Quick Drive: 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack

Mention Dodge and someone is bound to say or yell HELLCAT! The 707 horsepower supercharged V8 dropped into the Charger and Challenger has been stealing the spotlight from FCA’s other performance cars for almost a year. This is quite a shame because there are some really interesting performance vehicles that deserve some of that light. For example, the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack. Even though it might not be full-blooded SRT, the R/T Scat Pack does a pretty good job of mimicking one.

It begins on the exterior as the Scat Pack gets the Charger SRT’s exterior treatment. There is a new front end treatment with a narrow grille, small hood scoop, and LED daytime running lights. Other exterior bits include a set of twenty-inch aluminum wheels and a small rear spoiler finished in black. Finishing off the vehicle is the Plum Crazy Pearl paint. It adds the right amount of lunacy needed for this vehicle.

Don’t expect any types of luxuries for the R/T Scat Pack. The money was spent elsewhere and the interior only features the essentials. It begins with all of the seats coming wrapped in black cloth. The front seats featured extra bolstering and the Scat Pack logo. I found the front seats to be comfortable for short distances, but longer trips caused my left leg to start falling asleep. A longer seat cushion could fix this. The Scat Pack also comes with an eight-inch UConnect system without navigation. The system is still quite easy to use and I like that the Scat Pack includes the SRT Apps that allow you to adjust various settings and time various things such as 0-60 and quarter mile.

Pop the hood and you’ll see an important message on the valve covers, Powered by SRT. Oh yes, the Scat Pack comes with the 6.4L (or 392 cubic inches) HEMI V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque found in most of the SRT lineup. An eight-speed automatic gets all of that muscle to the rear wheels. Start it up and the engine roars into life before settling down and producing one of the sweetest burbles to come out of an exhaust. It gets even better when you hammer the accelerator pedal and engine sings at the top of its lungs with pops and a roar that sounds like a race car.

Despite a curb weight of 4,395 pounds, the HEMI shrugs it off like it is nothing. Step on the gas and the engine just gets you moving at a very rapid rate. If you are not careful, you’ll be well above the speed limit. The eight-speed automatic is very fast and smooth. There is a set of steering wheel paddles if you want to do the shifting yourself. Personally, I let the automatic go about its business.

The one thing I couldn’t get used to was the sensitive throttle. No matter how gently I put my foot onto the gas pedal, the rear tires would squeal - and this was with the traction control on. The first time, it is kind of cool. The one-hundredth time this happens, it becomes very old. It is worse you are turning and you step just a hair too much, causing the back to step out and you counter steering. I really would hate to drive this in the rain or snow.

Now the Charger Scat doesn’t have the adjustable dampers like the SRT, but I found you don’t need them. The suspension is more than capable of keeping body motions in check and corners very well. Steering has a lot of heft and communicates that you are driving a heavy vehicle. When you aren’t trying to terrorize the roads in the Scat Pack, the ride is slightly bouncy over bumps. Wind and road noise are nonexistent, but that is mostly due to the V8 drowning out those noises.

But the best part about the Charger R/T Scat Pack is the price. For $40,990 (includes destination), you can take home a 485 horsepower sedan that can comfortably seat four people and their stuff.

If this isn’t one of the steals of decade, I don’t know what is.

Disclaimer: Dodge Provided the Charger, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas

Year: 2016
Make: Dodge
Model: Charger
Trim: R/T Scat Pack
Engine: 6.4L HEMI V8
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 485 @ 6,000
Torque @ RPM: 475 @ 4,200
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 15/25/18
Curb Weight: 4,395 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Brampton, Ontario
Base Price: $39,995
As Tested Price: $40,990 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)

Options:
N/A