Archive for August, 2015

Dodge Challenger (2015) R/T Scat Pack - Front

Dodge Challenger (2015) R/T Scat Pack – Front

IMG_4918

2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack: Super American Muscle

Plusses: 6.4 liters, 485 horsepower of pure Hemi V8 muscle–the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack model is so fast, it will have you asking yourself, “Do I need this much horsepower? Really?” You may not need it all the time, but if you need to merge onto the highway or pass another vehicle, you’ll answer “Heck yes!” with a huge grin on your face. The rapid acceleration will press you against your seat instantly. The eight-speed automatic transmission works seemlessly with the 6.4 liter V8 engine. The Challenger shares the same platform as the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300, which means interior space is great for an American muscle these days (the Challenger even has a good amount of useable trunk space, although the lift-over is high). The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro aren’t even close in that department.

Dodge Challenger (2015) Front and Side View

Dodge Challenger (2015) Front and Side View

2015 Challenger - Trunk

2015 Challenger – Trunk

The seats are top notch and comfortable, both in front and in back; the revised dash is light years better than the one in the 2014 models, and the touchscreen infotainment system is great–seeing the performance information (horsepower, torque, etc.) displayed on the screen is a terrific idea, and it can even be entertaining for passengers. The performance suspension has a ride the is acceptable, which is quite a surprise. The Challenger Scat Pack even has some nifty safety features on board (forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear backup camera for good measure). The 2015 Dodge Challenger also has classic good looks going for it also–it’s the total package.

Dodge Challenger - Dash and Front Seats

Dodge Challenger – Dash and Front Seats

Challenger Dash 1

Challenger Dash 1

Challenger Dash 2

Challenger Dash 2

Minuses: You’ll pay dearly at the gas pump for all that horsepower–the Challenger’s poor fuel economy won’t win any awards for frugalness (E.P.A. rated 14 mpg city, 23 mpg highway). The huge blind spots from the rear “C” pillars hamper visibility. It also make rear seat passengers feel claustrophobic, in spite of the spacious rear seat.

2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

Final Grade: if you can afford the mid-$40,000 price of the 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack (Consumer and Car Exam’s tester model), then go for it. This car will most likely become a collectible classic in the future. Do you need to buy the more expensive, Dodge Challenger SRT 392 model–or the even more expensive 707 hp Hemi Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat? No! The Scat Pack Challenger will do the job with no problem. The updated and improved Dodge Challenger is a fantastic piece of American muscle, and a thrill ride driving enthusiasts should experience at least once–actually, as many times as they possibly can. Even if some consumers can’t spend (or don’t want to) the extra cash for the Scat Pack Challenger, they still have the 5.7 liter, 375 hp, Hemi V8 R/T and 3.6 liter, 305 hp Pentastar V6 SXT models to choose from–decisions, decisions…

The Car Exam’s Grade: a strong “A” grade

Dodge Challenger (2015) - R/T and Base Models

Dodge Challenger (2015) – R/T and Base Models

Dodge Challenger (2015) Rear

Dodge Challenger (2015) Rear