The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept could be one of the most important electric vehicles (EVs) in the automotive industry’s near future. Dodge’s “electric muscle car,” the Charger Daytona, could either prove that muscle car fans can be convinced to come along into the electric era or prove once and for all that they can’t.
Or — the company could make a gas-powered variant as well as the all-electric model.
That’s an option, according to a new report.
A Tell-Tale Tunnel
The Drive reports, “The next-generation Dodge Charger will offer both a full-electric version and a gas version powered by the company’s 3.0-liter “Hurricane” twin-turbo inline-6 engine.”
The outlet quotes “a source connected to a supplier with firsthand information of Dodge’s production plans.” That’s a roundabout way of getting to the information, but The Drive has some compelling evidence for its claim — photos of a Charger Daytona monocoque under construction with a distinct transmission tunnel down the center. Electric cars lack traditional transmissions.
The report claims the car will be available as an EV and a gas-powered model.
It would make business sense. That plan would help Dodge transition to the EV era while also giving it something to compete with the all-new eighth-generation Ford Mustang — until now widely believed to be the last gas-powered muscle car.
But Dodge Has Said No Before
Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis told CarScoops last year the car could accommodate a gas-powered engine but would launch without one.
“I can put an ICE [Internal Combustion] engine in there,” he said. “Doesn’t mean we’re going to. We’re certainly not launching with anything like that.” Kuniskis said, “We’re lunching with full battery electric, and we think that by the time we get to that point, the offering we’re going to have is going to be really attractive in the marketplace.” He said adding a gas-powered engine was possible, “But we’ll maybe never get there.”
We’ve reached out to Dodge for clarification on what to expect and will update you with any response.
