Skip to main content

This 717-horsepower Dodge Charger is the ultimate family sedan

The Dodge Charger is basically a four-door version of the Challenger, so it’s easy for Dodge to swap parts from one car to the other. The Charger recently got the Challenger’s Widebody look, and now it’s getting an engine upgrade previously seen on the Challenger, but only for a limited-edition model celebrating one of Dodge’s most iconic muscle cars.

The 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition is notable not just for having one of the longest names of any car currently in production, but for giving the Charger a power boost. The familiar 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat Hemi V8 makes 717 horsepower — an increase of 10 hp. Torque output remains unchanged at 650 pound-feet. Horsepower now matches the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, although the two-door model makes 656 lb-ft.

That makes the Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition the most powerful Charger you can buy, but the same engine makes 797 hp in the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. We wouldn’t be surprised if Dodge eventually pulled the trigger on a 797-hp Charger as it looks to squeeze as many sales as possible out of the aging sedan.

The upgraded Charger commemorates the 1969 launch of the original Dodge Charger Daytona — one of the most over-the-top American muscle cars ever built. In the 1960s, Dodge wanted to dominate NASCAR, and decided that aerodynamics would be the key. Dodge’s Charger had plenty of power, but was about as aerodynamic as a refrigerator. Engineers fitted the car with a nosecone and a massive rear spoiler, allowing a prototype to average 200 mph per lap in testing. At the time, NASCAR rules required race cars to be based on production models, so Dodge built 501 road-going Daytonas for people to buy.

The Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition doesn’t have the original’s nosecone or rear spoiler, but it does get a paint job reminiscent of that car. It also gets model-specific 20-inch wheels and Brembo brakes. The interior sports Nappa leather and Alcantara seats, real carbon fiber trim on the dashboard, a suede flat-bottom steering wheel, and other model-specific trim elements.

Just like the original, production of the Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition will be limited to 501 units. Dealer order books will open this fall, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2020. Pricing will be announced in the coming months.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
2020 Dodge Charger Widebody adds grip to tame massive Hemi power
2020 dodge charger srt hellcat widebody and scat pack  front rear

Previous

Next

Read more
2020 Honda Civic Si coupe and sedan get artificially enhanced engine sounds
2020 honda civic si sedan and coupe pricing specs

Previous

Next

Read more
2020 Audi S6 sedan with performance-enhancing mild-hybrid tech will come to U.S.
2020 audi s6 us specs and pricing

Audi is peppering its lineup with sportier versions of its existing models. It recently announced a raft of diesel mild hybrids that won't be sold in the United States, as well as the gasoline mild-hybrid S6 and S7. Those  last two models always seemed like a safe bet for the U.S. and, sure enough, the 2020 Audi S6 is about to go on sale here.

In Audi speak, S denotes midlevel performance models. The S6 is sportier than the Audi A6 it's based on, but not as extreme as the range-topping RS models. The 2020 S6 uses a mild-hybrid powertrain built around a 2.9-liter V6 engine. The V6 has a conventional, exhaust-driven turbocharger, as well as an electric compressor. Spun by an electric motor, the electric compressor can develop boost very quickly, eliminating the dreaded lag in throttle response associated with conventional turbochargers. Audi claims the electric compressor's response time is under 250 milliseconds.

Read more