The 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody is already the most powerful and exclusive version of the full-size Charger sedan but for 2020, Dodge decided to introduce a new special edition version. Called the Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition, it commemorates 50 years since the original 1969 Charger Daytona broke the 200 mph barrier in NASCAR. Fun fact: this Charger Hellcat can't actually hit 201 mph because of the widebody kit.
Dodge said it would only build 501 numbered copies of the Charger Hellcat Daytona Edition and one of those was already wrecked. With only 500 examples up for grabs, should you buy one? Here's what you get with the 50th Anniversary Package and why we think it is worth the upgrade.
Exterior Changes
It isn't too difficult to spot a Daytona Edition from the outside because of its large Daytona stripe and lip spoiler on the rear end. While not as outrageous as the original car's massive wing, the stripe and spoiler add a unique touch to the Charger. If you opt for B5 Blue, which is now an exclusive color for the Daytona Edition, or either Pitch Black or Triple Nickel, the Daytona stripe and the Hellcat fender badges are finished in white. If you opt for White Knuckle, these accents become blue. The only other major difference on the exterior is a new "Warp Speed" wheel finished in Satin Carbon, rather than the dark grey, black, or bronze of a standard Hellcat.
Power Upgrade
It is always disappointing when a special edition model doesn't get an upgrade in power but this is Dodge after all, so power is always on the menu. The 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 has been cranked up to 717 horsepower, which is a 10-hp increase over the standard car. With 650 lb-ft of torque, Dodge says the Charger Hellcat Widebody can hit 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (if you can manage the wheel spin) with a top speed of 196 mph. The 10-hp bump might not be much, but you will always know your Charger Hellcat is a bit more powerful than any other (until the Redeye comes out).
Interior Changes
In the cabin, there are several indicators of this car's special edition pedigree. The word "Daytona" is embroidered on the seats and matched with blue stitching on the suede/leather combination seats. There is also a "Daytona Limited Edition" badge on the dashboard, indicating what number the car is out of 501. Getting the Daytona package also adds real carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and surrounding the shifter.
Not Too Expensive, But...
A 2020 Charger Hellcat Widebody starts at $69,645 and the Daytona Edition only adds another $4,495 to the price. With the Harmon Kardon stereo and built-in navigation, the price comes out to just under $80,000. That still seems like a bargain for a car with 717 hp but there is a catch. Due to the rarity of the Daytona Edition, some dealerships have marked up their cars to well over $100,000. We love the uniqueness of the Daytona package but we do not recommend paying $20,000 (or more) over sticker price for it. If you can find one at sticker, you should pull the trigger.
And just remember, if all you want is a car with over 700 hp and you don't need four doors, used Challenger Hellcats can now be found used for less than $40,000.