound, aiming to replicate the auditory drama of its V8 predecessors.
Does it work? The jury is decidedly split. Some find it an innovative way to provide driver feedback and maintain the muscle car character, noting its impressive volume (up to 126 dB, matching the Hellcat) and the palpable bass rumble it generates.
Others dismiss it as contrived, artificial, or even annoying during steady cruising, comparing the sound unfavorably to a genuine V8 or muffled power tools. Dodge can turn the system off entirely for silent Dodge EV operation.
Living with Electric Muscle: Range, Charging, and Interior
Practicality is crucial, even for a muscle car. The Charger Daytona R/T boasts an EPA-estimated range of up to 317 miles from its 100.5 kWh (usable) battery pack, a solid figure for the class.
Due to its power output, the higher-performance Charger Daytona Scat Pack sees that number drop to a still-usable 260 miles. Both utilize a 400-volt architecture.
When hooked to a 350 kW DC fast charger, Dodge claims a 20-80% charge in under 30 minutes, adding roughly 8-10 miles of range per minute of charging under ideal conditions.
Inside, the next-generation Dodge Charger receives praise for its spaciousness and modern tech. The interior features large digital displays (a standard 10.3-inch or optional 16.0-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen), quality materials like available Alcantara, and comfortable seating.
The liftback design, reminiscent of early Chargers, creates impressive cargo space, significantly more than the outgoing model, especially with flat rear seats. Reviewers note that the interior feels well-made and quite plush, contributing to its grand tourer credentials.
The Hurricane Arrives: Enter the Charger Sixpack
For those not ready to make the electric leap, Dodge is launching the 2025 Dodge Charger Sixpack. Arriving later in 2025, these models ditch the batteries and motors for Stellantis’s potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane engine.
This inline-six marks a significant shift from the beloved HEMI V8s but promises comparable or superior performance.
The Charger Sixpack S.O. (Standard Output) will produce 420 horsepower, exceeding the output of the old 5.7-liter HEMI V8.
Stepping up, the Charger Sixpack H.O. (High Output) is tuned to deliver a thrilling 550 horsepower, outmuscling the previous 6.4-liter Scat Pack V8.
Torque figures are expected to be equally impressive (around 469 lb-ft for the S.O. and 521 lb-ft for the H.O., based on Ram applications).
These Hurricane engine models will feature all-wheel drive and are expected to offer two- and four-door configurations, broadening the next-generation Dodge Charger’s appeal.
Early reviews based on the engine in other Stellantis products suggest smooth power delivery and immense tuning potential.
The New Muscle Value Proposition?
The future of muscle doesn’t come cheap, but Dodge aims to remain competitive. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T starts at an MSRP of around $58,000-$60,000, while the Charger Daytona Scat Pack commands a starting price closer to $65,000-$73,000 before potential tax credits (which, if leased, could bring significant savings).
Pricing for the 2025 Dodge Charger Sixpack is anticipated to start potentially lower, perhaps around the $40,000-$45,000 mark for the Standard Output, making the Hurricane engine variants an attractive alternative.
So, what’s the early verdict from Dodge Charger Daytona reviews? It’s a complex picture. The EV variants are fast, surprisingly comfortable, spacious, and packed with tech.
They represent a bold, necessary step into the future for Dodge. However, their immense weight and the controversial Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust mean they redefine, rather than perfectly replicate, the traditional muscle car feel.
They excel as powerful, stylish grand tourers. The upcoming Charger Sixpack promises a more conventional, albeit V8-less, experience with impressive Hurricane engine power.
Ultimately, the next-generation Dodge Charger is a landmark vehicle in both Daytona EV and Sixpack forms.
It preserves the Charger’s menacing presence and performance pedigree while adapting to a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
It may not please every diehard traditionalist, but initial reviews suggest Dodge has crafted a compelling, powerful, and surprisingly practical machine ready to carve out its legacy.
Whether you choose electrons or gasoline, the Charger story is far from over; it’s just entering its electrifying (or hurricane-powered) next chapter.
