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Dodge understands that its muscle car enthusiasts value both the aesthetic and the performance of their vehicles. The experience of driving an old-school muscle car, complete with the iconic V8 rumble, is integral to the Dodge Charger persona. With the introduction of the new electric Dodge Charger Daytona, the company has taken care to ensure it still evokes that classic V8 sound, recently unveiling the audio profile of this technology.
The innovative system, named the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust after Dodge’s Fratzog logo, integrates numerous pending patents that contribute to its distinctive auditory experience. Dodge describes the system as having “dual bespoke, high-efficiency extreme bandwidth transducers paired with dual Fratzonic Chamber-loaded passive radiators, all housed in a custom enclosure and driven by a dedicated amplifier.”
Similar to other artificial exhaust systems in electric vehicles, the Fratzonic setup modifies its sound based on throttle engagement, speed, and power output. As the driver accelerates, the volume increases. Additionally, it is linked to various driving modes—Drag, Drift, Donut, and Track—allowing the sound to adapt according to the selected mode. Unlike many artificial EV exhausts, this system aims to sound authentic from outside the vehicle, and while it nearly achieves that, some discrepancies remain.
In a recent video, Dodge showcased how its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust sounds. At times, it resembles a true V8 engine, yet it also possesses a flat quality. The sound has a singular, deep resonance reminiscent of a V8 that grows louder but does not vary in pitch as a real engine would. As a result, it feels as though Dodge recorded a V8 at 2,000 rpm and simply loops that sound while amplifying it with acceleration.
There is a hint of a synthetic supercharger whine that adds a playful element, especially as many recent Hemi engines were supercharged. However, this does not significantly alter the flat sound of the “V8.” The exhaust also lacks audible gear shifts, creating the impression that the Charger operates akin to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), maintaining its sound without changing tension.
Dodge’s demonstration includes the Charger Daytona Scat Pack performing impressive donuts—an impressive feat attributed to its 670 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. However, the synthesized sound can feel peculiar, almost resembling an automotive version of the “uncanny valley.” The V8 notes remain low and do not pitch higher even as the tires scream and smoke during stunts. While cruising through a tunnel, the sound is predominantly that of a V8 but still feels somewhat off. At idle, there is a subdued V8 growl accompanied by the synthetic humming sound that all electric cars emit for pedestrian safety, which may come across as strange.
Dodge’s venture to recreate the sound and feel of a V8 muscle car in the Charger Daytona is intriguing, yet one can’t help but wonder if this effort may be pushing the boundaries a bit too far..
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