The Dodge Charger has always sparked strong opinions, and that's not changing anytime soon. Remember when Dodge brought back the Charger as a four-door in 2006? That move alone briskly stirred the pot. Fast forward to today here at Landmark Dodge of Morrow, and the shift from the iconic Hemi engines to an all-electric powertrain has plenty of folks talking. Even with the new Hurricane ICE engines offering impressive performance, some die-hard Mopar fans can't help but notice they’re shy a couple of cylinders.
Last week at SEMA, the Charger Daytona EV was on display, and it was hard not to admire its striking design. For those of us with a deep love for Dodge, this car turns heads. Speaking of love for Dodge, there’s a personal connection here—growing up with stories about a ’69 Charger tearing up the streets left a lasting impression. That very car, later rescued from a forgotten field, played a big part in shaping a lifelong appreciation for Dodge’s legendary muscle cars.
With the latest Charger making waves, it’s impossible not to take notice. Seeing it up close was a must, and it’s clear this new chapter in the Charger story is as bold as ever.
When Dodge brought the Charger back as a sedan, it surprised some folks. For those who remembered its muscle car glory days and dominance on the track, seeing it with four doors was a bit of a curveball. Over time, though, it found its place, especially alongside the Challenger. But there’s always been that lingering question—why didn’t the Charger get the same retro treatment as its sibling?
This time, Dodge has taken a different approach, and it works. The newest Charger isn’t trying to be a carbon copy of the past, and that’s a good thing. Instead, it smartly blends design cues from several iconic Charger generations, creating something that feels fresh yet unmistakably part of the family.
The design team took clear inspiration from the iconic ’68-’70 Chargers. The flowing quarter panel with a body line that climbs toward the fender is a direct nod to that classic era, and it even has those signature wide “hips.” Dodge has openly said that the large rear window and light-bar taillights are callbacks to the first-generation Charger, and seeing it in person, that influence is undeniable. Interestingly, the rounded edges also bring to mind the Australian Valiant Chargers of the ’70s, whether intentional or not.
This new Dodge Charger is a big car, much like its first three generations, and carries that same imposing presence. While the more modern touches naturally build on the previous generation’s design, they blend seamlessly to create something entirely its own. The bright blue paint job on the show car, for example, really pops and feels like a refreshing throwback to Mopar’s roots. Dodge has always balanced tough, aggressive designs with playful, bold colors and quirky details—think cartoon decals and “meep-meep” horns on some of its most legendary models.
So, seeing this Charger stand out in a lively hue was a breath of fresh air amidst a sea of darker, more serious tones. It captures the spirit of classic Mopar styling while still feeling excitingly modern, making it a standout at SEMA, even alongside tributes to General Lee and Joe Dirt.
When it comes to the drivetrain, electric power might not be everyone’s first choice, but let’s be honest—it’s a sign of the times. Dodge’s decision to go fully electric wasn’t pulled out of thin air, and while performance is a big part of the pitch, we all know there are other factors at play. That said, the imitation exhaust is a bit of a head-scratcher—it’s hard not to have a laugh at it.
The Sixpack models, though? Now that’s exciting. Sure, a Hemi V8 would feel like a natural fit for this car but don’t dismiss the six-cylinder yet. Remember, the Australian Valiant Charger once ran a six-cylinder Hemi, so there’s some historical connection here. And who knows—maybe Dodge has more tricks up its sleeve. It wouldn’t be surprising if the V8 made a comeback down the road. Until then, it’s only a matter of time before someone drops a Hellcat engine into one of these the moment it rolls out of the factory.
