Dodge Charger Cut

Charger R/T Discontinued

The electric muscle era has hit a speed bump for Dodge. The company is putting the brakes on the Charger Daytona R/T, its more wallet-friendly electric coupe, after just one model year in 2026. Officially, they’re citing tariff issues, but it feels like low demand could be the real culprit. With 496 horsepower and a range of over 300 miles, it looked good on paper. However, the market didn’t bite, even with steep dealer discounts of over $25,000. As of early 2025, there were still more than 3,500 unsold units collecting dust in showrooms.

Scat Pack Continues

Without the R/T, the spotlight shifts to the Scat Pack for 2026, the remaining all-electric Charger model. This beast cranks out 670 horsepower and comes with all-wheel drive, making it the “quickest and most powerful muscle car” in Dodge’s lineup. It’s not cheap though, starting at just under $70,000 without considering incentives, and the range is a modest 241 miles. Interestingly, Dodge is shedding some standard features like the Track Pack to cut costs, possibly to appeal more to budget-conscious buyers.

Gasoline Makes a Return

Electric isn’t the only game Dodge is playing. They’re gearing up to reintroduce gasoline Chargers under the “Sixpack” name, boasting a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine. This setup pumps out between 420 and 550 horsepower, creating another tier in Dodge’s effort to win back the traditionalist camp. This isn’t the end; they’re also planning a four-door electric Charger by 2026 in an attempt to capture a broader audience, bringing along new wheel designs and optional stripe packages.

Challenges with EV Muscle Cars

Dodge had high hopes for the Charger Daytona to blend performance vibes with electric sustainability. Despite the aggressive sounds and styling cues resembling traditional muscle, the response from buyers has been tepid. Charger sales took a nosedive by 54% in 2024, and the first quarter of 2025 saw under 2,000 units of the electric lineup sold. This shows that muscle car enthusiasts are still firmly rooted in the salt-of-the-earth feeling that gasoline power offers, rather than effortlessly quiet electric motors.

Final Thoughts

Dodge is hedging its bets by continuing to offer high-performing electric options like the Scat Pack, while also bringing back more affordable gas-powered models. The company seems to be adjusting to the less-than-thrilling reception of its all-electric offerings by sticking to what’s familiar: strong performance, a noisy exhaust, and plenty of attitude. However, it’s still a gamble whether this approach satisfies both those pining for the golden age of V8 engines and the newer crowd embracing the quiet might of electric power.

The swing back to traditional engines shows an alignment with the brand’s heartland, yet it’s unclear if Dodge can bridge the gap for muscle car purists and EV rookies under one roof. The Charger Daytona R/T’s measly sales indicate that despite impressive specs, the emotional connection to gasoline might be what really shifts cars off the lot. Only time will tell if this hybrid strategy will hold up in a rapidly evolving auto industry.