It’s true that ICE muscle cars have become increasingly rare in the last year or so. Chevrolet has put the Camaro on pause indefinitely, alluding to a return someday after discontinuing the sixth-gen model in December 2023—though GM still offers the V8-powered Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. That’s also when Dodge stopped building fossil-fueled Chargers and Challengers, with the latter now out of the lineup altogether. Ford claims the Mustang will keep its V8 until it’s illegal.
Although the same can’t be said of the Charger and the Hemi that died with the car’s last generation, the Hurricane I6 is still plenty mighty. Standard output (S.O.) models will make 420 horsepower, while high output (H.O.) versions crank that up to 550 hp—more than any naturally aspirated V8 in the Charger’s history could manage. It does this with only 3.0 liters of displacement thanks to twin turbos, which make a lot of boost; in the H.O. Ram 1500, they produce 28 psi.
Dodge’s New EV Muscle Car with Iconic Exhaust Sound
Dodge is also moving forward with the electric Charger Daytona, aiming to satisfy EV and muscle car enthusiasts alike. The Daytona EV features a unique “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” that mimics the powerful sound of a V8 engine despite the car’s electric drivetrain. This innovative design produces an exhaust sound of up to 126 decibels, maintaining the thrill of traditional muscle cars even as Dodge shifts to more sustainable options.
In all, Dodge’s rollout of the forthcoming Charger has seemed frantic on the outside. It’s seemingly doing everything possible to get them on the road, though apparent obstacles keep popping up. Originally, production of the Charger Daytona EV was planned to start in June, but Dodge has pushed it back, and it’s now expected to roll out by late 2024 for the two-door model, with the four-door version to follow in early 2025. At least the more traditional gas Charger shouldn’t be far behind by the sounds of it.
Production Challenges for the New Dodge Charger
Dodge’s rollout of the forthcoming Charger has been marked by several challenges. While the company initially planned to begin production of the Charger Daytona EV in June, delays have pushed the timeline back, with progress continuing through November. However, Dodge assures that the gas-powered Charger variant is not far behind. By navigating these obstacles, Dodge aims to bring both EV and traditional gas models to market soon, maintaining options for fans of both types of engines.
New Era of Muscle Cars with Advanced Technology
Dodge’s latest lineup represents a new era where muscle car performance is complemented by advanced engineering. As the company leans into innovative engines like the Hurricane I6, it combines powerful output with efficient technology, responding to modern demands without compromising on thrill. This launch signals Dodge’s intent to balance tradition with progress, catering to enthusiasts who seek both power and the latest advancements in automotive tech.
