While the electric vehicle (EV) revolution gained momentum over the past couple of years, automakers like Ford and General Motors (GM) have released several new EVs to the North American market. Coming late to the party, the Chrysler Group within Stellantis is now making significant strides. Recently, keen-eyed observer Tony Thomas (@tonedeaf87) spotted two of the automaker’s all-electric models, the Jeep® Wagoneer S and two-door Dodge Charger Daytona, testing in Metro Detroit.
Jeep® Wagoneer S: Luxury and Performance Combined –
The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S First Edition is a luxurious all-electric E-Segment SUV that blends heritage with modern sophistication. It sports a reimagined seven-slot illuminated grille, sleek 20-inch wheels, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, all combining style with functionality.
Inside, the Wagoneer S offers a high-tech, comfortable environment with 45 inches of screen space, including a segment-exclusive interactive front passenger screen. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats ensure a premium comfort level. Performance-wise, the Wagoneer S doesn’t disappoint. It boasts an impressive 600 horsepower and 617 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. With over 300 miles of range on a single charge, this SUV promises long-distance capability without frequent recharges.
Jeep’s Selec-Terrain® traction management system provides five distinct drive modes—Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Sand—ensuring optimal traction and confidence in various driving conditions. Using a DC fast charger, the 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack efficiently charges the vehicle from 20 to 80% in just 23 minutes. Additionally, every Wagoneer S Launch Edition includes a 48-amp Level 2 home charger or public charging credits through Free2move Charge, making it easy for owners to keep their vehicles powered up.
Dodge Charger Daytona: Dodge’s eMuscle Car –
The two-door 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack is set to redefine the muscle car experience with its revolutionary all-electric powertrain. This coupe features a bold, aggressive exterior and a 400-volt system with dual electric drive motors (EDMs), one at the front and one at the rear, creating an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.
The Charger Daytona Scat Pack launch models offer the exclusive Direct Connection eStage 2 upgrade, delivering an astounding 670 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque. This power enables a 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint in 11.5 seconds, making it the quickest and most powerful muscle car on the market, at least until the 800-volt SRT Banshee arrives next year.
Even after the initial launch, the Charger maintains an impressive 630 horsepower, with the option to upgrade to the eStage 2 anytime. The PowerShot feature provides an extra 40 horsepower for 15 seconds, ensuring an adrenaline rush at the push of a button. The Charger’s 100.5 kWh battery pack supports fast charging, reaching 20 to 80% in just over 27 minutes, and offers a range of 260 miles on a single charge.
The STLA Large Platform –
The Jeep Wagoneer S and the Dodge Charger Daytona are based on Stellantis’ new STLA Large architecture. This flexible platform is designed to accommodate internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrid electric (HEV), and battery electric (BEV) powertrains, making it a versatile foundation for future models. It supports 400-volt and 800-volt electric architectures, with three-in-one electric drive modules (EDMs) that can be configured in front-wheel-drive (FWD), rear-wheel-drive (RWD), and all-wheel-drive (AWD) layouts. The platform targets a range of 500 miles for sedans and is engineered to accept future energy storage technologies.
The sighting of the Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona together in Metro Detroit signals that Chrysler Group is finally gearing up to launch these vehicles. With the flexibility of the STLA Large platform and the impressive performance of these new models, Stellantis is poised to make a significant impact in the EV space.
While EVs might not be the favorite option for most drivers, they allow the Chrysler Group to appeal to other market segments. Hopefully, these cars will be effective in emissions-controlled states like California and other CARB states, helping Chrysler Group to tackle more market share in those changing markets.