Dodge has just announced the pricing for its much-discussed Charger Daytona EV, with production set to start soon. Enthusiasts of traditional muscle cars might be disheartened by the news. The base model, the 2024 Charger Daytona R/T, will be priced at $61,950, while the Scat Pack version will come in at $75,185.
The Charger Daytona R/T will be equipped with the “Direct Connection Stage 1 Upgrade Package” from the outset, delivering 496 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque through its front and rear electric motors. Meanwhile, the Scat Pack will feature the “Stage 2” package, providing a more robust 670 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
Leasing either trim will qualify for a $7,500 tax credit, though it’s unclear if purchasing the Charger Daytona will offer any similar benefit, as it may not meet Federal criteria for a full credit.
Both Charger Daytona versions are pricier compared to their gasoline-powered predecessors. The 2023 Challenger R/T was priced at $43,245, and the R/T Scat Pack at $50,860, while the last Challenger Hellcat, the SRT Hellcat Jailbreak, started at $72,890.
The new Charger Daytona models feature advanced technology and increased power over their gas counterparts. However, comparing the new R/T to the old Scat Pack, and the new Scat Pack to the former Hellcat, reveals that the new EVs are substantially more costly.
Given that both Charger Daytona models come with a Direct Connection upgrade package, it raises the possibility of cheaper, lower-powered variants being offered later. The Scat Pack also includes a standard “Track Package” with Brembo brakes, adaptive dampers, enhanced seats, and a video data logger for performance tracking.
Additional options include the $4,995 Plus Group, which adds premium interior features, a 360-degree camera, a power rear liftgate, and larger wheels for the R/T. The Sun and Sound Package, priced at $2,495, offers a glass roof and an Alpine sound system, with specific packages available for the R/T and Scat Pack models.
Production for the two-door Charger Daytona is about to begin, with the four-door versions expected in the first half of next year. The gasoline-powered Charger with Stellantis’ new twin-turbo straight-six engine will commence production in the latter half of 2025.
Dodge faces remarkable challenges with this transition, as evidenced by the reactions on social media. Many muscle car fans are resistant to the shift to EVs, and the steep prices of the new Charger Daytona models compared to their predecessors are unlikely to ease these concerns.