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

Dodge Charger Daytona EV (Dodge)

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.

Dodge’s Charger Daytona EV features a new Fratzonic Exhaust system with simulated V-8 sounds (Dodge)

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.