Electrified muscle: Dodge reveals Charger Daytona SRT Concept

Dodge is joining the fold and is giving its fans a preview of what an electrified muscle car looks like.

The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept, according to the Michigan-based automotive brand, is “a perception-shattering concept that reimagines what a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) can be.” The vehicle, though no longer relying on an internal combustion engine, still “drives like a Dodge, looks like a Dodge, and sounds like Dodge.”

The two-door concept car was unveiled at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, during the third day of the three-day Dodge Speed Week event series, which featured announcements and reveals of Dodge performance products.

Based on the photos from Dodge, the concept vehicle sports a modern exterior styling that incorporates subtle heritage cues of the brand while also exceeding aerodynamic targets.

At the fore is Dodge’s patent-pending R-Wing, which pays homage to the original Charger Daytona design and to a key figure behind the development of the original vehicle. The functional performance hood allows air to flow through the front opening, enhancing downforce.

Carbon-fiber intakes tucked into both sides of the front and rear lower fascias provide an air curtain to assist in aerodynamic performance.

Also found and the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept’s front end is the white illuminated Fratzog badge, which also makes its front grille stand out. The three-pointed Fratzog badge, originally featured on Dodge muscle cars from 1962 through 1976, was previously used without any meaning or context — until now.

 the American automobile brand said that the return of the Fratzog logo, teased by Dodge in 2021, represents the electrified future of the brand and signifies Dodge’s unwavering commitment to its performance heritage, but with new technology capable of pushing limits well beyond the cars of today.

The Fratzog badge can also be seen on the car’s front and rear lights, as well as on the center lock of its painted-pocket 21-inch wheels with diamond-cut faces.

Other notable design features include muscular wheel fenders, its brushed aluminum “screaming” Banshee fender badges, and sporty six-piston Brembo brakes.

Inside, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept boasts a modern, lightweight, and athletic interior that provides a driver-centric cockpit with all essentials cohesively packaged.

At the center is the 12.3-inch center screen — the largest featured in a Dodge vehicle. The infotainment system is paired with a 16-inch curved instrument cluster and an eight-by-three-inch head-up display (HUD).

Dodge’s electrified muscle car comes with a new steering wheel with a thinner feel, and a flat top and bottom. The center spoke of the steering wheel is not connected to the rim, giving it a floating feel. Paddle shifters are mounted on each side with the PowerShot button on the right and drive mode controls on the left. The steering wheel features capacitive touch controls as well as an illuminated red SRT logo that lights up the steering wheel center.

As for the seats, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept comes with slim, lightweight, and race-inspired ones that also feature an abstract, perforated pattern of the Fratzog logo.

The vehicle's other noteworthy interior appointments include the panoramic glass roof, the race-inspired and lightweight carbon-fiber “tub” floor and hatch, and the unique pistol-grip shifter.

A unique lightning bolt shape on the accelerator pedal hints at the concept’s electrified powertrain, as does the dual Blue Plasma and Silver stitching that surrounds the entire interior. Carbon fiber door sills feature illuminated white Daytona lettering, with lighted Daytona lettering also found at the top right of the mid-bezel.

Speaking of powertrains, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept is powered by a new propulsion technology dubbed as the Banshee. The 800-volt propulsion system gives Dodge’s first electric muscle car speed faster than a Hellcat. It is mated to Dodge’s patent-pending eRupt multi-speed transmission with electro-mechanical shifting.

Dodge also endows the electrified muscle car with standard all-wheel-drive as well as the aforementioned PowerShot system. The latter delivers an adrenaline jolt of increased horsepower for a quick burst of acceleration, all with a push of a button.

To appease the driver’s senses, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept also comes with the patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system. Despite having an electric powertrain, the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept still hums like its gasoline-powered brothers.

An exhaust on an electric vehicle?

For Dodge, it’s a yes. The Stellantis-owned brand said that the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust represents the next generation of tactile, bone-shaking, muscle attitude, creating a visceral “Dark Matter” sound profile experience in concert with the eRupt transmission.

“Dodge is about muscle, attitude and performance, and the brand carries that chip on its shoulder and into the BEV segment through a concept loaded with patents, innovations, and performance features that embody the electrified muscle of tomorrow. The Charger Daytona SRT Concept can do more than run the car show circuit; it can run a blazing quarter-mile. And when it comes to product cycles, it outruns Darwin. Charger Daytona does more than define where Dodge is headed, it will redefine American muscle in the process,” said Dodge Chief Executive Officer Tim Kuniskis.

Photos from Dodge

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