Dodge isn’t entering the world of electric automobiles subtly. Since the Dodge Charger Daytona Concept EV you can see here truly has an exhaust system, we mean it literally. Although it’s unclear if the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust is powered by the… Banshee engine, it goes by that name. Fratzonic? Banshee? Dodge is undoubtedly making a lot of effort to distinguish its electric future from the competitors.
And here, we’re focusing on the future. Ironically, Dodge is heavily drawing inspiration from its historic muscle car past with the Charger Daytona concept car, which pays homage to the iconic two-door design from 1968 to 1970. Dodge doesn’t provide statistics regarding range, speed, or performance, other than to boast that this electric concept is faster than a Hellcat, so we’ll start with the design because there is a lot of classic influence to appreciate.
So let’s focus on the wide face and flat hood of the idea, which are unmistakably inspired by the previous Charger. However, there is a significant twist at work because the hood isn’t flat at all. It has deep scallops that let air move through the grille and over top of what Dodge refers to as an R-Wing. Yes, this Charger Daytona’s large wing is located at the front, which improves downforce and aerodynamic performance.
The doors display even more traditional Charger influences, even though flush door handles are a distinctly contemporary addition. However, a fastback rear clip with a trunk is uncommon. When the rear seats are folded, a hatchback opens to expose a vast compartment that gives this muscle car “surprising usefulness and storage capacity.” Additionally, you’ll see a strange triangle-shaped insignia in the retro-styled taillight assembly. This is the Fratzog badge, which was first shown on Dodge cars during the 1960s and 1970s without having any particular significance. It now symbolises the blending of the automaker’s previous performance with an electric future.
Additionally, you might have noticed the illuminated Hellcat badges on the fenders, but those aren’t Hellcats. Since the Charger Daytona SRT Concept’s engine is a Banshee, they are Banshees. Except to say that it is an 800V system and drives all four wheels, Dodge withholds any additional information about this electric drivetrain. The eRupt transmission, which has distinct shift points and multiple speeds, is also in use. It has a button that can be depressed to temporarily boost power. In what capacity? How many speeds? Despite refusing to speak, Dodge claims to offer a genuine “electro-mechanical shifting experience.”
That is also the justification for the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust—yes, that is the name Dodge is using for it. An amplifier and tuning chamber are located at the back of the vehicle, and the system is marketed as an industry-first. What kind of sound is it really? Again, Dodge has not yet provided an explanation for this, but we have pressed for a more thorough response.
In this context, exhaust is by definition any quantity of gas or air released from a machine. It might be cool to record some whooshing electric motor sounds and then amplify them with a few adjustments. However, as it stands, “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” sounds like a cool name for a large bass cannon that produces synthetic V8 noise. Anyhow, the sound reaches 126 dB, which is reportedly as loud as a Hellcat V8 when it is accelerating. If Dodge responds with information about this peculiar system, we will without a doubt jump in with an update.
Inside, you’ll find a decidedly sporty interior with a rather traditional layout, where things aren’t nearly as bizarre. Important vehicle information is displayed on a 12.3-inch centre screen that is angled towards the driver, a 16-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8-inch heads-up display. A theme for interior trim that can be seen in the illuminated texture encircling the cockpit is the wide, traditional Charger grille. A shift stalk resembling the old pistol-grip shifters is housed in a big centre console.
Inside, you’ll find a decidedly sporty interior with a rather traditional layout, where things aren’t nearly as bizarre. Important vehicle information is displayed on a 12.3-inch centre screen that is angled towards the driver, a 16-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8-inch heads-up display. A theme for interior trim that can be seen in the illuminated texture encircling the cockpit is the wide, traditional Charger grille. A shift stalk resembling the old pistol-grip shifters is housed in a big centre console.
So here’s the crucial query. Are we looking at a vehicle that will soon go into production or a futuristic idea? That is also a current unknown, but it is reasonable to assume that at least some of the Charger Daytona SRT’s features will be realised. That may happen sooner rather than later given that production of the current generation Charger and Challenger ends in December 2023. In the upcoming months, more details about Dodge’s electrified future can be anticipated.
Gallery: Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept EV
