Portland, OR -- Often, it’s important to look past something’s name or label to really explore what it’s all about. Never has that been more true than in the case of the brand new Dodge Challenger in Scat Pack livery.
I’ll get to the history in a moment, but let’s take in the return of a halo car, the return to muscle-car-dom as it was meant to be. After driving the Challenger Hellcat with over 700 ponies, I wasn’t sure I could be equally impressed with the remainder of the Challenger lineup. Boy, was I wrong.
What is the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack?
This is Dodge’s answer to the specialized and focused Mustang Boss and to a lesser extent, Camaro SS 1LE, and what an answer it is. The Challenger has always been one of those instantly recognizable muscle cars -- one that meant business. This new iteration is no exception.
In celebrating 45 years since the first Scat Pack Club packages were introduced on Dodge vehicles, they’ve brought it back on the Dart, Challenger and Charger. In the past, the Scat Pack Club meant performance stage kits (three of them) that could be added to ’68-’71 Challengers.
Now, the Scat Pack represents a 30% increase in power over the non-Scat Challenger. That’s 113 more horses and 65 lb-ft more torque over the 5.7L mill thanks to the Scat Pack’s 6.4L HEMI.
2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Price & Specs
As mentioned above, the Scat Pack adds a hefty engine to the Dodge Challenger, namely a 6.4L HEMI V8 that’s good for 485 horses and 475 lb-ft of torque -- all sent out the rear wheels, blissfully.
Also – and let’s all take a moment to rejoice in this fact – the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack can be had with either an 8-speed automatic or a fabulously lovely to drive 6-speed manual. That’s right folks, a muscle car the way it should be: with three pedals and plenty of ponies under the hood. Oh, and it costs extra for the manual (approx. $1,000), so only true enthusiasts need apply.
The exhaust note in the Scat Pack is also something to take into consideration when looking at the lineup and deciding which particular Challenger grabs your fancy. That V8 grumble is just too good to pass up as the performance-enhanced note burbles out the dual 2.75” rectangular tips.
Of course, the sound won’t be the only deciding factor, the price will, too. The 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack sits in the $40k range, and truthfully for everything it is and offers it’s very well priced ad positioned in the market. Also, there is such a range of Challengers to choose from along with the corresponding price points, there really is one for everyone and every budget.
Driving the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
The heavens opened up as I got behind the wheel of my Sublime Green Challenger Scat Pack, placed my left foot firmly on the clutch and pressed the start-stop button to awaken the beasty 6.4L V8 beneath the hood-scooped bonnet.
Sliding the angled short-shifter into first gear, my right foot feathers the throttle just to enjoy the reverberation of the HEMI in the comfortable cabin. Grin firmly plastered on my face it’s time to let this Challenger show me what it’s all about. As we traverse narrow, tightly winding streets in the Portland area, the Dodge Challenger surprised me immediately by driving much smaller than it looks. Handling is so much more precise than I’d ever imagine from such a wide-bodied, straight-line-speed champion.
I was also pleasantly surprised with the ease of the transmission. The clutch is shockingly short, but in a very good way. Travel is so minimal that it’s ridiculously easy to rev-match for downshifts and heel-toe action is a must as the pedals are perfectly placed for perfect shifts every time.
On the track, the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack is just as compliant with its sport-tuned suspension and large brakes.
This is a true muscle car in every sense of the word -- it even puts on a helluva a good smoke show without too much effort. Trust me.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
Truly a tribute to their 1971 roots, the exterior of the new Dodge Challenger is downright sexy and masculine in all the right ways. Everything that was a bit “off” with the previous generation has been tweaked, trimmed, tailored and just made better. From the front fascia to the skinnier rear, I adore this new Challenger.
And inside that nip/tuck process continued. Best part about the Scat Pack interior for me? The retro ball shifter coupled to the manual transmission.
Comparing the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
This is a halo car, as I mentioned above. It plays along with its American rivals in the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang. Each of these cars has a loyal following, some may even call them cults. If you’ve always been a Challenger fan, you’ll continue to be one perhaps with much more enthusiasm after getting behind the wheel of this newest edition, especially in Scat Pack trim -- I scat you not.
I’ll get to the history in a moment, but let’s take in the return of a halo car, the return to muscle-car-dom as it was meant to be. After driving the Challenger Hellcat with over 700 ponies, I wasn’t sure I could be equally impressed with the remainder of the Challenger lineup. Boy, was I wrong.
What is the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack?
This is Dodge’s answer to the specialized and focused Mustang Boss and to a lesser extent, Camaro SS 1LE, and what an answer it is. The Challenger has always been one of those instantly recognizable muscle cars -- one that meant business. This new iteration is no exception.
In celebrating 45 years since the first Scat Pack Club packages were introduced on Dodge vehicles, they’ve brought it back on the Dart, Challenger and Charger. In the past, the Scat Pack Club meant performance stage kits (three of them) that could be added to ’68-’71 Challengers.
Now, the Scat Pack represents a 30% increase in power over the non-Scat Challenger. That’s 113 more horses and 65 lb-ft more torque over the 5.7L mill thanks to the Scat Pack’s 6.4L HEMI.
2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Price & Specs
As mentioned above, the Scat Pack adds a hefty engine to the Dodge Challenger, namely a 6.4L HEMI V8 that’s good for 485 horses and 475 lb-ft of torque -- all sent out the rear wheels, blissfully.
Also – and let’s all take a moment to rejoice in this fact – the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack can be had with either an 8-speed automatic or a fabulously lovely to drive 6-speed manual. That’s right folks, a muscle car the way it should be: with three pedals and plenty of ponies under the hood. Oh, and it costs extra for the manual (approx. $1,000), so only true enthusiasts need apply.
The exhaust note in the Scat Pack is also something to take into consideration when looking at the lineup and deciding which particular Challenger grabs your fancy. That V8 grumble is just too good to pass up as the performance-enhanced note burbles out the dual 2.75” rectangular tips.
Of course, the sound won’t be the only deciding factor, the price will, too. The 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack sits in the $40k range, and truthfully for everything it is and offers it’s very well priced ad positioned in the market. Also, there is such a range of Challengers to choose from along with the corresponding price points, there really is one for everyone and every budget.
Driving the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
The heavens opened up as I got behind the wheel of my Sublime Green Challenger Scat Pack, placed my left foot firmly on the clutch and pressed the start-stop button to awaken the beasty 6.4L V8 beneath the hood-scooped bonnet.
Sliding the angled short-shifter into first gear, my right foot feathers the throttle just to enjoy the reverberation of the HEMI in the comfortable cabin. Grin firmly plastered on my face it’s time to let this Challenger show me what it’s all about. As we traverse narrow, tightly winding streets in the Portland area, the Dodge Challenger surprised me immediately by driving much smaller than it looks. Handling is so much more precise than I’d ever imagine from such a wide-bodied, straight-line-speed champion.
I was also pleasantly surprised with the ease of the transmission. The clutch is shockingly short, but in a very good way. Travel is so minimal that it’s ridiculously easy to rev-match for downshifts and heel-toe action is a must as the pedals are perfectly placed for perfect shifts every time.
On the track, the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack is just as compliant with its sport-tuned suspension and large brakes.
This is a true muscle car in every sense of the word -- it even puts on a helluva a good smoke show without too much effort. Trust me.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
Truly a tribute to their 1971 roots, the exterior of the new Dodge Challenger is downright sexy and masculine in all the right ways. Everything that was a bit “off” with the previous generation has been tweaked, trimmed, tailored and just made better. From the front fascia to the skinnier rear, I adore this new Challenger.
And inside that nip/tuck process continued. Best part about the Scat Pack interior for me? The retro ball shifter coupled to the manual transmission.
Comparing the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
This is a halo car, as I mentioned above. It plays along with its American rivals in the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang. Each of these cars has a loyal following, some may even call them cults. If you’ve always been a Challenger fan, you’ll continue to be one perhaps with much more enthusiasm after getting behind the wheel of this newest edition, especially in Scat Pack trim -- I scat you not.
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