Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today
It's the last call for the Dodge Charger, so the company is sending it out with a bang. Enter the King Daytona, a very special edition of Charger.
Dodge is going to shake up its lineup soon by retiring the iconic Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, set to be retired after the last iteration is released. The Dodge Charger has been rather popular and well-received in its time, with some models even used for official police purposes.
However, Dodge has decided to give these two models, a proper sendoff by constructing seven special-edition Dodge “Last Call” models that honor the history, legacy, design, stature, and impact of the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger.
The fifth special edition model is the 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona, which recognizes the West Coast drag racing history of the Charger from decades prior. This model is specially designed with premium materials and has certain heritage colors offered, and it will be exclusive thanks to its incredibly limited production run.
Read on to find out exactly what makes the 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona so special, unique, and noteworthy.
Related: Here’s Why The Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody Is The Coolest Family Car
The finest materials, such as chrome, satin, suede, and carbon fiber, were used in the manufacturing of the King Daytona. For example, the exterior badging contains both satin and chrome. Further, the rear fender graphics, spoilers, and hood and roof graphics are Satin Black. Satin is also part of the 20-by-11-inch Satin Carbon Warp Speed wheels. Suede is prominently featured in the headliner. The interior bezels are constructed with carbon fiber, while the instrument panel, console, steering wheel, and door trim contain prominent orange interior accent stitching. Orange stitching can also be seen on the seats.
Of course, branding is key, which is why there are “King Daytona” badges strategically placed throughout the vehicle. The interior instrument panel even has one of these badges. Under the hood is a “Last Call” plaque that all 2023 Dodge Challenger and Charger models will feature. That said, the notability and value of the King Daytona stretch beyond just the materials involved in construction. The vehicle also has a navigation package, a power sunroof, and orange six-piston Brembo brakes.
Infotainment also gets a little boost, thanks to the Harman Kardon premium audio system. A Bright Mopar hood pin kit and an Alcantara steering wheel are also part of the King Daytona bonus features. A little extra HP is also a unique feature, as the King Daytona has 807 HP, as compared to the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye's 797 HP, which is the body the King Daytona was based on.
The King Daytona is part of Dodge's “Last Call” series, where certain iconic models will be retired. The King Daytona has roots in the West Coast drag-racing scene of the 1960s and 1970s, and this model, as with all the “Last Call” models, is considered to be a special edition. As a result, only 300 models of the King Daytona will be constructed, giving this model a very limited production run. As mentioned before, these models use the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody body as the base, and the default exterior color will be Go Mango.
To make this model even more limited and exclusive, only particular dealerships will be receiving the King Daytona, although dealer information and full pricing will only be shared once vehicle ordering begins. However, Dodge has decided to release its entire 2023 Charger and Challenger model-year run to dealerships simultaneously to assist their customer base in acquiring these “Last Call” models.
Related: This Is What Makes The 2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody So Special
The King Daytona was made to honor the history, lineage, and legacy of the Dodge Charger. With the Charger comes a long history of racing, so it's no surprise that the 2023 Dodge Charger King Daytona goes back to William “Big Willie” Robinson, who was a prominent figure during the 1960s and 1970s West Coast drag-racing scene. Robinson referred to his particular charger model as “King Daytona,” hence the name of this special edition vehicle.
In his time, Robinson used his vehicle both on the track attaining accolades, and off the track to make sure racers stay off the streets. Robinson's notoriety and contributions to the Charger history, as well as the legacy of his vehicle, warranted the special edition to be named in his honor, as Dodge wanted to pay respects to the history and legacy of the Dodge Charger before they soon retire the iconic model.
For the release of the “Last Call” models, Dodge has decided to bring back three exterior colors: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy Purple, and Sublime Green. Further, Dodge also brought back Destroyer Grey, which is a modern color, but no less indicative of the vehicle's heritage. Altogether, 14 exterior colors will be offered for the “Last Call” models, including the King Daytona.
As the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody is the source template for the King Daytona, the aforementioned underhood plaque that the King Daytona bears will have the vehicle name and a vehicle silhouette incorporated into the design and be made of brushed aluminum. The plaque under the King Daytona's hood will also commemorate the vehicle's origin by containing the words “Designed in Auburn Hills” and “Assembled in Brampton.”
Sources: Stellantis North America, Dodge
Kenny graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Indianapolis. He has since gone on to be a reporter for and write for three newspapers following graduation. Kenny also has experience editing websites using WordPress, and he directed a newspaper team to produce two issues during Indianapolis' 2012 Super Bowl. Kenny was hired onto Valnet to write list articles in March 2020. In his free time, Kenny is often out socializing with friends, practicing karate, reading comics, discussing the Enneagram, or at a game night.