Dodge sends slow-selling Charger to Europe

Automotive manufacturer Stellantis is changing its strategy for the new Dodge Charger lineup. Faced with disappointing sales for the large EV in the United States, the corporation decided to export the American muscle car to European markets. The vehicle arrives during the 60th anniversary celebrations of the classic nameplate. To attract European buyers, marketing campaigns focus heavily on the heritage of the model, calling it the return of an American cultural icon.

The global push involves an interesting split in powertrain options. Dodge will ship both traditional gasoline versions and new all-electric vehicles to the European continent. The local drivers will see promotions about modern technology mixed with historic racing DNA, but the situation back in the home market reveals a different reality. The manufacturer appears to be shifting its focus to help clear out built-up inventory.

To make the vehicles available to European buyers, Stellantis is using an independent importer, KW Automotive, to handle the distribution through its regional dealership network. A dedicated company (Iron Parts) will manage the logistics for spare parts. This structure ensures that international buyers receive complete service support for a vehicle segment that is very rare on local roads.

The lineup is made up of two distinct gasoline models powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six Hurricane SIXPACK engine. The standard R/T variant delivers 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 468 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. The faster Scat Pack version bumps the output to 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 530 lb-ft of torque, which cuts the 0 to 60 mph sprint down to 3.9 seconds.

On the electric side, the vehicle enters the marketplace under the Daytona badge. The entry-level electric option is the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, which produces 536 horsepower. Buyers looking for maximum performance can select the electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. This high-end variant delivers 670 horsepower (500 kW) and 626 lb-ft of torque. It completes the sprint to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and finishes a quarter-mile run in 11.5 seconds.

Heavy electric cars often face battery limitations, and the Daytona is no exception. Despite the high performance, it offers a relatively short driving range of just 267 miles. All versions of the new car come standard with all-wheel drive, and buyers can choose between a traditional two-door coupe or a roomier four-door sedan body style.

European markets are about to receive the initial rollout, but the American market is seeing major updates and steep pricing changes for the upcoming production cycle. The vehicle now includes an updated NACS port for the electric versions. Dodge also added 25 new customization options, such as a Satin Black painted hood, distinct body stripes, a panoramic glass roof sunshade, and orange or black brake calipers from Brembo. Inside, the cabin can be equipped with Petrol Blue leather seats and contrast red stitching.

The pricing in the United States reveals a big gap between the standard models and the electric cars. The base gasoline version starts at $49,995, which matches the previous year, but the price for the electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack has jumped to $72,495. Industry analysts suggest this pricing structure helps to actively lower demand for the electric variants in the domestic market while the company opens order books for delivery later this year.

Success in Europe is a big question due to the physical size of the EV. The new model is huge by regional standards, measuring nearly 19 cm longer than a BMW i5 and over 3 cm longer than a Mercedes-Benz EQS. Navigating narrow streets and tight parking spaces will be a challenge, and so will be the price - Stellantis will almost certainly price the Charger at the higher end of the premium market.

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