Electric Muscle Reimagined: Dodge Charger Daytona Wins 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines Award

In a defining moment for electric performance vehicles, the Dodge Charger Daytona has been recognized as one of the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems. This marks a major milestone in Dodge’s journey to reimagine muscle car heritage for the electric era. Known for its aggressive stance and performance pedigree, the new Charger Daytona proves that electrification doesn’t have to come at the expense of attitude or capability.

A New Breed of Powertrain

At the heart of the Charger Daytona’s award-winning performance lies a robust 400-volt propulsion system. It includes a 100.5-kWh high-voltage battery pack, along with dual integrated charge modules. The front and rear electric drive modules each deliver 335 horsepower, combining for a total of 670 horsepower. The result is nothing short of exhilarating — 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, and a quarter-mile sprint in 11.5 seconds.

But raw speed is only part of the equation. Dodge has added race-inspired features that elevate the driving experience to new heights. The PowerShot button provides a temporary boost of 40 horsepower for quick bursts of acceleration. Drivers can also choose from a full suite of drive modes — including Track, Drag, Drift, and Donut Mode — each tailored for different types of performance scenarios. Launch Control, Line Lock, and other track-ready functions help ensure that this EV delivers the kind of visceral thrill muscle car fans expect.

Bringing the Noise — Electrically

One of the most daring and distinctive elements of the Charger Daytona is its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust — a patent-pending system that recreates the auditory drama of a traditional muscle car. The system uses air pulses and a tuned chamber design to generate up to 126 decibels of sound, rivaling that of the Dodge Hellcat. This innovative feature bridges the sensory gap that many enthusiasts feared would be lost in the transition to electric vehicles.

The sound isn’t just a gimmick — it’s part of a broader effort to make electric performance more immersive. As performance increases, the soundscape adapts, providing the kind of feedback that connects driver and machine. It’s an unapologetically loud and bold approach in an EV segment often defined by quiet efficiency.

Premium Interior and Cutting-Edge UX

The Charger Daytona’s award-winning powertrain is complemented by an equally refined and high-tech interior. The vehicle also earned a Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX award, further demonstrating Dodge’s commitment to blending performance with innovation.

Inside, drivers are treated to a performance-focused cockpit with customizable displays, haptic feedback, and seamless integration of drive mode controls. The goal was to create a futuristic cabin that still pays homage to the car’s muscle heritage. It’s an environment that feels both intuitive and aggressive — a balance few vehicles manage to strike.

Expanding the Lineup and Market Reach

Looking ahead, Dodge is expanding the Charger lineup in 2026 with a four-door version of the Daytona, joining the already announced two-door Scat Pack model. Both will be part of a broader multi-energy lineup, which will also include versions powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo “SIXPACK” engine producing up to 550 horsepower. This diversified strategy allows Dodge to cater to both EV enthusiasts and traditional performance purists within the same product family.

The Charger Daytona Scat Pack, with a base price of $59,995, is positioned to deliver the most horsepower available under $60K, making it not just a technological achievement but a performance value proposition as well.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Charger Daytona’s win adds to Stellantis’ strong track record, with its powertrains having earned 25 Wards 10 Best awards over the past 31 years. For Dodge, this latest recognition reinforces its strategy of using innovation not just to adapt, but to lead in the EV performance space.

This vehicle is a clear statement that electrification can amplify rather than dilute the muscle car formula. With unmistakable sound, groundbreaking power, and a bold aesthetic, the Charger Daytona isn’t just another EV — it’s the future of American performance, roaring into the electric age.