You could say Dodge made a bold move by choosing to replace the gas-powered Charger and Challenger with a new generation of fully electric Chargers—especially at the height of their popularity.
On paper, the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is simply mind-blowing. It features multiple electric motors capable of generating 496 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, Dodge has decided to remove it from the lineup, primarily because it is assembled in Canada and is now subject to soaring tariffs.
If you're a fan of electric muscle cars, rest assured: the Charger Scat Pack will remain part of Dodge's lineup for 2026. This version boasts 670 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.
Room for a V8
I think we can all agree that something feels missing from the current Charger lineup. It’s a stunning car, packed with cutting-edge technology. However, we still miss the rumble of a Hemi V8.
We know that Stellantis has decided to revive production of its legendary V8 engines due to strong demand. In fact, several rumors suggest that the Charger will soon get at least one V8-powered version. Who knows—maybe the 2026 Charger Daytona R/T will be powered by a 5.7-liter V8. There’s also talk of a new Hellcat version, which would be absolutely insane. For now, the only gas-powered engine available in the Charger is the Hurricane: a 3.0-liter inline-six with twin turbochargers. Once again, it's an impressive powertrain—but it’s not a V8.
A Future Collector’s Item
The electric Dodge Charger Daytona R/T wasn’t in production for very long, and the number of units produced remains very limited. For some, this represents a golden opportunity, as this rare vehicle could become a highly sought-after collector’s item in the years to come.
Nothing official has been announced by Stellantis regarding a replacement for the Daytona version at this time. Nevertheless, consumer pressure for the return of the V8 is very strong, and it seems likely the brand will move in that direction.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
