Stellantis is continuing to backtrack on its once all-encompassing electrification efforts. The latest casualty is a high-performance, SRT-branded version of the Dodge Charger Daytona. Initially previewed in 2022 as the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee concept, it was meant to be a halo version of the brand’s electric muscle car with incredible power and an upgraded 800-volt electrical architecture. Unfortunately, with a softening EV market, the end of the federal EV tax credit, and Stellantis leaning back into its gas-powered performance persona, such a car no longer makes sense.
- Base Trim Engine
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EV
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
-
104/91/98 mpge
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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Dodge
- Model
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Charger Daytona
- Segment
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Full-Size Sedan
Mopar Insiders, which broke the news, received the following comment from Dodge:
“Stellantis continues to reassess its product strategy to align with consumer demand. Our plan ensures we offer customers a range of vehicles with flexible powertrain options that best meet their needs. With the great news announced in July that Stellantis is bringing back its iconic SRT performance division (Street and Racing Technology), it follows that we are also reviewing the plan for future SRT vehicles.”
Another One Bites The Dust
Canceling a production version of the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee concept is just the latest in a series of moves by Stellantis to reverse course on its ill-fated electrification efforts. We have seen a number of decisions that have both shrunk the automaker’s portfolio of electrified vehicles and expanded its gas-powered offerings.
Perhaps the best example is the decision to cancel the all-electric Ram 1500 REV while at the same time reintroducing the HEMI V-8 as an optional engine for the brand’s full-size truck. Another is canceling development of the Jeep Gladiator 4Xe despite the plug-in hybrid powertrain’s popularity in other models, and instead announcing the Gladiator will be getting a 392 model powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V-8.
Even before work on this high-performance SRT Banshee model was cut short, the Dodge Charger Daytona had its number of available trim levels reduced from two to one when the company stopped selling the more affordable R/T model. In its place, Dodge appears to be rushing out the first gas-powered Charger SIXPACK and four-door models, and is rumored to be working on fitting its HEMI V8 under the new Charger’s hood.
TopSpeed’s Take
It’s not surprising Stellantis is giving up so quickly on electrification. It was arguably late to the game in the first place, and its first generation of electric models has been duds when it comes to sales. Just look at your local dealers for lease prices on a Jeep Wagoneer S or Dodge Charger Daytona, and you’ll see firsthand how hard they’re trying to move these EVs off their lots.
That said, it’s a shame and perhaps even a mistake for the automaker to reverse course on electrification so hard and so quickly. Its plug-in hybrid 4Xe models, for instance, are the best-selling PHEVs in the U.S. The Same goes for the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which, while getting a bit long in the tooth, is still the best and only plug-in hybrid minivan on the market. While it’s true Stellantis hasn’t cracked the code on producing an appealing all-electric vehicle yet, it may find itself on the outs again if the political will of the country swings back to where it was just a couple of years ago.
Source: Mopar Insiders