Dodge Charger Daytona EV Outpaces 797HP Challenger Hellcat Redeye to 60 MPH | Carscoops

      The new all-electric Daytona may be heavier and have less power, but its all-wheel drive and immediate torque make a significant impact.

      A recent test shows that all-wheel drive can be more crucial than just raw power.

      This race included the classic Challenger Hellcat and the latest Charger Daytona EV.

      Currently, Dodge is providing more speed for a lower cost.

      If it wasn't evident from years of evidence from several automakers, electric vehicles are incredibly fast. All-wheel-drive electric vehicles with substantial power are even quicker. However, what may surprise some hardcore enthusiasts is that Dodge's new Charger Daytona outperforms a Challenger Hellcat Redeye in terms of speed.

      The new Charger Daytona hasn't been met with enthusiastic reviews. This lack of excitement could stem from its electric motors, absence of a V8 option, inability to perform burnouts, pricing, or other factors. Its reception has been tepid at best, which likely explains why some dealers are offering significant discounts and Dodge itself is providing attractive leasing terms.

      According to Car And Driver, the Daytona Scat Pack, equipped with 670 horsepower (499 kW) and an all-wheel drive system, accelerated from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds. In contrast, the rear-wheel drive Challenger Hellcat Redeye, which boasts 797 hp (594 kW), recorded a best time of 3.8 seconds in testing.

      However, the Charger Daytona wasn't as nimble as the similarly fast BMW i4 M50. While the German electric sedan featured a well-tuned chassis and suspension, the Charger struggled with “excessive understeer” in turns.

      On a positive note, it did outperform the BMW and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in braking tests. On the skid pad, it matched the Hyundai's performance and was just 0.01 seconds shy of the BMW’s record. This blend of capabilities might not cater to everyone's preferences, but it does enhance the Charger Daytona's appeal for those who prioritize straight-line speed.

      Ultimately, purchasing a new Dodge Charger Daytona offers a quick way to outpace any stock Challenger (and most likely Charger) Hellcats, along with some pricier vehicles. With four substantial tire patches providing grip and instant torque, the old internal combustion engine Hellcat struggles to keep up.