If You Ain’t First, You’re Last: Dodge Unveils 2017 Charger Daytona

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The Dodge Charger Daytona is back for 2017. Last seen in the 2013 model year, the car takes its inspiration from the big-winged Charger Daytona coupe that Dodge built in 1969 for NASCAR racing.

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Starting at $41,235, the Charger Daytona wears front- and rear-end bodywork that mimics its SRT and R/T Scat Pack brethren; however, the Daytona plows its own styling path by including model-specific matte-black design details including a rear spoiler, roof, a “Hemi” graphic on the center-mounted hood scoop bulge, and “Daytona” graphics on the rear quarter-panel.

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Two Daytona models will be available: the Daytona and the Daytona 392. Dodge’s 5.7-liter V-8 powers the former, while the brand’s 6.4-liter V-8 motivates the latter. Both engines benefit from an intake capped with a Mopar conical air filter, as well as a burly, performance exhaust system. Both are the same V-8s are you’ll find in their respective non-Daytona counterparts, which make 370 and 485 horsepower in the 2016 models.

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A standard eight-speed automatic transmission puts power to the ground no matter which Daytona you opt for. Keeping the performance theme intact is Dodge’s Super Track Pak, which brings a stiffer suspension, better brake linings, a three-mode stability-control system with a dedicated “off” function, and high-performance tires.

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Inside, the Daytona is fitted with power-adjustable, heated and cooled front seats. Gold accent stitching is used throughout the interior, including for the embroidered Daytona logos on the front seats. A Daytona badge is also present on the instrument panel. Additional kit includes a power-adjustable steering column, driver’s seat memory, HID headlights, LED interior lighting, and rear parking sensors.

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While the Charger Daytona rides on a set of 20-by-9-inch, 12-spoke Mopar wheels finished in black, the Daytona 392 sits on a chunky set of 20-by-9.5-inch forged aluminum wheels, also black. Other 392-specific features include “392” fender decals, a 220-amp alternator, and a 180-mph speedometer.

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Opting for the more powerful Daytona 392 will cost consumers $46,090, or $4855 more than the standard car. Consumers can order a Dodge Charger Daytona or Daytona 392 beginning next month.

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