2015 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker

The 2015 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker can be classified as one of the cars no one “needs”. Being far from basic transportation, it falls under the “want” category.

First off let’s break down the seemingly endless model name. Beyond the basic Dodge Challenger, the 392 cubic inch engine has a HEMI-spherical combustion head. The Scat Pack package is a throwback to the hey day of the American muscle car when Dodge introduced performance oriented models and besides tarting up the exterior, they put some serious performance under the hood. The Shaker designation references the omnipresent hood scoop, a name that also dates back to the 60’s.

As you approach the car, the dramatic Shaker hood scoop, black rear Scat Pack banding over the trunk, Brembo brand brakes peeping through the blacked out rim and colourful SuperBee decals, serve as visual cues that this is not your average Dodge Challenger.

Beyond the decals and visual hype, Dodge has stepped up and supplanted the Challenger R/T’s 5.7L V8 engine with a 392 cubic inch, 6.4L HEMI V8 producing 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. Our tester was even fitted with an optional 6 speed manual shifting transmission! Yes, a state of the art 8 speed automatic gear box is standard equipment, but where’s the fun in that? Firing up this beast sends chills up your spine. Dodge outfitted the Scat Pack with the performance exhaust found in the higher range SRT line Challengers.

Stepping inside the Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker, you are treated to a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern technology. The overall feel and appearance harkens back to the minimalist instrument clusters in the 1960’s and 1970’s muscle cars. Another throwback is the slanted gearshift stick. However beyond the visual reference, the Challenger Scat Pack comes equipped with all the modern niceties such as a programmable launch control giving drivers choice of the exact rpm to hold while that drop the clutch, acceleration timers and a G-force indicator.

Interior comfort is classic Dodge Challenger, the Scat Pack optional Nappa leather front bucket seats with SuperBee stitched logos, are as good as you’ll find in a performance car made in North America. The rear seats are relegated to parcel shelf if anyone over 5ft 10in settles into one of the front seats. Then again, this vehicle never made it to the cover of any parenting or mommy club magazine.

So, for all the dramatic visuals and pumped up performance bits, does the 2015 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker deliver on the promise of excitement? Oh hell yes! Traction control not withstanding, you can spend a good chunk of your salary replacing tires if you’re not careful with your clutch and throttle etiquette. On loose pavement its virtually impossible to get away without kicking up some form of trail. On dry pavement the Scat Pack hustles from a standing start in under 5 seconds. That’s an impressive number given the somewhat bulky proportions of the platform.

While the upper end SRT models have adjustable magnetic dampers that can be calibrated to suit the driving style you prefer, the compromise in the Scat Pack is mechanical tuning that leans towards the firmer end of the comfort spectrum. On the road, at slower speeds the Challenger Scat Pack tends to shake, rattle and roll its way around town. Perhaps a nod to its nostalgic roots. However, dose it with shot of horsepower and torque then the vehicle tightens up and delivers a more responsive feel. That being said, I am not sure how the Scat Pack would fare on a road course track. I suspect the physics of that much power and weight may undermine the suspension and tires in short order. Best to enjoy the 2015 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker for its intended purpose, sprinting from one traffic light to the next.

Other concerns like fuel economy, towing capacity and such, don’t and shouldn’t factor into the equation when dealing with a car like the Challenger Scat Pack. Yes, it’s a feasible commuter (assuming you have a company gas card). You can also fit small kids in the back seat and the cavernous trunk will carry loads from your latest Costco run. The truth is you’ll be looking closely at this car if you want some serious performance bang for your hard earned buck. If you’re looking to stand out in a crowd, the Challenger Scat Pack Shaker fits the bill nicely. The bright red coupe captured eyeballs just about everywhere we went.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker, has a list base price of $49,995 and our tester which came with a raft of optional equipment including the Scat Pack Appearance Group, blind spot warning system with cross path detection and the fancy forged aluminum black rims with the slick Goodyear F1 20 series tires mounted, topped out at over $55 grand. Hardly cheap but huge value for this level of curb appeal and performance.