A Bold New Chapter
Dodge has pulled the covers off the 2026 Charger Daytona at the SoCal Spring Fest 2025, cementing its claim as the “world’s first electric muscle car” with a stunning four-door sedan variant. First showcased as a pre-production model in a vibrant “Bludicrous” blue, this all-electric beast builds on the 2024–2025 models’ legacy, blending raw power, futuristic design, and nostalgic swagger. Priced from an estimated $62,000, with production starting May 26, 2025, at the Windsor Assembly Plant, the Daytona is poised to redefine muscle car performance. Enthusiasts on X are raving, with many calling it a worthy successor to Dodge’s V8 icons despite its electric heart.
Power and Performance
The 2026 Charger Daytona retains its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, powered by a 100.5 kWh battery. The R/T trim delivers 496 horsepower, while the Scat Pack unleashes 670 horsepower, achieving 0–60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. A new “line lock” feature, arriving in 2026, will enable standing burnouts, addressing a key muscle car critique. The Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, a synthetic V8-like growl, continues to polarize—some love its nod to tradition, while others, like reviewer Marques Brownlee, disable it for its constant drone. Range estimates are 308 miles for the R/T and 260 miles for the Scat Pack, with 183 kW fast charging (20–80% in ~24 minutes).
Design and Customization
The Daytona’s design screams muscle car heritage, with a wide stance, retro-inspired Fratzog logo, and sleek LED lighting. The four-door sedan, debuting alongside the two-door coupe, offers practicality without sacrificing style, boasting 4 inches more rear knee room than the outgoing Challenger. At Spring Fest, Dodge showcased matte black Fratzog dual stripes with red trim, a customizable option for glass or steel roofs. New colors like Bludicrous join the palette, and the optional $4,995 frunk package adds utility, though some X users question its cost. The 48/52 weight distribution and 5,838-pound curb weight ensure confident handling, though tight corners remain a challenge.
Key Specifications
| Key Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery | 100.5 kWh, Nickel Cobalt Aluminum |
| Power | 496 hp (R/T), 670 hp (Scat Pack) |
| 0–60 mph | 3.3 seconds (Scat Pack) |
| Range (EPA Est.) | 308 miles (R/T), 260 miles (Scat Pack) |
| Charging | 183 kW (20–80% in ~24 min) |
| Weight | 5,838 lbs |
| Starting Price (Est.) | ~$62,000 (R/T), ~$75,000 (Scat Pack) |
Tech and Features
The Daytona’s interior merges retro vibes with modern tech, featuring a burly center-console shifter and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Dodge’s Virtual Experience for customization. Drive modes (Road, Sport, Drift, Donut, Wet/Snow) optimize performance, with Drift Mode enabling rear-wheel-drive antics. Standard all-wheel drive and cornering ABS enhance traction, while the upcoming solid-state battery upgrade for 2026 promises better range and charging speeds. However, the lack of a federal $7,500 EV tax credit has prompted Dodge to offer up to $12,500 in discounts, dropping the R/T to as low as $49,090 in some regions.
Market Challenges and Outlook
Despite its 670-hp Scat Pack outmuscling the 707-hp Hellcat, the Daytona faces skepticism from purists, with only 2,115 units sold in Q1 2025. Critics argue its 400-volt architecture and 216–241-mile range (Scat Pack on summer tires) lag behind 800-volt EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dodge’s response includes a gas-powered Charger Sixpack with a 550-hp Hurricane inline-six, set for summer 2025, and a 900-hp SRT Banshee planned for 2026., Test drives at dealerships are open visit dodge.com to book yours and see if the Daytona’s electric muscle lives up to the hype