The second-generation of the modern Dodge Charger arrived in 2010, five years after Chrysler had revived the iconic nameplate as a four-door sedan. Although presented as a redesign, the new model uses not only the same platform, but also many styling features. More important changes were made under the hood, where brand-new 3.6-liter V-6 and 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engines joined the updated 5.7-liter V-8. In 2015, the sedan received an extensive facelift that brought the first major changes inside and out. The update was soon followed by the SRT Hellcat, a supercharged, 707-horsepower model that's the quickest, most-powerful factory-built muscle car ever built as of August 2016.

The second-generation model also spawned many models that pay tribute to the classic, two-door charger, including the Scat Pack. The most recent of them is the Daytona, launched for the 2017 model year. Named after the highly-modified coupe that was created in 1969 as a homologation special for NASCAR, the 2017 Charger Daytona marks the nameplate's return after a four-year hiatus. Revived for the first time in 2006 and produced until 2009, the Daytona returned for the 2013 model year. Now, it's being offered for the very first time on the updated second-generation model.

As usual, it comes with a sportier exterior appearance, several unique interior features, and a drivetrain that includes Mopar-modified components. Although not as impressive as the original car that set numerous records on NASCAR race tracks, the new Charger Daytona is indeed a special performance car, especially if you're looking for something with four doors, seating for five people, and a big trunk.

Update 08-24-2016: We made a new video to cover the highlights of the 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona. Click play to enjoy it for yourself!

Continue reading to learn more about the Dodge Charger Daytona.

What makes the Dodge Charger Daytona special

The new Charger Daytona gets quite a few extra goodies on the outside. Although based on the R/T trim, it stands out quite a bit from its sibling thanks to the SRT- and Scat Pack-inspired front and rear fascias, side sills, and the one-piece Satin Black trunk-lid spoiler. There's also a Satin Black hood graphic with “HEMI” logo on NACA duct and cutout “Daytona” deck-lid to rear-quarter graphics.

The roof is also finished in Satin Black. Dodge also added "Daytona" grille badging for a distinct look and replaced the standard wheels with wider, 20 x 9-inch Mopar lightweight, forged-aluminum rims finished in Hyper Black II with new center caps that feature Dodge stripes. The four-inch round tips that come with the custom Mopar exhaust system round off the sedan's bespoke exterior.

The interior too received a lot of attention. Customers will sit in unique black Nappa leather seats with horizontal Alcantara suede plowthroughs and Brazen Gold accent stitching and rest on seat back with "Daytona" embroidery. The front seats are heated, ventilated, and 12-way power adjustable. The Brazen Gold accent stitching also adorns the center console armrest, door panels, and door panel armrests. An all-new "Carbonite authentic" aluminum bezels, Gloss Black accents, sports steering wheel add further character to the Daytona-badged four-door. Standard equipment also includes premium velour-bound floor mats with embroidered "Dodge" logo, sports pedals, and “Daytona” instrument panel badge.

Buyers in need of more premium features can order the optional driver seat and steering column with memory feature, bi-function high-intensity discharge (HID) projector headlamps, LED ambient cabin lighting, ParkSense rear park assist system, and security alarm.

Under the hood, the Daytona comes with the R/T's awesome 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine. The all-motor unit is rated at the same 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, but that's not to say that the entire drivetrain is standard. Dodge actually made quite a few upgrades, starting with a Mopar cold-air induction system with conical air filter and an all-new electronically controlled, 2.75-inch active exhaust system.

The brand's Super Track Pak also comes standard, adding performance-tuned suspension, performance brake linings, three-mode ESC calibration with “full off” mode, and high-performance Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. Furthermore, the Charger Daytona includes a rear differential with a 2.62 axle ratio, and tweaked engine and transmission calibration with a high-speed engine controller. Dodge says that these modifications make the Charger quicker. Specific numbers aren't available, but it should shave at least a tenth-second off the R/T standard 0-to-60 mph sprint of 4.8 seconds. Top speed also increased from 135 to 150 mph, a much more significant update.

All that new performance is kept in check by the ultra-high performance Brembo braking system with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.

Pricing for the 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona starts from $39,890, which accounts for a $5,995 premium over the standard R/T model. The Daytona is actually about as much as the R/T Scat Pack model, priced from $39,995, but makes for a cooler version to have due to its association with the iconic, race-spec 1969 Charger Daytona.

Dodge Charger

Read our full review on the Dodge Charger here.