The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, once hailed as the vanguard of Dodges electric muscle car future, is being dropped for the 2026 model year.

According to a report from MoparInsiders, the Scat Pack variant will now lead the Daytona lineup, marking a significant pivot in Stellantis EV strategy.

Recommended Videos Originally introduced with bold ambitions, the Charger Daytona R/T was designed to offer an accessible gateway into electric performance. With its 456-horsepower dual-motor setup and optional 509-horsepower Direct Connection stage kit, it seemed poised to excite both muscle car fans and EV newcomers. However, market realities have painted a different picture.

Related Industry and media reports highlight the core issue: buyers just werent biting. Despite its impressive specs and nostalgic design cues, the R/T struggled to justify its price tag, starting near $60,000. At that level, buyers expected either more performance or more premium features. Without strong sales traction, Dodge made the tough call to shelve the R/T variant for 2026, opting instead to focus on trims that resonate better with customers.

As we reportedin December, the Charger EV was launched with an off-beat marketing message to save the planet from self-driving sleep pods. The goal was to retain Dodges brand identitymuscle, aggression, and driver engagementeven in the electric era. The Charger Daytona R/T was supposed to be the perfect balance of price and performance, but it seems the target audience wasnt ready to make that leap at that price.

Importantly, this doesnt spell the end of the Charger Daytona altogether. Higher-performance models like the Scat Pack and Banshee are still in the pipeline and, interestingly, are being adjusted for price competitiveness. Several trims are reportedly seeing price cuts, suggesting Stellantis is serious about making these vehicles more appealing and accessible.

For enthusiasts, the takeaway is clear: the electric muscle car isnt going anywhere, but automakers are still figuring out how to sell it. The demise of the R/T is less a failure and more a recalibrationproof that even the boldest plans need to stay flexible in the face of consumer demand.