While the V8-powered Dodge Charger and Challenger are on the way out, the brand’s new Charger Daytona SRT Concept shows there’s life left for muscle cars.
Plus, it’s the world’s first electric car with an exhaust system. Seriously.
The system uses an amplifier to turn the whine of an electric motor from a dull background noise to something unmissable.
It also uses a special tuning chamber to make it sound deeper, with Dodge describing the noise as ‘Dark Matter’.
READ MORE: Dodge is revealing the last Charger and Challenger models in the strangest way possible
Dodge is calling the industry-first a ‘Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust’.
It claims it will produce a sound as loud as 126dB – that’s louder than a rock concert.
That’s also as loud as a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, making it befittingly loud for one of the brand’s muscle cars.
Certainly, it sounds very deep and ominous when idling.
But the sound it makes when it revs has been described as fake by some.
Have a listen to it below:
What else is special about the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept?
Unlike the outgoing four-door Charger sedan, this concept is a two-door coupe like the original.
It maintains the super boxy appearance of the original charger at the front end with its menacing square grille.
However, with this being electric, it’s not actually a grille.
It’s actually a massive front wing to help keep it glued to the ground the faster it goes.
In tune with the electric ‘exhaust’, it also claims to feature a multi-speed transmission.
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Called ‘eRupt’, the system simulates the feel of shifting through the gears in a traditional gas-powered car to make it more engaging.
Inside, there’s a special cap you have to lift to get to the starter button just like in a jet fighter.
It also features a shifter inspired by the old-school ‘pistol grip’ ones fitted to many classic muscle cars.
It’s also worth mentioning that this concept sees the return of the ‘Fratzog’ logo.
Originally used on Dodge’s muscle cars from 1962 to 1976, the logo is being brought back as an integral part of Dodge’s transition to making electric performance cars.
The only thing Dodge hasn’t alluded to, however, is just how much power it makes.
But with 800-volt architecture and all-wheel drive, there’s no doubt it’ll be pretty quick.
Is it going into production?
Currently, there’s no official word from Dodge on whether the Charger Daytona SRT Concept will make it to production.
However, an electric muscle car is part of the brand’s ‘Never Lift’ plan to transition to solely making EVs by 2024.
