Dodge has made a decision that completely defies logic. Specifically, they decided to raise the price of the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. This price hike is not small; in fact, it is an increase of almost $12,000. Consequently, you can only describe this move with a simple phrase: you cannot fix stupid. However, there is a small chance Dodge is trying to outsmart the entire market. Perhaps they have a plan hidden behind this confusing strategy. Yet, as it stands, this Daytona looks like a colossal failure based on cost.
To be clear, this criticism is not simply because the car is an EV. Rather, the vehicle is a cost-heavy disappointment with severe quality control problems. For instance, online forums are currently full of owners reporting nightmarish issues. Moreover, you will not find these isolated incidents on just one website. In addition, I have personally interviewed owners who are dealing with these failures. Therefore, this perspective comes from a position of absolute knowledge and reality. Conversely, there may be one owner with 10,000 miles who hasn’t had an issue yet. However, that owner is likely just holding on before their car ends up on a flatbed.
Broken Promises and Old Technology
Dodge had an opportunity to launch a reliable, cutting-edge car. For example, they could have utilized the 800-volt architecture that Maserati already has on the shelf. As a result, the high price tag would make sense. Furthermore, they could have spent an extra year refining the software to ensure reliability. Consequently, even EV fans might have found the product palatable. Instead, Dodge banked on customers falling for old technology.
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Specifically, the current Charger Daytona uses a 400-volt platform. This contradicts promises made during the Banshee concept reveal at Speed Week. At that time, they told us an 800-volt system was real. However, Dodge officially killed the Banshee concept this year. In fact, the CEO confirmed this in recent interviews. When asked, he questioned why they would pursue that technology when the demand isn’t there. Additionally, he noted that the administration now allows for gas cars again. Thus, we are left with a forced product.
Sales Collapse and Inventory Nightmares
Currently, the sales numbers for Dodge are abysmal. In fact, overall sales have collapsed by nearly 50%. Moreover, production numbers simply do not make sense. As a result, the industry is taking notice of this failure. For instance, Auto Guide recently stated that the Dodge Charger Daytona EV is irrelevant to shoppers. Meanwhile, Dodge paused R/T model production, yet it still appears on the website. Additionally, we are hearing nothing about solid-state battery technology because it is too expensive. Consequently, the brand seems to be in a downward spiral.
Inventory is piling up on dealer lots across the country. Specifically, 2025 models are sitting unsold alongside remaining 2024 units. In fact, some dealers still have 2024s languishing because buyers skipped them for the 2025s. Now, both model years are collecting dust. Despite this, Dodge is still pitching the R/T at $59,000 on their site. However, the reality in the market is much different. According to Car Scoop, dealers are listing brand new 2025 Charger Daytonas for less than $40,000. Therefore, raising the MSRP by over $12,000 seems like an act of self-sabotage.
The Logic Behind the Price Hike
So, why would Dodge raise the price on a car that nobody wants? One theory is that they are targeting die-hard EV enthusiasts. Perhaps they believe these buyers will pay any price simply because they want an electric muscle car. However, there is a more cynical strategy likely at play here. By raising the MSRP dramatically, Dodge can later offer massive discounts. For example, instead of offering $7,500 cash back, they can claim they are dropping the price by $17,000. As a result, the final price remains similar, but the perceived deal looks huge.
This strategy is essentially a game of smoke and mirrors. They create urgency by making the standard price unattainable. Then, they use heavy incentives to move metal. However, this is still a stupid strategy because consumers are not buying the car even with deals. Furthermore, this move telegraphs a massive price hike for the 2027 models. Consequently, they might be trying to force buyers into the 2025 and 2026 inventory now before prices skyrocket later.
The 2027 NACS Port Issue
There is another major factor hurting current buyers. Specifically, the 2027 Charger Daytona will feature the new NACS port. This will allow owners to use Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. In addition, Dodge is including a J1772 adapter for compatibility. However, this news is devastating for owners of 2024 and 2025 models. Basically, buying the first year of this car screws you. The arrival of the NACS port in 2027 renders the early models obsolete.
This change will accelerate the already horrible depreciation of the current cars. In fact, it effectively doubles the depreciation hit. While rumors suggest retrofitting 2026 models, the earliest adopters suffer. Therefore, buying a Charger Daytona right now is a financial risk. The 2027 model offers better charging infrastructure compatibility. Meanwhile, dealers heavily discount the 2025s just to move them. Thus, the market value of these early EVs is likely to crash further.
Conclusion: Is the End Near?
Ultimately, this pricing strategy might just be a way to kill the car entirely. Perhaps Dodge is trying to prove to shareholders that the vehicle is not viable. By raising the price and watching sales flatline, they can justify canceling the program. Alternatively, they are simply desperate to clear out old inventory. For the next few months, dealers might push buyers toward the discounted 2025s. However, once the 2027s arrive with the higher price and new port, the landscape will change again.
In summary, Dodge’s decision to raise prices by $12,000 falls strictly under the category of “can’t fix stupid.” The car is struggling, reliability is questionable, and better tech is coming in two years. Nevertheless, they are proceeding with this baffling strategy. We will have to wait and see if this 4D chess move works, or if it simply speeds up the death of the electric muscle car.
