Carmaker Stellantis has debuted its first electric vehicle fitted with fake exhaust engine noises which mirror the sounds of a petrol or diesel car.
The Dodge Charger is the latest electric car from the company with a crucial difference that this one features external speakers copying the sound of a roaring engine.
The additional noise from the “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” is supposed to help close the gap between those who favour EVs and those who have firmly rejected the switch away from fuel.
The all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers 670 horsepower and is expected to go from zero to 60mph in just 3.3 seconds.
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Car delivers a 670 horsepower
STELLANTIS
Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand's chief executive officer at Stellantis, said: “The electrified 2024 Dodge Charger delivers Charger Hellcat Redeye levels of performance and announces its presence through the world’s first Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust.
“The Hurricane engine-powered Dodge Charger sixpack models will give the Brotherhood of Muscle a gas option that produces better horsepower and torque numbers than the outgoing 5.7- and 6.4-litre HEMI engines.
“The next generation of Dodge muscle has arrived.”
While the noises added to EVs can make drivers feel like they are in a petrol or diesel car, the added sound effects are being met with mixed views from drivers.
Taking to social media, one user compared the added sound effects to eating a vegan burger – “pointless!”
Another person commented that if drivers want that noise “coming from your engine just buy a proper bloody car”.
Someone else stated: “When I first heard about Dodge adding ‘fake’ engine sound to their new electric muscle cars (oxymoron, Right?) I thought it was a joke.
“But no. It is real. And to appeal to muscle car enthusiasts. They are even offering a 'simulated' manual transmission to let the driver feel like they are actually shifting gears.”
Electric cars have become more popular in recent months across the UK, with now over a million on British roads.
However the vast majority of drivers still remain set on having a petrol or diesel car, despite high costs.
The Government has been called on by multiple organisations including The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders which warned more incentives are needed to help people make the switch.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the group explained that as operators face higher capital expenditure, there needs to be a “next generation incentive” and infrastructure strategy to invest in the greener future the country needs.
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Fake engine exhaust noises aimed to make drivers feel like they are in petrol or diesel car
STELLANTIS
For the Government to meet its 2035 net zero targets at least 22 per cent on new cars in the UK will need to be electric this year.