Featuring the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust.
In a bold move to bridge the gap between the roaring past and the electric future, Dodge has unveiled the final version of its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system for the all-electric Charger Daytona. The sound system, which was showcased at a press conference by Dodge’s new CEO Matt McAlear, promises to deliver a muscle car experience unlike any other electric vehicle (EV) on the market.
When McAlear rolled up in the sleek, white Charger Daytona, it wasn’t the usual gentle hum associated with EVs that greeted the audience. Instead, the car emitted a low rumble reminiscent of the iconic V-8 sound from the outgoing Charger SRT Hellcat. As McAlear accelerated and later shut off the vehicle, the Charger Daytona produced a throaty roar followed by an electronic whistling sound, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.
A New Era of Sound for Muscle Cars
The Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which Dodge first hinted at during the Charger Daytona's initial reveal in March, has been fine-tuned to produce what the company calls "Hellcat levels of sound." The system uses transducers, passive radiators, and an amplifier to create a sound that mimics the aggressive rumble of a V-8 engine. This isn’t just for the driver’s enjoyment; the sound is projected outside the vehicle, ensuring that bystanders experience the full muscle-car effect.
"You have to basically write a sheet of music, for every little thing that's going to happen," explained Kevin Hellman, Dodge’s Senior Vice President of Product, highlighting the complexity involved in creating the synthetic exhaust note. The Fratzonic system is designed to respond to various inputs, such as the accelerator pedal position, speed, and torque, adjusting the sound accordingly.
Multiple Modes for Different Moods
The Charger Daytona offers several driving modes that alter the exhaust note’s intensity. Selecting Sport Mode delivers a moderate sound output, while more aggressive modes like Drag, Drift, Donut, and Track crank up the volume to match the performance. For those times when discretion is necessary, a Stealth Mode allows the car to operate quietly, perfect for early morning starts or late-night returns.
The Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust isn’t the only feature aimed at preserving the muscle car’s spirit in this new electric era. The Charger Daytona also includes a PowerShot feature, which provides a 40-horsepower boost for 15 seconds, pushing the Charger Daytona R/T’s output to 496 horsepower and the Scat Pack version to an impressive 670 horsepower. The latter model can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, complete a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 134 mph.
The Challenge of Winning Over V-8 Fans
The move to an all-electric powertrain in the Charger marks a significant shift for Dodge, a brand long associated with its powerful V-8 engines. Whether the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust and other innovative features will be enough to win over die-hard V-8 enthusiasts remains to be seen. Dodge’s parent company, Stellantis, has already announced the phasing out of V-8 engines across its lineup, signaling a clear commitment to electrification.
However, Dodge isn’t completely abandoning its roots. The company will continue to offer V-8 engines in crate form, leaving the door open for aftermarket modifications. While a factory V-8 option for the new Charger is off the table, the potential for engine swaps with the inline-6 remains a possibility, depending on demand.
As the automotive industry continues its shift towards electrification, Dodge’s innovative approach with the Charger Daytona EV could set a new standard for how performance cars sound and feel in the electric age. Whether these efforts will be enough to satisfy traditional muscle car fans is a question that will only be answered as the new Charger hits the streets.
