Dodge Charger Daytona EV Outperformed by a Family Crossover | Carscoops

      To make matters more complicated, it appears that the Model Y in question might be the lower Long Range version instead of the Performance model.

      The base Charger Daytona R/T produces 456 hp and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque. While it didn't quite match the Tesla, the Charger R/T competes closely with a Ford Mustang GT. The most powerful version of the EV from Dodge boasts 630 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm).

      Describing the Dodge Charger Daytona as controversial would be an understatement. The shift of the Charger to an electric vehicle hasn't universally pleased fans, and early sales indicate that sentiment, with some dealers pricing them significantly below MSRP.

      Nevertheless, some have made their way onto the roads (or drag strips), providing a first look at how this electric muscle car performs in critical situations.

      A recently observed blacked-out Charger Daytona showed up at The Strip at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where it raced a black Tesla Model Y (though it's uncertain whether it's the mid-range Long Range AWD or the top Performance variant). It seems the Charger is the entry-level R/T rather than the high-performance Daytona Scat Pack.

      As per Dodge's specifications, the Charger Daytona R/T offers 456 hp and 404 lb-ft (547 Nm) of torque, with a temporary boost to 496 hp for up to 15 seconds using the PowerShot feature. This performance surpasses that of a basic Ford Mustang GT, enabling it to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. While these figures are impressive on paper, actual performance is what determines reputations.

      On the other hand, the Tesla appears to be a pre-facelift model. If it is the Performance variant, it would provide 456 hp and 497 lb-ft (674 Nm) of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just under 4 seconds. Typically, these models complete a quarter-mile in under 12 seconds, leading to the assumption that this may not be a Performance.

      Additionally, it lacks the standard Performance model features, such as the unique wheels and red brake calipers. Unless the owner replaced those parts, it’s likely the Long Range AWD model, which generates 384 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). If so, this would make the result even more disappointing for Stellantis’ so-called “muscle coupe.”

      During the race, the Tesla launches ahead and secures a relatively straightforward victory, finishing the quarter-mile in 12.54 seconds at 111.52 mph (179.46 km/h), while the Dodge took 12.87 seconds at 111.84 mph (179.99 km/h). Although losing to a Model Y might be somewhat embarrassing, the Dodge's time is quite comparable to a Mustang GT that can complete the quarter-mile in the mid-12-second range. It may lack the V8 roar of the Ford, but the silent acceleration of an EV has its admirers.

      The outcome prompts a thought: Would the more powerful Daytona Scat Pack have posed a stronger challenge for the Tesla? With 630 hp and 627 lb-ft (849 Nm) of torque, and the possibility of reaching 670 hp with the PowerShot feature, the Scat Pack is designed for speed. Dodge claims it can achieve a quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds, which might have changed the dynamics of this electric competition.

      Perhaps next time, Dodge. For now, the Model Y retains its bragging rights.