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Dodge Charger Daytona R/T Discontinued Amid EV Sales Struggles
The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T discontinued decision signals a dramatic shift in the brand’s electric vehicle strategy. Introduced in early 2025, this electric muscle car aimed to blend cutting-edge EV technology with Dodge’s iconic performance legacy. However, poor market performance and economic challenges have led the automaker to pull the plug on the model for 2026.
Charger Daytona R/T Sales Stayed Low Despite Big Discounts
From the outset, the Charger Daytona R/T struggled to gain traction. Despite its sleek design and powerful all-wheel-drive system, the EV sold fewer than 2,000 units. Even steep dealer discounts—some models dropped from $61,590 to $34,184—failed to revive interest. For a brand that thrives on muscle and performance, such figures were unsustainable.
Import Tariffs Compounded the Problem
Dodge claims that manufacturing location played a role in their decision. Built in Canada, the Charger Daytona R/T is now subject to a 25% U.S. import tariff. The major reason to me is what I have listed.
- Poor Sales Performance
- Price are to high
- Software and Reliability Issues
- Fake V8 Sound “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust”
- Loyal Mopar fans want their HEMI’s
Scat Pack EV Will Continue in the Lineup
Despite this setback, Dodge isn’t abandoning electrification altogether. The Daytona Scat Pack, a more powerful EV variant with 630 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, will remain in the lineup. To make it more appealing, Dodge is expected to cut its price for the 2026 model year.
V8 Power Is Making a Comeback
While the HEMI V8 will not be available in the immediate future, Dodge’s commitment to bringing back V8 power in the Charger lineup demonstrates the brand’s dedication to its muscle car heritage. Enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse range of powertrain options that blend traditional performance with modern technology.
Hurricane-Powered Charger SIXPACK Coming Soon
At the same time, the company is preparing a return to combustion power. The upcoming Dodge Charger Sixpack will feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six engine. Scheduled to launch in both two- and four-door versions, this model caters to traditional muscle car fans who crave the roar of an engine.
Dodge Balances EV Innovation with Muscle Heritage
Dodge’s strategy now appears to be balancing innovation with heritage. While the R/T’s discontinuation might seem like a setback, it’s also a course correction. Dodge is learning what its core audience wants—and right now, that includes a return to gas-powered performance alongside its evolving EV offerings.
Related Articles & Contant:
- Dodge Is Quietly Killing the 2025 Charger Daytona R/T Four Months After Deliveries Started – Autoevolution
- Dodge Trims 2026 Charger Daytona EV Lineup to Just the Scat Pack – Car And Driver
- Dodge Pauses Certain Dodge Charger Daytonas, Delays Others, Citing Tariff Situation – MotorTrend
- Hemi Reborn: V8 Muscle Resurfaces at Dodge – Whats On Wheels
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I feel like the Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep part of Stellantis is in some real trouble.
I accept there is certainly a market for EV, even high performance EV. And, there’s something to be said for trying to cultivate that market.
But I wonder how they miscalculated so badly with their own core markets.
Jeep sales seem to be way down, and it’s almost like Jeep has lost its identity as ‘the’ SUV/off road leader. Ford and Toyota seem to have usurped the off road side with Raptor and TRD stuff, while just about everyone has a ‘luxury SUV’ that is more popular than the Grand Cherokee.
Chrysler is almost nothing. Couldn’t even tell you what ‘Chrysler’ means… cars? minivans? I’m not sure what they sell.
And Dodge… ditching the Hemi/V8, going EV with the name Charger while ditching the name Challenger, serious missteps. Maybe they felt like hey, they weathered the backlash of the ‘4-door Charger’ (and believe me, that is still a sore spot for Mopar purists) so it would be fine. But, Mopar fans are different types. No anti-EV type is going to buy an ICE Charger is there’s a hint someone might think they’re driving an EV. They essentially blew up the brand equity they had in the names Charger Challenger, R/T and HEMI.
Maybe they can save it as they bring back the Hemi, but I’m not sure Stellantis isn’t in for a very rough ride with a number of its brands.
I’m with you—I don’t know what to think about Chrysler anymore. It seems Stellantis was too focused on Dodge and the Hemi V8 for most of their profits. Stellantis really didn’t care much about EVs, and yes, it’s been said Dodge is bringing back the V8 for the Charger sometime late in 2026. Let’s see where this goes. But I accept the fact that changes are going to be made; it’s a matter of time before we see a switch from ICE to EVs.