Report: Dodge to Drop Base Charger Daytona R/T for 2026

by Chris Teague

Published: May 16th, 2025

report dodge to drop base charger daytona r t for 2026

The electric Dodge Charger Daytona has only been on sale a short time, but the automaker quickly began offering incentives and discounts to move unsold inventory. Now, we’re learning that Dodge may take steps to simplify the lineup, dropping the base R/T trim for the 2026 model year in favor of the range-topping Scat Pack model.

Mopar Insiders reported that Dodge would drop the entry-level Charger as it sees dropping sales for its new EV. The automaker sold fewer than 2,000 units in the first quarter of this year, and the publication noted that dealers have around 3,500 R/Ts sitting on lots across the country.

The situation with the new Charger has evolved quickly since its release, with Dodge rapidly deciding it would offer a gas engine for the car. The base R/T is no slouch, but the Scat Pack is far more impressive, with 670 horsepower and quarter-mile times in the 11-second range.

Dodge will likely pull back the curtain on the 2026 Charger line soon. In addition to the Hurricane inline-six-cylinder engines already promised, Dodge’s parent company, Stellantis, may revive its V8 engine options under its new CEO, so anything could happen with the car going forward. That said, it’s clear the electric variant didn’t hit enthusiasts’ heart strings in the way Dodge had hoped, leaving its fate in the hands of future gas models.

[Images: Dodge]

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Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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3 of 49 comments

T_w65885074 on May 19, 2025

A friend got the cheap short lived Small lease offer on the scat pack in all black. I'm not an ev fan but this thing is sweet... seen him do a 4 wheel burnout with it. He also drives a hellcat red eye charger, a 66 coronet hot rod, a c6 supercharged vette etc.. They are a massive car though, stand next to one and see. I would take the tt 6 version even, I'm a straight 6 guy. Love my old bimmers.. Have a 93 525 and a 2002 530i...

1 Reply
- Joe Turnes on Jun 19, 2025
  
  These cars are small with short front & rear overhangs, compared to a '76 impala or new yorker, or even '72 grand prix.
  
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T_w65885074 on Jun 19, 2025

Standing next to the car to me its huge. Very long wheelbase...!!! Its the same wheelbase that will become the four door

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