Video: Dodge EV sports car prototype takes on the Challenger SRT8

Posted Sun Nov 16 2008 6:48 PM by James Martinez

With only 268hp (200kW) on board, the Dodge EV looks to be outmatched by the 425hp (317kW) Challenger SRT8

Chrysler demonstrated that it won’t be left behind in the technology stakes with the unveiling of three near-production prototype electric vehicles earlier this year, one of which was a high-performance sports car. The carmaker has now given a preview of the capabilities of its future electric sports car with an impromptu drag race between the Dodge EV and the iconic Challenger muscle car.

The event took place at the Rose Bowl stadium in California on Friday and saw the two performance vehicles race down an empty carpark strip. The Dodge EV is powered by a 268hp (200kW) electric motor with an instantaneous 480lb-ft (650Nm) of torque on hand, and runs on lithium-ion batteries. The Dodge Challenger, on the other hand, was the high-performance SRT8 variant, and features a 6.1L HEMI V8 churning out 425hp (317kW) and 420lb-ft (570Nm) of torque.

While looking at the numbers alone, it is easy to conceive that the electric vehicle is outmatched here. Unfortunately, it is not that simple as the instantaneous torque of the electric motor plays a major role in the accelerative force of the Dodge EV. Check out the video below to see which car comes out on top.

Chrysler’s electric vehicle development chief Lou Rhodes was also on hand on the day and revealed to the LA Times that 100 EV and range-extended prototypes will start testing on public roads next year for engineering and consumer analysis.