Dodge Charger Daytona EV Accelerates Chicago Drives Electric (Part 2)

One of the most anticipated new electric vehicles made its debut on the streets of Chicago this morning as Dodge brand CEO Matt McAlear took the stage in a pre-production 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack Stage 2.

Before we get too far, I want to lower your expectations – I haven’t had a chance to drive the Charger Daytona EV. None of the press present at Chicago’s national Drive Electric Week event actually did, because the low-slung silver stunner was Dodge CEO Matt McAlear’s personal DD, we’re told, and he had to “drive it back to Detroit in one piece.”

Still, we got to peruse the entire new-age electric Daytona while McAlear gave us a demo and some time for Q&A, and I must say that the fit and finish of the car – even in pre-production spec – seemed a step or two above the last Mopar coupe ( 2011 Challenger in white “Kowalski”), in which I spent at least some time.

I must also say with complete objectivity that the Fratzonic “exhaust” in the Dodge Charger Daytona EV did not cause the reactions I expected.

“That’s stupid,” said the man to my right, a former Ford electrical engineer who worked on the Maverick and Mach-E teams. “But it puts a smile on my face.” McAlear put the Fratzonic into “drag mode” and revved it up again. “I mean… I don’t want to like it.” But I love it.”

To my left, a smart, successful, attractive woman couldn’t help but laugh. – It’s definitely a man thing.

My own notes read (hilariously): “You can turn the exhaust volume to 11 to let everyone in your neighborhood know that that special boy has a new car.”

Still, I found myself smiling at the PS2-like sound quality. I have fond memories of playing GranTurismo in the USAF Tech School dorms and the Dodge sounded like digitally recreated large V8 engines from that game. I won’t even post my video of the car (shot on an iPhone 15) because videos on the internet just don’t do it justice.

Fake exhaust, real car

When Matt McAlear spoke disparagingly about the “values-based” Dodge brand of yesteryear that sold $19,995 Neons, caravans and travel, he waxed poetic about Dodge and the muscle brotherhood, evoking scat packs, Hellcats and Demons, he said Dodge didn’t mind being “that crazy cousin you’re not sure you want to invite to Thanksgiving.” Dodge’s CEO insists they like the atmosphere. They feel good there, among people “who don’t care what others think about them.”

While ignoring the fact that your uncle is probably a racist Also good with the atmosphere and the fact that today’s Dodge dealers would probably do it Love as a seven-passenger crossover that they could sell for under $25,000, the Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack 2 provides surprising value for its asking price.

For starters, there’s plenty of room in it. The proportions scream muscle car, but once you understand how big those tires and wheels are, you’ll believe me when I say this car can fit five real people in it.

All-wheel drive is also available. Often seen as a must have here in Chicago, it turns the Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack Stage 2 into a car that will be seen as a potential DD rather than “just” a fair weather friend. With 670 HP and 627 Nm of torque available at 0 rpm, this all-wheel drive helps ensure performance on straight lines as well as safety in all weather conditions.

Add to that the fact that the car qualifies for up to $7,500 in leasing assistance from Stellantis (and up to an additional $7,500 from ComEd, if any city or state police fleet manager is reading this), and it will be both faster, cleaner, and cheaper than the nearest V8 Charger today… and Thisas they say, it’s progress!

Shot of Electrek

The new Charger Daytona certainly looks the part of a modern muscle car, and there’s no doubt that it’s faster and more capable than any of the classic Mopars of the ’60s and ’70s. That said, Dodge seems to be a brand that’s more interested in turning heads. car enthusiasts who reminisce about some imaginary “golden age” of heart-pounding car performance from days gone by, rather than a brand that looks to the future.

The golden age of performance is now. And it’s very, very quiet.

ORIGINAL CONTENT FROM ELECTREK.