by "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
Published 11/27/2017 at 23:24
by "Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
Published 11/27/2017 at 23:24
Tags: Dodge Challenger
; Car Review
STARS: 4
Author notes - this is my unedited review I did last year. I’ve changed nothing. I simply wrote this after testing a Scat Pack and wanted to post it here. Ironically, shortly after writing this, my best friend was inspired and purchased the Scat Pack I used in the photos.
There are so many incredible cars to be had under $50,000 it has become almost overwhelming to try and find the best bang for your buck. Admittedly, I have personally driven many vehicles that fall right into this exact category, and I believe I’m about to make a compelling case for a particularly overlooked car.
Ladies and gentleman, the 2016 Dodge Challenger SCAT pack is a serious contender. Now, before you start digging up memes and going on a tirade of weight jokes, just hear me out. I was given the opportunity to drive a beautiful and well optioned SCAT, equipped with a six speed manual transmission. To be very honest, I too was completely skeptical.
I had driven a 2012 Challenger RT when it was brand new, also equipped with a six speed manual transmission, and I couldn’t have been more disappointed if I tried. For those of you not well educated on Dodge products, let me fill you in. The RT Challenger featured a 5.7 liter HEMI engine, good for 376 horsepower, and a 0-60 in about five and a half seconds. That’s not exactly terrible, nor is it exactly impressive. The problem is, the Challenger is a fat car. Weighing well over 4,000 pounds does not make a great case for performance whatsoever.
The 2012 felt numb to me, the steering was completely lifeless, the shifter was about as rubbery as a two dollar steak, and the brakes weren’t exactly great either. So, why is the SCAT pack so much better? It’s simple, everything has been changed to make the car far better. The engine is now a 6.4 liter 392 HEMI, making 485 horsepower. Transmitting this power is a masterpiece of a TREMEC six speed manual as previously mentioned. Clamping force comes from four piston Brembo brakes at all four corners. There’s a myriad of driver selectable parameters via the infotainment system, controlled by a button cleverly labled “Super Track Pak” which gives control over the engine, steering, suspension and launch control.
The particular Challenger I drove had featured some beautiful Nappa leather seats with suede center inserts, which were certainly grippy and extremely comfortable. Plastics in the interior have a rather nice feel, soft touch textures in place of traditional Dodge hard plastics. The center stack is surrounded by a stitched leather surface, which truly adds a touch of unexpected class. Honestly though, none of this matters at all. Sure, the interior of the Challenger SCAT is a pretty nice place to spend time, but it’s a far better driving device. After all, you aren’t buying one of these to keep up with luxury trends.
Press the engine start button, and you’re immediately greeted with a voracious exhaust note. Even at idle, the exhaust is beyond intoxicating. Going into the previously discussed driver options, you see sport settings for everything from steering, to launch control. I elected to set the steering in sport mode, as well as the engine, suspension, and left the traction on. Electing to turn the traction control off is thoroughly entertaining, but there’s definitely enough power to imitate a Mustang leaving cars and coffee if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Upon sliding the beautifully designed shifter into first, you almost immediately notice that the clutch is so easy to modulate, that your wife may just let you buy this car without killing you in your sleep. Seriously, this is by far one of the easiest clutches I’ve ever operated. Once the car is moving, prepare to be taken aside by just how incredible the shifter is to use, the throws are extremely short, and the action is very crisp and deliberate. I will venture to say that it is one of the best transmissions I have ever had the joy of shifting, and I have driven every generation of Porsche 911 after the 993. That’s some seriously high praise.
The real magic happens when you press the skinny pedal, and the heavy battleship takes off with some insane authority. 0-60 times are said to be right at four and a half seconds, and I believe that to be conservative. Despite weighing as much as a Orca Whale, the SCAT moves out without fuss. Through first gear, there’s a pretty nice amount of wheelspin, quickly grab second gear and the wheelspin ensues. Upon sliding into third, the traction light stops flashing, and the torque gives you some insight as to how a cannon ball must feel after being fired. You may think I’m exaggerating, but the power figures simply do not lie. The 392 has a way of delivering torque so well, that it seems as if the powerband never really starts or ends. It just keeps going, and going, and never thinks about stopping.
While you’re lost in the moment, coming past 100 miles per hour in what seems like the blink of an eye, you can’t help but love that beautiful exhaust note. The HEMI projects its’ voice very well, and is capable of giving small children nightmares for nights on end. When it becomes time to slow down, the Challenger does that at an even more stellar pace than it accelerated. The Brembo brakes show zero signs of weakness, and subduing the heavy Mopar is extremely easy. Brake fade was nonexistent upon my test, and I most definitely put the car though some abuse. It should come as no surprise that the brake pedal was rock solid, and offered a very nice and confidence inspiring feel.
Steering was better than I would have expected, most electric power steering racks are dull and boring, that’s not to say this was any different. Still lacking the true feedback of a hydraulic system, it wasn’t terrible. This was the area I found to be disappointing, only because the SCAT pack automatically gives the Challenger some Eagle F1 tires. With rubber of that caliber, I expect much more from my steering wheel. I’m not bashing it completely, but it is a weak point. Still yet, the suspension carries the weight of the Dodge very well. Handling was without a doubt better than I thought it was going to be, and I found myself attacking some highway off-ramps and truly enjoying what the car was doing. Obviously, no Challenger is going to be a corner carver in stock form, but the handling isn’t uninspiring, it actually becomes playful and confident as you get used to the weight of the vehicle.
I’m used to driving my 2300 pound Nissan as a daily driver, so almost doubling the weight for the Challenger becomes a new adjustment. With that being said, I came into this drive fully aware of what the car can and can’t do. What I didn’t expect, was to come away from this drive wanting to own this car. The truth is, I have been brutally hard on the Challenger ever since the day I drove the RT. I have always loved the exterior beauty, and let’s be honest, it is the most visually appealing of the group. The Camaro is beautiful, assuming you are blind in both eyes. The S550 Mustang is sporty, aggressive, and a step away from the traditional Mustang formula, and I do love that about it. However, the face lifted and redesigned Challenger is a work of art. The new grille design, the new LED tail light design, it all pays homage to the iconic 1970 Challenger, which is forever going to be one of the best looking classics. The 2016 model is everything I would expect from a vehicle at this price level. Wide, low, and retro, easy on the eyes is an understatement.
So, in conclusion, I will say this. If you think the basic RT is anything like the SCAT pack, you couldn’t be more wrong. Saying these two cars are anything alike, is a lot like saying that an iPhone 7 is like a vintage rotary phone, sure they both make phone calls, but that’s exactly where the similarities end. The SCAT pack takes all the shortcomings of the basic RT, and allows the car to become a finely tuned weapon. If you find yourself wanting to buy a weekend toy that is capable of being a comfortable daily driver should the need arise, do not discount the Challenger. Offering luxury, performance, beauty, and a reasonable sticker price, the decision starts to become an easy one.
"Tapas" (tapas)
11/28/2017 at 00:09, STARS: 1
Have you driven the Mustang GT?
It is 50 hp less than the SCAT Pack but its also 300 lbs lighter.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 00:12, STARS: 0
Indeed I have. It definitely feels slower than the SCAT Pack. The other reason the SCAT reigns superior to me is very simple. I’m a manual guy. The mustang still uses the MT-82 which is a rather weak manual transmission. My good friend Jim broke one just on an intake and radials.
The SCAT runs a Tremec 6060 and Nathan has run radials all year with zero issues. Plus in my opinion, it’s a far more attractive car from the exterior, and I prefer the feel of the SCAT.
"Wagon Guy drives a Boostang" (gimmeboost)
11/28/2017 at 00:15, STARS: 1
Too heavy for autocross.
Just my opinion of course, but so is any car review...
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 00:18, STARS: 0
You’re not wrong.
When I wrote this the NEW body style camaro hadn’t been out yet. However, the newest redesign looks amazing. It also handles amazing I’m told. I plan to check out one here soon. Maybe this weekend.
The Challenger isn’t completely hopeless in terms of handling, but I’d give it a C-. It excels at being a bad ass highway cruiser and a back road terrorizer.
"Tapas" (tapas)
11/28/2017 at 00:23, STARS: 1
That makes sense :)
I have driven a rental automatic Mustang ecoboost. It was good, but I wasn’t sure how much better the GT would be.
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
11/28/2017 at 00:35, STARS: 1
YES BUT TELL ME MORE ABOUT THAT SWEET AUDI YOU PARKED NEXT TO!
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
11/28/2017 at 00:36, STARS: 1
In all seriousness, I dig the scat pack. A guy in town has a gray one with yellow highlights and I love the color scheme. We were near one another at a car show not too long ago and now we wave at each other when our commutes bring us next to each other.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 00:37, STARS: 0
Haven’t driven the Ecoboost yet myself, but it seems like a super fun car. Drove the Focus RS (and did a comparison against the BMW M3 for another website, it was hilarious) and couldn’t find anything bad to say. So much fun!
The Challenger isn’t perfect by any means. It’s just so much fun to drive. Soon, I’ll be driving my good buddy Austin’s SCAT Pack Charger with the eight speed automatic. The issue with the six speed manual is definitely wheel hop. The automatic doesn’t have this issue, and I’ve heard it’s phenomenal. Having driven the eight speed in the Durango RT, I’d bet it’s gonna be everything I hope it will.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 00:41, STARS: 2
That would be my 1986 Audi 5000 CS Quattro :)
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
11/28/2017 at 00:41, STARS: 1
I dig it.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 00:42, STARS: 0
They really do have a pretty sick street presence. The one in the pictures is B5 blue pearl and wears Mickey drag radials. It looks as sinister as it performs.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 00:43, STARS: 0
Haha thanks! Funny story, I sold it six months ago and the buyer never came to get it. It’s for sale again.
"themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles" (themanwithsauce)
11/28/2017 at 00:44, STARS: 1
I had a 200 20v myself. Loved that thing when it worked, but I was too broke to keep up with repairs at the time....Great cars, all of them.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 00:46, STARS: 0
Ooooh nice! I love the 20V cars. I just started focusing all of my energy on my DSM and she became the apple of my eye real fast lol.
"GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo" (jackolson)
11/28/2017 at 01:01, STARS: 2
Drive a 1LE Camaro SS, the whole package is amazing... the magnetic dampers, Brembos, e-diff, and those Goodyears make it one of the best handling cars money can buy. I’d put one in my garage if it weren’t for a lifetime goal to have a R32 Skyline GTR. Hopefully one day they will depreciate and I can own both. Krypton Green FTW.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 01:02, STARS: 1
YESSSS the new redesign is absolutely sexy. That color is amazing! I intend to drive one very shortly.
"Tapas" (tapas)
11/28/2017 at 01:17, STARS: 1
The Ecoboost is a fun car for sure :)
If the car feels more fun, its a better choice without question. After a point, 0-60 times, extremely precise handling or Nurburgring times don’t matter at all.
If you live in a city or deal with traffic, autos are the way to go. But I’m sure there is a simple aftermarket fix for the wheel hop in Manuals..
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 01:28, STARS: 1
Agreed 100%. Fun to drive factor is a deciding factor for me. It outweighs many other aspects of vehicle ownership.
They make the HOP-NOT kit that eliminates it, and at a modest $600-700 cost.
"CompactLuxuryFan" (compactluxury)
11/28/2017 at 02:27, STARS: 1
The Kia Stinger GT seems to be a serious contender here. At least Car & Driver thinks so.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 02:42, STARS: 0
I’m trying to get my hands on one to find out. If I do, expect a comprehensive review.
"BKosher84" (bkosher84)
11/28/2017 at 09:27, STARS: 1
I rented a 2018 Challenger R/T and was amazed at the power it had for how heavy the car was, but I also daily drive either a 2013 Equinox or a 2015 Trax so ¯\_()_/¯
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
11/28/2017 at 14:09, STARS: 0
Nothing wrong there. The newer models got a modest bump in horsepower, and the eight speed auto does wonders for them. I’m sure it was a very fun car to rent!
"RSsochs" (rsvsochs)
07/08/2018 at 23:16, STARS: 1
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
What if you want to go fast and turn? Not trying to be funny. I’m family guy here wants a sport car but needs space for the people. 2019 widebody? Road course mindset...not just go straight or just turn left. Love the space, the interior(SRT leathers are great), and the manual is so i nvolving.
"Powershiftmedia-ResidentDSMGuru" (matt-powershiftmedia)
07/09/2018 at 00:45, STARS: 0
Don’t believe the hype at all; while the challenger isn’t a Fiesta ST by any stretch, it’s also not completely lost in corners. They actually handle quite well for a heavy car. You learn to feel them out.