FYI: The Dodge Charger Daytona, debuting in 2024, will blend classic 1968 design with cutting-edge gas and electric powertrains.
Dodge’s success in combining retro designs with modern technology continues to pay dividends. The Challenger, launched in 2008, expertly mimicked the 1970 model’s styling and sold impressively for 15 years without a major redesign. Now, Dodge aims to replicate that success with the upcoming 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, set for a summer release, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1968 Charger.
Reviving Classic Muscle
The decision to channel the 1968 Charger comes largely due to the influence of Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles, whose affinity for the ’60s muscle car era deeply shaped this project.
“When you talk to Mopar aficionados, the Challenger is beloved, but the ’68 Charger was kind of the quintessential Mopar,” Gilles told Motor Authority.
A Personal Touch
Gilles’ personal project, a Pro Touring-style, carbon-fiber-bodied, Hellephant-powered 1968 Dodge Charger dubbed “Hellucination,” developed in collaboration with Wisconsin’s SpeedKore, played a key role in the new Charger Daytona’s design.
“When we started the project for the EV, the Banshee Concept, I literally had a ’68 in the studio. We pulled one out of our historical collection, parked it in the studio,” Gilles said. His dedication to the classic design even caught the attention of younger designers, leaving them in awe.
Balancing Past and Future
With the design philosophy set, Dodge began developing the Charger Daytona to marry the aesthetic of the ’68 Charger with modern technology. While Gilles’ personal project influenced his vision, he allowed young designers the creative freedom to interpret the classic model in new ways.
“The ones that don’t know Mopars just think it’s a really cool modern, very different unique electric car, which is what I wanted,” he noted. “And the ones who love Mopars are like, ‘Oh my god.’ They get it. If you’re a Mopar fan, it’s meant to tug on your heartstrings.”
Practical Features
Gilles believes the new Charger Daytona stands out in the electric era not only for its nostalgic design but also its practicality.
“It’s functional. It’s efficient. Hopefully, it’s attractive. It has presence. It has character. And then it has space,” he explained. The Charger Daytona is designed as a hatchback with foldable seats, offering SUV-like functionality combined with excellent efficiency, range, performance, and handling.
Anticipation Builds
As enthusiasts eagerly await the chance to experience the Charger Daytona’s blend of classic and contemporary features, it’s clear that Dodge’s latest venture has struck a chord with both modern car lovers and dedicated Mopar fans.
We’ll know just how practical and functional the Charger Daytona is, as well as how well it performs, when we drive it later this year. Until then, the ’68 Charger design influences are undeniable. If you’re going to let personal preference and legendary muscle cars affect company design, it helps to have good taste.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
