One of the most anticipated new EVs made its debut on the streets of Chicago this morning as Dodge brand CEO Matt McAlear took to the stage with a pre-production prototype of the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack Stage 2.
Before we go too far, I want to lower your expectations — I didn't get to drive the Daytona Charger EV. No media was present at the Chicago addition to the national Drive Electric Week, in fact, because the slung silver stunner was Dodge CEO Matt McAlear's personal DD, we were told, and had to, “bring it back to Detroit in one piece.”
Despite that, we were able to crawl all over the new-era electric Daytona while McAlear gave us a presentation and Q&A session, and I have to say that the fit and finish of the car – even in pre-production specs – seems to be a step or two above that of a Mopar coupe. the last one (a 2011 Challenger in “Kowalski” white) that I spent any real time on.
I also have to say, from a holistic perspective, that the Dodge Charger Daytona EV's Fratzonic 'Exhaust' didn't elicit the reaction I was hoping for.
“That's stupid,” said the man to my right, a former Ford electrical engineer who worked on the Maverick and Mach-E teams. “But it brings a smile to my face.” McAlear put the Fratzonic into “drag mode,” and revved it up again. “That—I don't want to love you. But I love it.”
On the left, a smart, successful, attractive woman couldn't hold back her laughter. “It's a boy thing, for sure.”
My notes (jokingly) read, “You can turn the exhaust volume up to 11 so everyone on your block knows that special guy has a new car.”
Still, I found myself smiling at the vaguely PS2-ish sound quality. I have fond memories of playing GranTurismo in the dorms of the USAF Tech School, and the Dodge always sounded like digitally rebuilt big block V8s. I won't even post my car video (shot on iPhone 15), because online videos just don't do it justice.
Fake exhaust, real car
As Matt McAlear spoke disparagingly about last year's “value-driven” Dodge lineup that sold Neons and Caravans and Journeys for $19,995, he waxed poetic about Dodge and the muscle fraternity, calling out scat packs, Hellcats, and Demons, he said that. Dodge was right about being “that crazy cousin you're not sure you want to invite over Thanksgiving.” Dodge's CEO insists they're fine with that vibe. They are free there, there are people who “don't care what others think of them.”
Ignoring both the fact that your uncle is racist is possible again good with that vibe, and the fact that today's Dodge dealers probably would love a seven-passenger crossover that can sell for less than $25,000 out the door, the Daytona Charger EV Scat Pack 2 delivers incredible value for its asking price.
First, there is a lot of space in that thing. The dimensions scream “muscle car” but once you realize how big those tires and wheels are, you'll believe me when I tell you there's room for five real people in this thing.
There is also all-wheel drive. Often seen as a must-have here in Chicago, it turns the Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack Stage 2 into a car that will be seen as a potential DD, not “just” a fair-weather companion. With 670 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque available at 0 rpm, that AWD helps deliver straight-line performance and all-weather safety, too.
Add in the fact that the car qualifies for up to $7500 in lease assistance from Stellantis (and up to an additional $7500 from ComEd, if any municipal or state police fleet managers are reading this) make it fast, clean, and affordable. there's a supercharged V8 in the near future … too thatas they say, progress!
Electrek's Take
The new Charger Daytona certainly looks the part of a modern muscle car, and it's no doubt faster and more capable than any of the classic Mopars from the 60s and 70s. That said, Dodge seems to be a brand that is more likely to appeal to the type of car enthusiast who looks back to the “imagined era” of performance cars from days gone by, not the type that looks to the future.
A good time to work is now. And it's very quiet.
CONTENT ORIGINALLY FROM ELECTREK.
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