Preview by Veeno Dewan.
Muscle car fans sorely missing the now discontinued V8 Dodge Charger can rejoice now as the new 2024 Dodge Charger is scheduled for sale in the latter part of 2024. The new Charger will be an all -electric powered version with two doors only. However, there are rumours from Dodge that a gasoline version might still be offered as some domestic automakers start scaling back on EVs.
“The new 2024 Dodge Charger will be an all -electric powered version with two – doors only. However, there are rumours from Dodge that a gasoline version might still be offered as some domestic automakers start scaling back on EVs.”
Press pictures reveal the new cars styling is clearly influenced by the classic Dodge Challenger and Charger models of the past. However most notable of all is that unlike the outgoing four- door sedan the new Charger (for now)will be a two -door coupe with a liftback-tailgate that opens up to a large cargo area. The new car will be identified by the return of the Fratzog logo, which was used on Dodge vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s.
The All-Electric battery and motor setups range from 101-118 kWh. with a 400-volt setup and high-performance electric motors. It is anticipated there will be a range of power plants in the future and perhaps the rumoured return of gasoline engines for the purist muscle car fans. The 2024 range is reputed to start off with an entry-level 340 model with 455 horsepower while the mid-range 440 model boasts 590 horsepower. A high-performance trim, supposedly called SRT Banshee, will use an all-wheel-drive 800-volt architecture, with an estimated over 700 horsepower output with potential to achieve 900 Horsepower . EV range for the Charger is expected to be around 700- 800km of driving range. Charging times are said to be comparable to the current crop of Electric vehicles on the market with level 1,2 , and level 3 capability.
In terms of performance upgrades Dodge will offer high- power “eStage kits,” where buyers can actually buy more horsepower over the air, download the software, and install it to the car. With this setup, the base Charger 340 can be upgraded to produce 495 horsepower or 535 horsepower. The Charger 440, DC Stage 1 kit pushes total system output to 630 horsepower while the DC Stage 2 kit ramps that up to 670 horsepower.
“It is expected the 2024 Dodge Charger Banshee with its dual motors set up and upgraded horsepower will definitely be a serious competitor for performance EV cars such as the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan Turbo S and ranking as one of the fastest EVs in production.”
The top model is projected to be the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee operating on an uprated 800-volt architecture as opposed to the 400-volt setup with 707 horsepower at the base level and 900-plus horsepower at the top end. The Banshee system will be routed to the eRupt multi-speed transmission which has a power boost option termed “PowerShot”. New power figures from the Banshee upgrades could be in the 900- 1000 plus territory. The Charger Daytona SRT concept features a unique chambered exhaust system that is said to imitate the sound of the outgoing supercharged V8 SRT Hellcat model. The top Banshee is expected to have a 0 to 100 kph acceleration time of between 2 and 3 seconds with a top speed upwards of 321kph plus. The new Charger will also have four driving modes, including Drag, Sport, Track, and Auto.
Interior cabins will be fully digital with an emphasis on technology. There is a swoopy jet fighter style front cockpit with a pistol-grip shift lever, and an aircraft -style cap for the ignition switch that flips open. The interior design blends modern technology with retro design themes. Nin the design of the instrument binnacles. Technology will include the latest versions of the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, on-board Wi-Fi, and over-the-air update capability. The cabin will be roomy and Dodge says the rear seats fold flat to create extra space with cargo access via the tailgate hatch.
It is expected the 2024 Dodge Charger Banshee with its dual motors set up and upgraded horsepower will definitely be a serious competitor for performance EV cars such as the Tesla Model S Plaid and Porsche Taycan Turbo S and ranking as one of the fastest EVs in production. Canadian pricing is projected to be in the premium range as demand will be high. Estimated cost is at the $75,000 – $85,000 range with performance versions in the $100,000 plus territory.
