The American car manufacturer Dodge, part of Stellantis, has announced the return of the Charger to European markets. As the model celebrates its 60th anniversary, the aim is to win over a new generation of loyal fans with this iconic, high-performance car. To comply with regulations, the Charger Daytona is adopting a multi-energy strategy and will be available with both internal combustion and electric powertrains. A 100% electric muscle car that looks set to boost sales.
The return of an iconic muscle car
Launched in 1966, the Dodge Charger quickly established itself as one of the most iconic symbols of the golden age of American muscle cars, following in the footsteps of the Ford Mustang. With its distinctive fastback silhouette, driver-oriented cockpit and thunderous V8 engine, the Charger has become a symbol of freedom over the years. Its rather brief run in Europe was cut short in the wake of the first oil crisis in 1973. Only a few specialist importers continued to supply customers determined to fulfil the American dream. But at a time when consumer demand is waning, with a certain wait-and-see attitude prevailing and in the face of very aggressive competition from Asia, Stellantis has therefore decided to export this iconic car once again, hoping to capitalise on its popularity and the legend it embodies.
Up to 670 hp
But Dodge, which has a strong presence in the United States, could not reasonably return to Europe with a combustion engine, which would be burdened from the outset by the environmental penalty (of €80,000). It is therefore the 100% electric Charger that will be showcased, with its styling very much reminiscent of the muscle car with a straight-six engine.
Measuring 5.25 m in length, nearly 2 m in width, available as a two- or four-door model, and weighing 2.6 tonnes, the Charger Daytona R/T features a 100 kWh battery (94 kWh of which is usable) and delivers 536 hp. Another version, boosted to 670 hp and dubbed the Scat Pack, is billed as the most powerful and fastest muscle car on the market. All electric Dodge Chargers come with two electric motors and all-wheel drive as standard. The Scat Pack’s performance figures promise a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.3 seconds.
Special high-performance platform
Beyond the design cues that remain true to the Dodge Charger style, the Daytona is built on the new STLA Large modular platform that Stellantis has developed for all the group’s high-performance EVs. A 400V architecture that allows for a combination of high power, different powertrains, and modern technologies. For example, the One-Pedal system or multi-level adjustable regenerative braking. To emphasise the sporty side of this electric Charger Daytona, a ‘boost’ function provides an extra 40 hp for 10 seconds of acceleration, and a ‘drift’ (as well as ‘donut’) mode to make the car slide more easily. Or, when the four-wheel electronic control system ensures the spectacle that is synonymous with American sports cars.
It is worth noting that the R/T petrol version is fitted with an inline six-cylinder engine known as the “Sixpack”, derived from the 420 hp 3.0-litre Hurricane engine, whilst a Scat Pack “SixPack” variant will deliver up to 550 hp.
In Europe to relaunch the Charger
If Dodge’s muscle car is returning to Europe, it is primarily to revive the model, whose sales have slowed considerably in North America. Fewer than 500 units were sold in the first quarter of 2026; last year, fewer than 8,000 Chargers were sold in the United States and Canada. These figures are far from satisfactory for a car with such a strong legacy in pop culture (films and TV series) and a history in NHRA racing (US drag racing).
Could the arrival of the electric version breathe new life into the range? Even though prices have not yet been announced (likely around €100,000), the Charger Daytona could find its place in the market. In Europe, the car that bills itself as the only American electric sports car has had no real competition since Tesla announced the end of production for the Model S. Sports cars such as the Mercedes AMG-GT, Porsche Taycan and Denza Z9 GT are positioned at higher price points and offer more premium features.
