The Dodge Charger Daytona was bound to be controversial as muscle car fans aren’t exactly known for their eco-friendly mindset. However, it’s the future of performance.
While we’ve already said a lot about the car, we’re focusing on equipment today and taking a closer look at the upcoming R/T and Scat Pack. The former holds entry-level status, but comes nicely equipped with LED headlights, illuminated Fratzog badges, and rain-sensing wipers. They’re joined by acoustic front glass and a distinctive R-Wing aerodynamic pass-through. Rounding out the highlights are a gloss black roof, matching mirror caps, and 18-inch wheels.
Once seated behind the heated steering wheel, drivers will find themselves looking at a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s joined by a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as integrated TomTom navigation.
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Dodge Charger Daytona R/T
Putting screens aside, the Charger Daytona R/T has cloth and leatherette upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and fold-flat rear seats. Buyers will also find LED ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system.
Despite being the entry-level variant, the R/T comes with a host of driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Active Driving Assist, and Active Lane Management. Other standard features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning, and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross Path Alert. The model also has a front, side, and rear ParkSense system with adaptive guidelines.
On the performance front, there’s a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque. However, the PowerShot feature temporarily increases the output to 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS). Dodge says this setup will enable the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds, run the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds, and hit a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h).
The battery pack has a useable capacity of 93.9 kWh and this will give the car a range of 317 miles (510 km). When it becomes low, the battery can go from a 20-80% charge in roughly 28 minutes with a 350 kW DC fast charger. However, those are pretty rare, so don’t be surprised if you’re waiting at most chargers for around 42 minutes.
Powertrain aside, the model has a Fratzonic chambered exhaust as well as a sport-tuned suspension. There’s also a relatively tame braking system with twin-piston floating front calipers.
An assortment of options will be available including a Blacktop Package that adds dark badging and larger 20-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish. The model can also be equipped with a Sun & Sound Package, which adds a glass roof and an 18-speaker Alpine premium audio system.
Customers looking for something more luxurious can opt for the R/T Plus Group, which adds a frunk, 20-inch wheels, and premium LED lighting units. The package also includes illuminated door handles, digital key technology, a power liftgate, and an upgraded alarm with an intrusion sensor.
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That’s just the tip of the iceberg as the Plus Group adds leatherette front seats with heating, ventilation, and eight-way power adjustment. They’re joined by a larger 16-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charger. Other highlights include extended lighting, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera system, and Blind Spot View.
Scat Pack Offers More Performance And Equipment
The Charger Daytona Scat Pack is similar, but it rides on 20-inch wheels featuring a Satin Carbon finish. Buyers will also find the aforementioned 16-inch digital instrument cluster included at no extra cost.
Bigger changes can be found on the performance front as the Scat Pack has Launch Control and Line Lock functions as well as a Race Prep Mode, which conditions the battery for drag racing or track driving. The model also has six-piston Brembo front brakes and a “high-performance” suspension with unique springs and shocks. They’re joined by unique Donut, Drag, Drift, and Track modes, which are on top of the standard Auto, Eco, Sport, Wet-Snow, and Valet settings.
Sticking with the performance theme, there’s an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 630 hp (470 kW / 639 PS) and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque. PowerShot boosts the former figure to 670 hp (500 kW / 679 PS).
Those are impressive numbers and they should enable the car to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.3 seconds and run the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds. However, the model has a slightly lower top speed of 134 mph (216 km/h) and a reduced range of 260 miles (418 km).
Enthusiasts will want to opt for the Track Package, which adds a beefier braking system, adaptive dampening, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires. The package also includes suede and leatherette front seats with 12-way power adjustment as well as heating and ventilation. Other niceties include a gloss black rear spoiler and a drive experience recorder with track mapping.
If looks are more important, the Carbon & Suede Package adds carbon fiber mirror caps, dark badging, and 20-inch wheels with a Luster finish. Inside, there are leather and suede seats with heating and ventilation. They’re joined by a suede headliner and carbon fiber appliqués.
Dodge customers can also get a Scat Pack Plus Group, which largely echoes the one offered on the R/T. It includes a frunk, digital key technology, and premium lighting. Other highlights include 12-way power leather front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, and a wireless smartphone charger.
Production is slated to begin in mid-2024 and we can expect to learn pricing closer to launch.