When we think of a vehicle having versatility, we normally mean that it performs exceptionally on various terrain, or it offers a variety of tech features. We rarely mean that a vehicle arrives boasting different engines, door configurations, and both electric and gas-powered architectures. But that’s exactly what Dodge is proposing with its relaunched Charger line.
The eighth-generation Charger was revealed this week, having traded out its old Hemi V-8’s and superchargers for electric motors and all-wheel drive performance. But Dodge’s ambitions stretch beyond that, with plans to introduce a gas powertrain, four-door option, and more to the Charger in 2025. In other words, don’t call the legendary muscle car dead; call it evolved.
Muscle Memory
The Charger has spent the past year in a transitional stage. When the seventh generation ended in 2023, it took the Hemi V-8 with it. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long to see what the next wave would look like, as three next-generation Chargers are primed to be released over the next two years. Let’s explore all three, starting with the Charger Daytona – the moniker all electric powertrain Chargers will use moving forward.
Dodge Charger Daytona (Late 2024)
The first of the revamped Chargers is an EV that is expected to become available later in 2024. The Daytona was first revealed back in the summer of 2022 as a concept. To our pleasant surprise, the production model is extremely faithful to the concept we were shown over 18 months ago. Now, the first-ever EV muscle car is ready to do work.
The Charger Daytona will come in both R/T and Scat Pack trims. Both trims feature a 400-volt architecture and a battery with 93.9 kWh of capacity. With an electric motor on both the front and rear axles, the Charger Daytona will debut with standard all-wheel drive. The coupe-like two-door Daytona will be the first available, with four-door alternatives to follow next year.
Dodge Charger Banshee (2025)
The Banshee is a high-performance variant of the Daytona, set to arrive sometime in 2025. If you were wondering what happened to some of the Daytona’s more eye-opening equipment from its initial concept, Dodge was saving it for their top-spec performance model. Upping the 400-volt Daytona, the Banshee will feature 800-volt architecture and two-speed transmission.
In many ways, the Banshee is the resurrected, electrified version of the Hellcat. Now that the Hellcat has been retired along with its Hemi V-8, the Banshee can showcase what a high-performance, electric muscle car is capable of. The Daytona may be the first-ever EV muscle car, but the Banshee will be the first to take flight.
Dodge Charger Sixpack (2025)
The Charger is exclusively electric in year one with the Daytona, but it won’t remain that way for long. Dodge is set to reintroduce its gas powertrains to the new Charger lineup in 2025, starting with the Charger Sixpack. This time around, they’ll be powered by Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engines. Already used with Jeep vehicles such as the Wagoneer, the two engines produce either 420 or 550 horsepower. The Sixpack will be available with both two and four doors.
Ready, Set, Charge!
Here at Northpointe Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new-look Charger and its forthcoming array of variants. In the meantime, there’s always something new to explore on our lot. Check out our extensive inventory of new and used vehicles, such as the timeless Jeep Grand Cherokee or the super-powered Ram 3500.
While there’s always a chance the Charger might be biting off more than it can chew, we can’t fault it for trying to do too much. After all, we’re built the exact same way here at Northpointe, the most daring – and most trusted – dealership in Seneca.
Connect with us
