Dodge Hones In On Its Horsepower Heritage While Thinking of an Electrified Future
While skepticism lingers among many muscle car enthusiasts regarding the imminent all-electric Dodge Charger, recent revelations about its power choices could be the convincing factor. Dodge had initially hinted at nine distinct power options when it introduced the Daytona SRT Concept last year. However, it appears that there have been adjustments to the lineup of available Charger EV configurations, according to recent discussions with inside sources who claimed to possess internal information. This source has a track record of leaking details about the upcoming Charger, including the availability of the Hurricane inline-six engine in the next-generation model.
According to this source, the electric Charger is expected to come in three primary powertrain variants. The initial pair of configurations will adopt a 400-volt architecture. The base model is anticipated to feature rear-wheel drive, powered by a single electric motor delivering 402 hp or 300 kW. While this output falls short of the 455 hp (340 kW) initially hinted by Dodge a year ago, it still provides a substantial amount of power.
Automotive publications further report that the Charger’s mid-range offering will introduce an additional electric motor at the front, boosting the power output to 670 hp (500 kW) and transforming the muscle car into an all-wheel-drive configuration. While the prospect of an all-wheel-drive Charger with 670 hp is enticing, it may not be sufficient to sway all Dodge enthusiasts. This is where the range-topping 800-volt variant steps in. Allegedly, this flagship version is set to unleash a remarkable 885 hp, although it remains uncertain whether it will feature a dual-motor or potentially a tri-motor setup. While a quad-motor arrangement isn’t out of the question, it appears less likely.
Dodge Direct Connection
Notably absent from the most recent reports is any mention of the Dodge Direct Connection eStage1 and eStage2 enhancement packages, which Dodge had announced the previous year. These upgrades were designed to elevate the power output for both the entry-level and mid-range Charger models, activated by a unique crystal key. Furthermore, the Dodge Direct Connection enhancements were intended to be available for the 800-volt variant, known as the SRT Banshee. As per Dodge’s earlier statements, these upgrades were projected to boost the base model to 495 horsepower with the eStage1 and 535 horsepower with the eStage2 kit. For the mid-range model, power was expected to begin at 590 hp, surging to 630 horsepower with the eStage1 package and reaching 670 horsepower with the eStage2 upgrades.
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