2015 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker Review
In the late 1960s, muscle car fever had taken over America.
Everyone wanted the fastest, flashiest and loudest car they could get their hands on. To cash in on their popularity, Dodge began a program that would give the brand’s highest performance vehicles a little more distinction.
Called the Scat Pack, this group of cars represented the best of the best for Dodge. In 1968, the Scat Pack included the Charger R/T, Dart GTS and Swinger 340 as well as a pair of Cornets, the R/T and the Superbee. Wearing twin tail stripes and the superbee badge in some cases, the Scat Pack cars subtly showed the world they were the baddest Dodges available.
As the years rolled by, vehicles would be added to the Scat Pack like the Challenger and Charger Daytona, while others were dropped. But by 1972, the Scat Pack was no more as muscle cars were on the way out, thanks to insurance costs and rising gas prices.
A few years ago, Dodge revived the Scat Pack name as a series of upgrade packages for Charger and Challenger owners. This year, the company has taken things a step further by offering full-blown Scat Pack iterations of the 2015 Charger and Challenger. But this begs the question: Do these new cars deserve to wear the Scat Pack badge?
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FAST FACTS
| Engine: | 6.4L V8; 485 hp, 470 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission: | Six-speed manual, eight-speed auto |
| Price (US): | Begins at $43,590 after destination charges, $49,770 as tested |
| Price (CDN): | Begins at $51,690 after destination charges, $56,680 as tested |
| EPA fuel economy: | 14 MPG city, 23 MPG highway |
| CDN fuel economy: | 15.7 L/100 km city, 9.5 L/100 km highway |
Is it a Scat Pack?
Well, the answer is yes and no. The original Scat Pack signified the top version of each Dodge performance model, so using that logic, technically the 2015 SRT Challengers and Chargers should be in the Scat Pack. And in the 1960s and ’70s, the Scat cars featured little more than a few additional cosmetic changes. With the 2015 models, Dodge has completely overhauled the cars.
SEE ALSO: 12 Important Things About the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Shaker
Although that scoop doesn’t actually do anything to increase performance, it doesn’t really matter, as the big V8 makes 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired up to an eight-speed automatic transmission or what I have here, a six-speed manual – the way the Scat gods intended it.
And It’s More than Just Power
But Dodge wasn’t done there. The suspension has been upgraded with a higher performance setup and larger Brembo brake calipers with vented and slotted rotors are installed. None of these parts are the same as the wilder SRT cars, but they are higher in performance than the regular R/T and exclusive to the Scat Pack models.
SEE ALSO: 2015 Dodge Challenger 6.4L Scat Pack Review
Oh, and of course there is also the option for the twin tail stripes and a swarm of superbee logos plastered all over the car, inside and out, to ensure all passerby know this is indeed a Scat Pack Challenger.
For the Love of the Sound
Along with the bigger V8, the Challenger also receives the freer-flowing exhaust system that alone is worth the price of Scat Pack admission. Just listening to the HEMI growl instantly brightens up your day. It’s as old school as a V8 sounds in 2015 and I love Dodge for it. Looking out over the massive hood, seeing the shaker scoop poking up and hearing that awesome V8 soundtrack, it really does feel like I’ve traveled back in time and am piloting a 1971 Challenger.
That isn’t light and after a few hard corners the car’s relatively narrow 245 mm tires will ask you to please stop the abuse. Steering is a bit vague for the car but at least the big brakes stop this tank with authority. The Scat Pack though may be the roughest riding 2015 Challenger as it features the most aggressive fixed suspension setup. The SRT cars can be made stiffer, but they do feature adjustable dampers that allow the driver to soften up the ride when wanted.
And it Has a Hidden Talent
Being a big heavy car does have some advantages, though. It’s a little known fact shared by some cool, old school dads, but the Challenger can baby. Yup, that’s right, babies love Challengers. Just ask one, I’m sure they won’t tell you otherwise.
In fact, the Challenger excels in most other aspects. With 33.1 inches of rear legroom, a rear or forward facing child seats fits without issue in the backseat. Even when a rear facing infant seat is installed, front seat passengers still fit. This is not something that can be said for a lot of other coupes.
And then there’s the trunk. It’s massive. Measuring more than 16 cubic feet, it can swallow up all that baby gear needed when traveling.
The Verdict: 2015 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker Review
The Challenger really is a straight-line car that’s about speed, sound and image. That makes the Scat Pack the perfect package for the big muscle car, as it adds a bigger engine, a louder exhaust and a flashier look.
Now if someone at Dodge would just see the marketing gold they’re missing by not using Scat Man John’s hit Scatman in their commercials…
Discuss this on our Dodge Challenger Forum
LOVE IT
- Power
- Sound
- Style
- Spacious
LEAVE IT
- Handling
- Steering
- Price
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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Tested one a few weeks ago......I haven't smiled that much in years! Absolutely fantastic car. No it isn't a small car and I hope they never change it......this is American Muscle...Period.
Best friend just ordered this car and im waiting for some weekend rides. 392 Scat Pack, roof, 18 speakers without the shaker hood. $46,100 out the door.