The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT will be the company’s first dive into the world of electric muscle cars. Power and performance aren’t an issue in the development process, but making the thing sound like a traditional muscle car, ala distant thunder approaching, is an uphill task. It’s almost a situation of they are damned if they do or don’t situation. An EV trying to sound like a V8 fitting into the tried and tested muscle car template, along with getting ahead of the pack for what seems like an EV future on the roads.

The new model is set for a release date 2024, offering up an 800-volt “Banshee” power system, expected to rank alongside the likes of the Porsche Taycan. It’s the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust with 126 decibels that will set it apart from other EVs, flowing air through an actual exhaust system, amplifier and tuning chamber to give the impression of V8 notes. This feature can be turned off to run silently like any other EV.

This sound feature is not necessary for the car to function, but it does show its commitment by Dodge to please the fanbase, even when it moves to a completely alien platform for traditional V8 diehards. Thus, the mixed reactions. Only time will tell if the features stay as everyone slowly acclimatises to this new way of doing things.

The mindset should be to stay positive. This is new territory for not just Dodge, but muscle car fans and the performance EV industry. Only real-world testing over a period of time will show how the system can live with users. Will the sound system be an incredible innovation used for years to come or fade away as we slowly accept a new breed of quiet muscle cars?

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