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While Dodge offers a manual version of its Challenger coupe, Charger fans have been waiting a long time for a true, manual muscle car. It looks like they’ll have to keep waiting until the production version of the Charger Daytona SRT EV. That’s right, the first manual Charger in years may also be electric.

Dodge’s new electric Charger coupe

Promo shot of the all-new electric Dodge Charger concept car.
2022 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept | Stellantis

Dodge has been teasing an all-new eMuscle powertrain for over a year. Then, in August 2022 Stellantis unveiled an electric Charger.

The new car is called the Charger Daytona SRT concept. The Daytona name is inspired by the extensive aerodynamic elements, including a front wing Dodge is calling the “R-Wing.” Daytona is also obviously a callback to the special edition Chargers of yesteryear.

The new Charger concept is powered by the 800-volt “Banshee” powertrain, and it is an AWD Coupe. Also, it’s a manual.

The Charger Daytona EV concept has a unique transmission

Interior of the new Dodge Charger Daytona SRT EV with eRupt manual shift lever.
2022 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept | Stellantis

Stellantis says its new electric Dodge Charger boasts an “eRupt” multi-speed manual. And the reveal photos certainly show a futuristic pistol-grip shifter. But the automaker has not been clear about what that pistol grip shifter does.

We know that the car offers an “electro-mechanical shifting experience.” We also know that the transmission is a “multi-speed.” We do not know exactly how many gears it has or how it works.

Other electric concept cars, such as the Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0, feature a true three-pedal manual transmission. Mercedes is even working on a two-speed transmission to boost its electric cars’ top speed. What will “slapping gears” in the electric Charger be like? We’ll have to wait to find out.

The Charger EV is an analog car in a digital world

The front of the Charger Daytona SRT concept car with trees visible in the background.
2022 Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept | Stellantis

Dodge’s latest electric prototype is full of retro styling cues, and technologies. One of the most divisive features is the “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” system. This system delivers “performance sound” based on the car’s speed and acceleration. As far as we can tell, it appears to be a speaker and resonating chamber.

Retro style elements of the new Charger include its vertical grille slats, full-width tail-light, haunchy fenders, five-spoke rims, and tall grille. The tall front fascia of the Charger EV gives it a very similar profile to existing Chargers. But without an engine under the hood, the front of the car is much lower. Air actually passes through the “grille” and under the “R-Wing” at the front of the car to create downforce. But this unique front end allows traditional headlight and grille placement.

Next, learn about the all-new Dodge Banshee logo or watch the official reveal of the Charger EV in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.