I actually like the new Dodge Charger Daytona EV a lot. But I also realize that the sale will be very difficult. After two decades of success with the last of the old-school and most modern gas-powered muscle cars of the modern era, Dodge has a big task ahead of it in getting the faithful to consider leaving V8 engines behind for battery power.
But the Daytona EV Charger has a few things going for it. Sounds great to anyone. The horsepower and performance specs actually rival all but the most extreme versions of the previous Charger and Challenger. Now, Cars Direct reports that existing Mopar lessees will receive an additional payment on top of the $7,500 tax credit.
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The car buying advice site says an “unadvertised” Stellantis loyalty discount is in place for any current Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Chrysler owners looking to return their leases. According to a flyer sent to dealers, this equates to an additional $1,000 off the lease on a new Dodge Charger Daytona EV when they turn in a lease from the same family. When you add in the $7,500 tax credit — the car must have been eligible for this when purchased and would be when you leased it, per loophole — that equates to a deduction of up to $8,500. That should be tempting enough for even the most hardcore Hemi fan to at least give this thing a try. (It’s worth noting that this loyalty lease discount also extends to “most models” in the Stellantis family, Cars Direct reports, but has now been extended to include the electric charger as well.)
Any discount on a new Journey is enviable, but these breaks will go a long way to making this electric performance machine more like everyman’s muscle cars, like the old gas Charger and Challenger. The electric Daytona R/T costs $61,590 (including destination charge) and delivers 496 horsepower. The Scat Pack is priced at $75,185 and brings 670 horsepower to the table. The range of the two is rated at 317 and 260 miles, respectively; The latter certainly isn’t bad for a car that accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. Right out of the gate, the Scat Pack can do it a little more quickly than the old Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak. The Charger will launch in late 2024 as a coupe and the four-door sedan will debut next year.
It remains to be seen whether the V8-loving public will truly embrace electric muscle. But Dodge goes out of its way to make its presence felt here, including with a “Fratzonic Chamber Exhaust” that mimics the booming engine sound and exhaust sounds that owners love. (I’d also add that I think an electric plug-in is a more compelling option than the new inline-six that’s coming next year; if I wanted a BMW, I’d get a BMW personally.)
Over the past few months in particular, we’ve seen a slew of lease deals and discounts on new electric vehicles. In fact, up to 80% of new electricity purchases are leased, according to recent data. Let’s hope the discounts continue and dealers don’t get into the crazy markup game; If all goes well, this hot-looking coupe could bring American muscle into a whole new era.
Contact the author: patrick.george@insideevs.com
