Automotive Engineering - September 2022 - 19

ROAD READY
Charger Daytona SRT previews Stellantis' musclecar future
If it looks like a Dodge, sounds like a
Dodge, and drives like a Dodge, it must
be a Dodge. That " must-be " vision has
been the perpetual mantra behind the
development of a future electrified
Dodge musclecar. " This concept is true
to what a Dodge musclecar is, but with
an alternative propulsion system, " Tim
Kuniskis CEO of Dodge brand, said
about the battery electric Dodge
Charger Daytona SRT Concept.
The target date for a production version
of an all-electric Dodge musclecar
is 2024, providing ample talk-time for
the brand's electrified future. " We want
enough soak time that by the time we
get to production, it's not 'new' news
that people have to get used to, "
Kuniskis said in an SAE Media interview.
Certain design and technology elements
on the concept Dodge Charger
Daytona SRT are in invention-protection
mode. The concept musclecar's throaty
sound source is addressed via a pending
patent technology, as is the all-electric
car's transmission and the two-door
hatchback's aerodynamic front end. The
patents-pursuit also underscores the
scramble to stand out from competitors
as the industry begins to transition from
ICE-power to EVs. " It's the next space
race, " said Kuniskis in the same week
that the company confirmed it is ending
production of its Dodge Challenger and
Charger internal-combustion icons after
the 2023 model year.
An 800-volt propulsion system,
dubbed Banshee, delivers the power to all
four wheels of the all-electric Dodge Charger
Daytona SRT Concept musclecar.
NASCAR visuals
The concept Daytona's front end features
an aerodynamic device referred to
as an R-wing (a tribute to Gary
Romberg's enormous rear wing on
NASCAR's 1970 Plymouth Superbird
racecar). The concept car's front aero
component is functional: air flows
through this front opening to enhance
downforce. The exterior design also
tucks carbon fiber intakes into both
sides of the front and rear lower fascias.
Meanwhile, the Fratzonic Chambered
Exhaust is an acoustic design that involves
actual pipes, chambers and
ducting. " We're not achieving the sound
artificially. We're taking the road, vehicle
speed, throttle position, shift
The Charger Daytona Concept's bold R-Wing front spoiler design
pays homage to Dodge's NASCAR heritage.
points and movement of air and running
that through our proprietary exhaust
system, " said Kuniskis.
eRupt-ing performance
While most light-duty EVs use a singlespeed
transmission, the Daytona concept
features a multi-speed electromechanical
transmission. Micky Bly,
Stellantis senior VP - head of global
propulsion systems, said the transmission
befits an electrified musclecar.
" The eRupt system launches the car
really, really hard by getting a lot of
torque multiplication, then it can be
slowed down to get the EDM (electric
drive module) in a more efficient spot
to get a longer driving range. So it's a
high-performance launch and good
range, " Bly told SAE Media. The company
executives weren't pinned down
about horsepower and torque figures,
but media material said the 800V
" Banshee " electric propulsion system
makes " Dodge's first electric vehicle
faster than a Hellcat [V8] in all key performance
measures. "
Power levels for the electrified production
musclecar will tally nine, with three
of the levels available through Dodge and
six available through Direct Connection,
Dodge's factory-backed performanceparts
operation. " This car, we believe, will
redefine muscle, " Kuniskis said.
Kami Buchholz
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
September 2022 19
BOTH IMAGES: STELLANTIS
Automotive Engineering - September 2022

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