Electric Muscle Glitch? Dodge Removes Charger Daytona R/T from 2026 Range

      The all-new Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, once celebrated as the front-runner in Dodge’s electric muscle car future, will be discontinued for the 2026 model year. A report from MoparInsiders reveals that the Scat Pack variant will now take the lead in the Daytona lineup, indicating a major shift in Stellantis’ electric vehicle strategy.

      Initially launched with ambitious goals, the Charger Daytona R/T aimed to provide an affordable entry point into electric performance. With its 456-horsepower dual-motor configuration and an optional 509-horsepower Direct Connection stage kit, it was expected to captivate both muscle car enthusiasts and newcomers to electric vehicles. However, the realities of the market have told a different story.

      Reports from the industry and media underscore the main challenge: there was a lack of buyer interest. Despite its appealing specifications and nostalgic design elements, the R/T found it difficult to justify its starting price of approximately $60,000. At that price point, consumers anticipated either enhanced performance or additional premium features. Faced with underwhelming sales, Dodge made the difficult decision to discontinue the R/T variant for 2026, choosing instead to concentrate on trims that better resonate with consumers.

      As previously reported in December, the Charger EV debuted with a quirky marketing strategy aimed at “saving the planet from self-driving sleep pods.” The intention was to maintain Dodge’s brand essence—muscle, aggression, and driver engagement—even during the transition to electric vehicles. The Charger Daytona R/T was meant to be the ideal mix of cost and performance, yet it appears the intended audience was not ready to embrace that transition at the current price.

      Crucially, this does not signify the complete end of the Charger Daytona. Higher-performance variants like the Scat Pack and Banshee are still planned, and interestingly, they are being revised to be more price competitive. Reports suggest several trims may see price reductions, indicating that Stellantis is committed to enhancing the appeal and accessibility of these models.

      For enthusiasts, the message is clear: the electric muscle car isn’t off the table, but automakers are still determining how to effectively market it. The discontinuation of the R/T is not a setback but rather a recalibration—demonstrating that even the most ambitious plans must adapt to consumer preferences.

      Nick Godt has reported on global business news across three continents for over 25 years.

      My next vehicle must include CarPlay and Android Auto features, and here’s why:

      After spending a week in a Chevrolet Equinox 2025 SUV rental, I’ve realized exactly what I need in my next car. Equipped with Android Automotive, I’ve determined this technology is essential for me. However, the standout feature is how Chevrolet has integrated CarPlay and Android Auto.

      CarPlay and Android Auto provide significant advantages with minimal downsides for drivers. They are designed to seamlessly integrate your phone and its applications into your vehicle, allowing easier access to current maps and traffic information, avoiding the often outdated solutions offered by manufacturers.

      In recent developments, Waymo is making strides toward its long-sought goal of transforming urban transport through a fully autonomous, scalable, and sustainable ride-hailing service. The Alphabet-owned entity has taken another significant step by launching a new vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, in collaboration with automaker Magna.

      Ram is generating excitement with the reintroduction of an old favorite—the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. This trim returns as a more economical option within the full-size truck range, offering a blend of robust design, commendable performance, and, most importantly, an attractive price. With a starting price of $41,105 for the base Quad Cab version (just under $45,000 for the Crew Cab), the revamped Express provides a budget-friendly choice in a segment where full-size trucks frequently exceed $60,000.