Charger EV Misses Out on Fake Shifting Feature, and It Could Be a Letdown

Dodge has rolled out extensive details about the innovative “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” system featured in the new Charger Daytona EV. Along with this announcement, they’ve released a video showcasing the car’s dynamic capabilities, including donuts and acceleration maneuvers, accompanied by the generated sound.

The Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust is designed with a custom housing positioned in the Charger EV’s rear lower fascia and is paired with a powerful amplifier that generates up to 600 watts. This system, like other performance-oriented EV sound technologies, adjusts its auditory output based on inputs such as driving behavior and vehicle status.

In particular, the Fratzonic system reacts to acceleration, deceleration, and engine activation/deactivation. It allows for simulated engine revving and idling, mimicking the auditory experience of a conventional gasoline engine. The “PowerShot” function, which increases horsepower by 40 for up to 15 seconds at the press of a button, produces a distinctive sound. A Dodge-released video demonstrates a Charger Daytona Scat Pack accelerating past a camera and performing a smoky burnout, followed by a simulated idling noise that emulates a V-8 engine, although the sounds are artificial.

Interestingly, the Charger EV does not feature simulated gear shifts. Despite the growing trend among performance EVs—such as Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N, which incorporates simulated gear changes to enhance driving engagement—Dodge has confirmed that their Charger lacks this feature. Consequently, while the Charger EV replicates a V-8 sound, it does not offer the experience of gear shifting or hitting a “redline,” which might detract from its general driving excitement.