2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack TESTDRIVENOW.COM VIDEO REVIEW

2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack VIDEO REVIEW

When it comes to American muscle cars, the most authentically retro is indisputably the Dodge Challenger. And now even more heritage is baked in with new 2015 R/T Scat Pack.

In 1968 Dodge created the Scat Pack Club – a fraternity of performance enthusiasts which quickly grew into a partnership between Dodge and Mopar to deliver stage kits to maximize their cars’ potential. Flash ahead to 2014 and the Scat Pack kits are back, available for Challenger, Charger and Dart. Or you can just buy one of these…and don’t you dare get any other color. For the first time on a non-SRT model, you can get the big 6.4-lter HEMI in the Challenger, in either this R/T Scat Pack or the new 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker. The 5.7-liter V8 lives on in the remaining 4 R/T trim levels.

The 2015 model receives new 1971-inspired design tweaks including a split grille, power bulge hood, LED halo headlamps and LED tail lamps. And for years we tried to ignore the chintzy interior, but that’s been fully addressed here as well, with higher quality materials, more attention to detail and stuffed with Chrysler Group’s industry leading tech.

Beyond the 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque from the 392, the R/T Scat Pack adds an active electronically controlled exhaust with that addictive Challenger rumble. There are also Brembo brakes, a performance suspension, a driver adjustable rack-mounted electric power steering system, and all-new 20” wheels fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires. Dodge Performance Pages are standard and can be accessed via the touchscreen or by pressing the Super Track Pak button. Within lie controls for engine, traction control and steering settings as well as a launch control feature with an adjustable RPM setting. Recordable performance figures can also be checked in the information display. Dodge claims a 0-to-60mph run in the mid 4’s but as you can see my wheel spin inhibited best was 5.3. My car has the standard 6-speed manual with a ball-type shifter with firm, direct throws – a perfect fit for this kind of car – but the optional 8-speed automatic is likely quicker, nets 1mpg better and thus avoids the gas guzzler tax while this one is penalized at the rate of $1,000. Mileage is rated at 14mpg city/23mpg highway on preferred premium. Pricing starts at $38,490 and my tester literally has every option other than the automatic for an as-tested price of $45,265.

The optional Scat Pack Appearance Group adds the Bumble Bee rear stripe, Gloss Black grille surround, HID headlamps and these 20″ Mopar matte aluminum wheels.

The Challenger is a muscle car that feels so authentic yet doesn’t forgo today’s advancements. This car has it all, including high-end features like auto high beams, rain sensing wipers, blind spot and rear cross path detection, Suede and Nappa leather heated and ventilated seats and the awesomeness that is UConnect with navigation. It’s a big coupe with a sizeable 16 cubic foot trunk but rear seat leg room is tight.

I’ve been gushing about this Challenger revival since my first test drive in 2008 and 6 years later my favorite muscle car still hits the sweet spot of nostalgic Americana and modern machinery. When you drive it you’ll be amazed at a couple of things; 1) how soft the ride is and 2) how it’s more than just a straight line Sammy. But above anything else this cars calling card is this fantastic Sublime Green paint, turning heads everywhere it’s seen.

Dodge offers this Challenger in 9 colors but this one steals the show. Yes, the Challenger is more boulevard cruiser than a canyon cutter, but it’s so playful, easy to drive and full of sensory stimulation that you’d have to have a heart of stone to come away from it without a huge smile on your face. The updates made for 2015 clearly hit their marks, giving you even more Challenger to love. Now, where’s the convertible?

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