DODGE says it’s taking an enormous step ahead on its efficiency model’s street to an electrified future, revealing the Charger Daytona SRT this week – a fully-electric idea mannequin the US car-maker says will “shatter conceptions” of what a battery-electric automobile could be.
The 2-door carry again coupe was revealed as a part of the group’s Dodge Velocity Week occasion in Detroit alongside the Hornet PHEV and Final Name V8-powered Charger and Problem fashions.
Dodge stated the mannequin will supply an electrical automobile expertise not like every other, and guarantees an industry-first ‘EV exhaust’ system to ship sound it says is equal in quantity to its Hellcat powered fashions – that’s 126dB!
Utilising what Dodge calls a “fratzonic chambered exhaust”, the Charger Daytona SRT Idea voices a generated sound that’s expelled by way of an amplifier and tuning chamber positioned on the rear of the automobile. Dodge says the sound represents a “tactile, bone-shaking, muscle perspective, making a visceral ‘Darkish Matter’ sound profile expertise in live performance with the eRupt transmission”.
The eRupt transmission is a multi-speed unit with electro-mechanical shifting that guarantees to ship “distinctive shift factors” that may “throw the drivers shoulders into the seatbacks in true Dodge model”.
The idea additionally boasts a PowerShot push-to-pass function which is activated by the push of a button on the steering wheel.
Dodge has but to launch specs on the idea mannequin’s powertrain, however guarantees the “Banshee” unit will supply comparable energy to its high-horsepower HEMI V8s, however with an 800-volt electrical system and normal all-wheel drive that may make its first electrical automobile “sooner than a Hellcat in all key efficiency measures”.
Stylistically, the Charger Daytona SRT Idea is certainly harking back to its predecessor. It brings an in depth variety of Dodge heritage cues to the fore whereas additionally “exceeding aerodynamic targets,” stated Dodge.
The automotive’s patented R-Wing redefines the everyday Dodge front-end, sustaining the characteristically blunt nostril whereas reaching the required aerodynamic properties wanted to increase the mannequin’s freeway cruising vary.
Dodge says the R-Wing is an homage to the unique Charger Daytona and is integrated as a part of the idea mannequin’s aerodynamically practical bonnet. Together with carbon-fibre intakes tucked into the edges of the entrance and rear decrease fascias, the design helps the automotive to create an “air curtain” that bolsters its aerodynamic efficiency.
The grille is illuminated with cross-car lighting centred with a white illuminated Fratzog badge – which initially featured on Dodge muscle automobiles from 1962 by to 1976. Dodge says the return of the Fratzog motif will signify its electrified efficiency future.
With components of the ’68 Charger in its grille slats and “Greys of Thunder” paint scheme, the idea mannequin is about as NASCAR because it will get. The mannequin’s headlights nearly disguise beneath the R-wing whereas the flush door handles proceed a minimalist design Dodge stated is all about “avoiding extra ornament”.
Brushed aluminium “screaming” Banshee fender badges announce the brand new propulsion system that drives the idea whereas painted-pocket 21-inch wheels with diamond minimize faces that “contribute to aerodynamic efficiencies,” grace the SRT. Gray six-pot calipers present the automotive with ample stopping energy.
Inside, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Idea is “trendy, light-weight and athletic”, says Dodge with a driver-centric cockpit, 12.3-inch centre display screen, 16.0-inch curved instrument cluster and an eight- by three-inch color head-up show. The automotive additionally options Angle Adjustment Lighting to “improve shadows and highlights”.
There’s extra ’68 Charger inspiration within the grille element on the dashboard, the pistol-grip gearshift and within the parametric texture that options all through the cabin. The patterned function “provides fluidity” to the door appliques, beneath the console and throughout the armrests and rear console, Dodge says.
Circuit-like graphics that originate on the carbon-fibre ground are strategically positioned to encompass occupants, flowing beneath the seats, shifting to the centre console and IP, and coming again to the motive force, in a refined element Dodge says acts as a circuit board, connecting one to a different.
And in a closing nod to the mannequin’s BEV driveline, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Idea includes a lightning bolt throttle pedal.
“The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Idea exists as a result of efficiency made us do it,” stated Mr Kuniskis.
“Dodge is about muscle, perspective and efficiency, and the model carries that chip on its shoulder and into the BEV phase by an idea loaded with patents, improvements, and efficiency options that embody the electrified muscle of tomorrow.
“The Charger Daytona SRT Idea can do greater than run the automotive present circuit; it may run a blazing quarter mile; and in the case of product cycles, it outruns Darwin. Charger Daytona does greater than outline the place Dodge is headed, it would redefine American muscle within the course of.
“At some point in the past, the model’s first-ever electrified efficiency automobile was unveiled, the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet. As we speak, we revealed a peek at our eMuscle future with the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Idea. Once we stated it was going to be an electrical summer time for Dodge, we meant it.”
