Peter Palmer: First Look: 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona

Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

For 2017, Dodge is bringing back two of its most legendary nameplates from the glory days of muscle cars: the Challenger T/A and the Charger Daytona. The Charger Daytona was last available as a 2013 model, inspired by the big-winged Charger Daytona coupes Dodge built for the 1969 NASCAR season.

Like the Challenger T/A, the Charger Daytona is available in a handful of retro color schemes like Yellow Jacket and Green Go.

What’s New

The 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona wears front and rear fascias similar to the ones found on the SRT and R/T Scat Pack models. However, the Daytona features its own unique design cues, like a model-specific, matte-black rear spoiler and roof, a “HEMI” graphic at the bottom of the center hood scoop bulge, and “Daytona” decals on the rear quarter panels.

Performance

When the Charger Daytona goes on sale, it will be available in two variants: Daytona and Daytona 392.

The Charger Daytona is powered by a 5.7 L HEMI V8 which produces 370 horsepower. The Daytona 392 is powered by a 6.4 L HEMI V8 with 485 horsepower. Both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the Challenger T/A, both engines in the Daytona are fitted with a Mopar conical air filter and a high-performance exhaust system.

2017 Dodge Charger Daytona Right Front Three Quarters

2017 Dodge Charger Daytona Right Rear Three Quarters

Handling

The Charger Daytona’s handling is further improved with the addition of Dodge’s Super Track Pak. The kit consists of a stiffer suspension, upgraded brake lines, a three-mode stability-control system (can be turned off), and high-performance tires.

The 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona rides on a set of black 20 x 9 inch, 12-spoke Mopar wheels, wrapped with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. The Daytona 392 rolls on 20 x 9.5 inch forged-aluminum wheels, also painted black, but wrapped in Pirelli three-season performance tires. The top-of-the-range Daytona 392 also gets big, vented front brakes with six-piston Brembo calipers and four-piston rear calipers.

Interior

Inside, the Daytona features power-adjustable, heated and cooled front seats, gold accent stitching throughout the cabin, and embroidered Daytona logos on the front seats. A Daytona badge is also imprinted on the instrument panel. Additional luxury features consist of a power-adjustable steering column, driver’s seat memory, HID headlights, LED interior lights, and rear back up sensors. The Charger Daytona 392 includes unique features like “392” fender decals, a 220-amp alternator, and a 180 mph speedometer.

Availability

The 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona starts at $41,225 and the Daytona 392 can be yours for $46,090. Customers can order their Charger Daytona or Daytona 392 starting next month.

*Rahul Raman is the Founder of CARS 360 Mke, an automotive news outlet. He is a regular contributor to Automoblog and the author of our First Look series.