QOTD: How Charged Up Are You?

Tim Healey
by Tim Healey

Today's Dodge Charger launch is going to drive a lot of conversations.

Including this question of the day.


The big question is, will Dodge be able to sell muscle-car aficionados, some of whom are probably anti-EV and/or very much in favor of internal-combustion engines, on a pure battery-electric vehicle? Especially since there was no intermediate electrification step involving a hybrid or plug-in hybrid?

I also wonder if the Hurricane-engine Chargers will sell well amongst those who are reluctant to go EV.

Maybe it will go the other way -- maybe old-school folks will be won over by the power on tap, especially since EVs can put their torque down instantly.

Personally, I am not bothered by the idea of an EV muscle car, though it is a bit sad to say goodbye to natural V8 sounds -- I am not sure fake exhaust sounds will be a proper replacement.

I am simply curious how the all-EV version of the new Charger will do. I am also curious as to how the EV/ICE mix will break down.

Some folks here think I am anti-EV -- I am not. That said, I wouldn't own one at present, as my current living situation makes charging a hassle. So whether I would buy an EV Charger is academic for the moment -- and I reserve final judgment on any new vehicle until I drive it, anyway.

With that in mind, I could see, based on the car's specs, a scenario where I'd own one, if I could charge it easily. I am also intrigued by the six-cylinder version -- it may not have a V8's snarl, but the power numbers are strong, the price will probably be less dear, and even if you're not anti-EV, buying a Hurricane-equipped Charger could be the best way to have one in your driveway. Imagine wanting the Daytona but buying the six because it's cheaper and/or you can't charge an EV easily. That's one way to get into a cool-looking new Charger.

What say you? Do you like the car's looks? Would you drive/own the EV Daytona? Is this muscle-car blasphemy or a step into the performance future as the motoring world evolves? Do you prefer the Hurricane, and if so, is that because it's ICE or for some other reason? And so on, and so forth.

Some of these questions will be answered, at least for me, whenever I finally drive the car.

Until then, sound off below.

[Image: Dodge]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by  subscribing to our newsletter.

Tim Healey
Tim Healey

Tim Healey grew up around the auto-parts business and has always had a love for cars — his parents joke his first word was “‘Vette”. Despite this, he wanted to pursue a career in sports writing but he ended up falling semi-accidentally into the automotive-journalism industry, first at Consumer Guide Automotive and later at Web2Carz.com. He also worked as an industry analyst at Mintel Group and freelanced for About.com, CarFax, Vehix.com, High Gear Media, Torque News, FutureCar.com, Cars.com, among others, and of course Vertical Scope sites such as AutoGuide.com, Off-Road.com, and HybridCars.com. He’s an urbanite and as such, doesn’t need a daily driver, but if he had one, it would be compact, sporty, and have a manual transmission.

More by Tim Healey

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 65 comments
  • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Mar 06, 2024

    I guess they could mount the hurricane tilted and call it a slant 6.

  • Alex Mackinnon Alex Mackinnon on Mar 07, 2024

    Its 1000 lbs heavier than my Mach E GT. I'm really not sure why. The battery is about the same size, the HP is a little bit higher (but not much), torque is similar. Longer body, but shorter profile.


    Looks cool, and I like the sedan/hatchback profile though. Quite slick. I'm just not sure why it's so heavy.

  • Rover Sig 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, like my previous JGC's cheap to keep (essentially just oil, tires) until recent episode of clunking in front suspension at 50K miles led to $3000 of parts replaced over fives visits to two Jeep dealers which finally bought a quiet front end. Most expensive repair on any vehicle I've owned in the last 56 years.
  • Bob Hey Tassos, have you seen it with top down. It's a permanent roll bar so if it flips no problem. It's the only car with one permanently there. So shoots down your issue. I had a 1998 for 10 years it was perfect, but yes slow. Hardly ever see any of them anymore.
  • 3-On-The-Tree 2007 Toyota Sienna bedsides new plugs, flat tire on I-10 in van Horn Tx on the way to Fort Huachuca.2021 Tundra Crewmax no issues2021 Rav 4 no issues2010 Corolla I put in a alternator in Mar1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 280,000mi I put in a new radiator back in 08 before I deployed, did a valve job, new fuel and oil pump. Leaky rear main seal, transmission, transfer case. Rebuild carb twice, had a recall on the gas tank surprisingly in 2010 at 25 years later.2014 Ford F159 Ecoboost 3.5L by 80,000mi went through both turbos, driver side leaking, passenger side completely replaced. Rear min seal leak once at 50,000 second at 80,000. And last was a timing chain cover leak.2009 C6 Corvette LS3 Base, I put in a new radiator in 2021.
  • ChristianWimmer 2018 Mercedes A250 AMG Line (W177) - no issues or unscheduled dealer visits. Regular maintenance at the dealer once a year costs between 400,- Euros (standard service) to 1200,- Euros (major service, new spark plugs, brake pads + TÜV). Had one recall where they had to fix an A/C hose which might become loose. Great car and fun to drive and very economical but also fast. Recently gave it an “Italian tune up” on the Autobahn.
  • Bd2 Lexus is just a higher trim package Toyota. ^^
Next