While the vast majority of the attention surrounding the 2015 Dodge Charger has focused on the new 707hp SRT Hellcat models, the new Charger Scat Pack will likely be a far more popular option for those folks looking to have a sport sedan that will crush competition like the Chevrolet SS while carrying a starting price below $40,000.
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When the Chrysler Group introduced the 2015 Dodge Charger earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, they did so by just showing off the R/T trimline and when they introduced the new Hellcat package with 707 horsepower at the Woodward Dream Cruise, that model became the talk of the town in terms of high performance sedans. This approach made sense, as the Charger R/T will likely be the bestselling V8 model while the Hellcat Charger is the most powerful 4-door sedan in the world, ever.
What Chrysler hadn’t mentioned over the past few months of showing off the 2015 Charger is that, like the Challenger, the roomier sedan will come in a new Scat Pack trimline that will be one of the most powerful sedans sold in America and it will achieve that claim while still starting below $40,000.
Introducing the 2015 Charger R/T Scat Pack
Like the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack is built around the 6.4L, 392 cubic inch Hemi V8 that delivers a whopping 485 horsepower and 475lb-ft of torque with all of that power being channeled to the wheels via a quick shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This drivetrain makes the Scat Pack Charger the most powerful non-SRT option in the entire large sedan segment and with performance times including 0-60 in the mid 4 second range and a mid 12 second quarter mile time – it is also one of the quickest sedans in the segment. This powerful Hemi is connected to a dual mode exhaust system that is quiet when you are driving normally, but when you put the hammer down, this exhaust system opens up to let the Hemi breathe and roar like few other sedans in the world.
While the power of the 2015 Charger R/T Scat Pack is the main attraction for many buyers, the Chrysler Group didn’t want this car to just be a straight line machine so to bolster the handling capabilities of the new package, they added a huge Brembo front brake setup that allows this brawny sedan to stop from 60 miles per hour in around 120 feet while a high performance tuned suspension system will allow this family sedan to handle the corners as well as any big sedan sold in America…aside from the SRT Charger. The Scat Pack Charger also comes with the adjustable drive mode setup, allowing the driver to customize the steering feel, the throttle input feel, the shift intensity and the stability control system through the 8.4” touchscreen on the dash.
What surprises me the most about the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack is how unique the exterior design is from the non-Scat Pack R/T models. While the Challenger Scat Pack looks a little different from the Challenger R/T, the Scat Pack version of the Charger takes on a far more SRT-like look. This includes a front fascia, a rear facia and a one piece rear spoiler that are very similar to what is found on the Charger Hellcat while the hood is similar to what is featured on the SRT 392 models. To differentiate the Scat Pack from the SRT models, Dodge has added subtle package-specific badging including the bee logo next to the passenger’s side taillight and a new Scat Pack logo design on the grille. Finishing off the exterior design is a set of 20 inch wheels with a machined face and black painted pockets, similar to what comes on the Scat Pack version of the 2-door Challenger.
Basically, the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack features the exterior design of the Charger SRT Hellcat with the drivetrain of the Charger SRT 392 and a revised braking and suspension setup that is more advanced than the “normal” Charger R/T, but not quite as advanced as the adjustable suspension setup in the SRT models.
Most importantly, the Charger Scat Pack starts at just $39,995 so for less than $40k, this new performance package is thousands less than comparable large sport sedans that are – in some cases – slower. The most significant competitive model is the new Chevrolet SS performance sedan and while this car has been billed by General Motors as a “four door Corvette” – it falls well short of the Scat Pack Charger.
Charger Scat Pack VS Chevy SS
If you step outside of the Dodge Charger lineup, there really aren’t a whole lot of large sedans sold in the US that will really compete with the new Scat Pack, but the Chevrolet SS is the closest thing that you can buy without looking into the showroom of a far, far more expensive European luxury brand. The Chevy SS is billed as a four door Corvette by GM and it relies on a 6.2L V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission that sends 415 horsepower and 415lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. That is obviously a huge drop from the 485hp and 475lb-ft of torque offered in the Scat Pack Charger so the Charger will easily overpower the four door Corvette. Also, while the Charger Scat Pack has not been made available for test drives yet, due to its late availability, I have driven the Chevy SS and all of the other 2015 Charger models and I wouldn’t expect the Chevy to keep up with the 485hp Charger on a road course either.
Also, while the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack will crush the Chevy SS in a straight line and probably beat it just as badly on a road course, it costs thousands less. The Scat Pack Charger starts at $39,995 (not including destination of $995) while the Chevrolet SS starts at $44,775 (also not including the $995 destination fee). It should be noted that the SS price includes a gas guzzler tax of $1,300 while the Charger Scat Pack does not – because it is efficient enough that it does not get slapped with that addition fee. In other words, the 2015 Charger Scat Pack is $4,780 less expensive than the Chevy SS that will struggle to keep up in any setting so for those looking to go fast, buying the four door Charger is a much better choice than the four door Corvette.
DON'T MISS THIS Detailed Look at 2015 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Pricing
The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack will arrive in the first quarter of 2015, following the launch of the rest of the new Charger lineup. Click any thumbnail above for a closer look at the new Scat Pack sedan in B5 Blue from more angles and stay tuned to TorqueNews for more on the new Charger lineup – including our review of the new Hellcat Charger very soon!
2015 Dodge Charger Galleries:
The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
Live images of the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat debut
The first images of the 2015 Dodge Charger R/T
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The challenge has been thrown
The challenge has been thrown down to the SS.
The Challenger will never handle as well as the SS which is based on the second version of the Zeta Platform. The brilliant handling of the SS will be improved even more by the introduction of the magnetic ride control in the 2015 version. The SS is also better built. The decline of the Australian dollar will give GM room to reduce the price. There are some other touches that GM can do to the SS, including fuel efficiency, manual shifter, and some styling touches - but it still will be very much in the (super) sleeper market. But the SS is not looking for mass appeal in the same way as the Charger and is aimed at people who are real driving enthusiasts who want great handling cars, that don't scream boy racer, since the SS is not aimed at mass sales.
"...introduction of the
"...introduction of the magnetic ride control in the 2015 version." Good addition - hope it improves the ride, it was too uncomfortable for me.
You can say what you want to
You can say what you want to prop up the SS. Fact is, it's an underpowered, boring sedan that looks like a rental car that no one is going to know what it is. It looks like some sort of hybrid car that they slapped an SS badge on to make it cool. Sleeper? Oh yeah. zzzz.
Some have called it the Clark
Some have called it the Clark Kent of cars. Some people actually like sleepers but I agree, a few touches to make it a little more distinctive will help it. Also, I'm not a fan of the bright work or those silly little fake chrome buckles on the seat, but I do love this sleeper. The Australian dollar's slide might encourage GM to reduce the price by two or three thousand so that the price difference isn't a big deal and it comes down to personal taste but that is up to them. They seem content not to actively market this vehicle and to meet very low sales targets. Truly a driver's vehicle for enthusiasts who don't give a damn that Super Man is driving past them incognito.
Have you ever considered that
Have you ever considered that different people have different preferences dude? Also, "underpowered" is not how I would describe a car that will get to 60 in under 5. Also, I personally like the styling, it's clean, it's modern, it's unassuming.
Frankly, I think Chevy is figuring out that this car doesn't appeal to "dads who wish they could have a corvette but have 3 kids." The number 1 trade in brand they are getting for the SS is BMW.
Bottom line, the charger and the SS are vastly different cars, that appeal to different markets.
I've been wondering about the
I've been wondering about the BMW people! The way I look at it, especially with the new manual and MRC, this thing seems like a real cheap alternative to the 5-Series!
There's no manual coming? In
There's no manual coming? In which car? In the Charger you would be correct, in the SS it's going to be standard.
Trading in my 750i tomorrow
Trading in my 750i tomorrow ordering a 2015 ss. 4 kids. Badass car that won't cost $1100 per headlight. Replacement trans under warranty for the 7 was $16500. Not keeping that car out of warranty. At least if I keep this SS forever I can afford to fix it.
you know the funny thing is,
you know the funny thing is, i have a bmw...my new is making me $1800 take-home/mo. and the first thing I'm doing with my next check (after a thorough test drive when my local chevy dealer gets another one in within this coming week) will be trading my m3 for a 2015 SS with manual trans (preferably in perfect blue metallic)
I dont think you understand
I dont think you understand the term sleeper. Underpowered? No. 415hp isn't 'underpowered.' Also the SS's handling is far superior and always will be. The 0-60 isn't that much of a differemc if you've even looked. The SS also comes fully loaded as is.
As a Challenger SRT8 owner I
As a Challenger SRT8 owner I'm a big fan of the 392 so when I wanted to get a 4dr performance sedan I test drove the Charger SRT8 & was going to buy one until I drove a Chevy SS Sedan. The SS is slower going straight than the SRT8 but throw some curves in then the much light SS dominates. Both are fun cars but the Chevy SS Sedan is a better driver. I have 5,000 joy filled miles on my SS now including a 100 miles of track time (2.5 mile road course).
what about if you are driving
what about if you are driving long distances i much rather be in a charger as opposed to the ss...and ill get there faster....smfu
The author of this article
The author of this article obviously has not driven the 392 powered Charger & a Chevy SS Sedan. I had a day at a track to drive all the new SRT cars. The SRTs do handle pretty good for their weight but you can really feel the weight. Their Brembo brakes really got a workout but never faded.
3 weeks ago I took my 2013 Mustang GT & my 2014 SS Sedan to a 2.5 road course. I was hitting speeds of 130+mph on the straights in the SS. Our SS easily out handled our Mustang + the Mustang could not keep up with the SS even on the straights.
Last week I put both the Mustang & the SS Sedan on a Mustang dyno to see where the power was at. The Mustang's peak power was 370rwhp but it has upgraded exhaust. The SS was 356rwhp and is 100% stock. Comparing the dyno graphs the SS actually makes more power(hp & torque) from idle to 6000rpms. Above 6000rpms the Mustang went up in hp over the SS.
I personally like the understated looks of the SS but I have got more interest in the SS Sedan than my Challenger SRT8, Mustang GT & Camaro SS/RS. Yes I've owned them all. Perks of being an empty nester(all my kids moved out).
Ive driven all of the new
Ive driven all of the new Chargers extensively - and the Chevy SS. I've driven the entire new Charger lineup on the track and I wasnt at an SRT track day where you have a lead car controlling how fast you can go. Ive driven all of the new Chargers on both the Chrysler test track and Summit Point. I have not driven the SS on those tracks, but in the time I have spent in the SS, I wasnt impressed at all relative to any of the 392 Chargers. The R/T, maybe. The SRT/Scat Pack, no.
I see no mention of weight.
I see no mention of weight. The current Chargers and Challengers are notably heavier than the SS, and it doesn't take much to boost the output of an LS3 to well beyond the 485HP of the Dodge. I am reading subjective opinions here of whether the Dodge will outhandle the SS, but until they're put back-to-back on a road course, it's all a bunch of smoke-blowing. And let's not forget the Magnetic Selective Ride Control coming to the SS for 2015.
Besides, this new Charger Scat Pack is hideous. Seriously... what is up with all these cars lately that have been walloped with the ugly stick?
The bottom line is simple.
The bottom line is simple. 485HP for less than 40k or 415HP for 45k. That is a simple choice. Lets be honest most people could care less about the weight of the car, all I care about is when I am at the light coming from a night of partying of even coming from a late night wal mart run (as what most dads do). You better think twice about challenging me if you are in a weak chevy SS.
Since weight negatively
Since weight negatively impacts acceleration, I would agree that people do in fact care about the impressive weight savings of the SS (since they do care, you're right they hypothetically could "care less"). Additionally, the advertised HP rating and 0-60 probably only matter in a schlong measuring contest.
I like the comeback Josh...
I like the comeback Josh....But the only reason people talk about HP ratings are for braging rights, these cars are everyday drivers for most. I actually respect all American made cars and I have driven GM for most of my life. But nothing makes my comute to the grocery store more entertaining that my 2014 Charger RT Max. I am even considering trading it in for a 2015 charger scat pack.
I will be looking at the 2015
I will be looking at the 2015 Charger as a possibility for my next car. I looked at the SS, but I think I've eliminated it as a possibility.
I own a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, and I know its good and bad points. However, I don't think the SS is worth $15,000 more than the G8. The price is the problem. I think the Charger may be my next car for a few other reasons as well. I still love and want a larger powerful sedan, but the G8 and Chevy SS have the exact same model of HORRIBLE 6 speed automatic. Did I mention horrible? I've lived with that slow shifting, confused, power-robbing, poorly programmed, problematic and had-to-be-rebuilt transmission since I bought the G8 new in 2008. That's enough reason to not buy an SS, unless you wait for the manual transmission option availability. The handling will surely be great in the SS, as it is in the G8. I doubt they made drastic changes, and I don't think durability of the steering and suspension is the best in the G8. Maybe they worked out those problems in the SS. I like the styling of the G8, although it is subdued styling, but I'm no fan of the SS bigger Malibu styling. The Malibu itself even looks slightly better, and the Impala front end is even better yet, sadly. For what its worth, GM could have at least made it look like a bigger badder Impala if they were constrained to Chevy-ish styling. The 2015 Charger has its own unique, aggressive styling, and I like looking at it in all the pictures I've seen. I am a fan of the Dodge UConnect system as I have used it in a few rental vehicles. I look forward to test driving the 2015 Charger R/T and R/T Scat Pack as soon as it's available.
Since I didn't see this
Since I didn't see this comparison lets talk exhaust. Which has better? I've heard the Stock Chevy SS exhaust and it sounds mean!! Does the Scat Pack share the same exhaust as the 392? Which is better....?
Better is in the eye of the
Better is in the eye of the beholder & what you want in a car. Both are great cars. For a stock exhaust my 2014 SS Sedan has a meaner sounding start up & idle than my 2010 Challenger SRT8, 2012 Camaro SS/RS & 2013 Mustang GT. Full throttle goes to the SRT8 but they all have great sounding exhaust.
I haven't seen a 2015 Scat Pack yet but it's my understanding it will have the same exhaust as the SRT Core.
Love the new Charger !! It
Love the new Charger !! It eats the Chevy SS !!!
The Chevy SS is such a ugly car,it looks like a Camry..seriously !! Bland,boring,UGLY !
The SS is for people who like bland looking cars,the Charger is for people who love cars,love driving,love looking at them and have a real passion for cars/vehicles/driving and PERFORMANCE !!
the only thing this dodge
the only thing this dodge will do better than the SS is the 0 to60 and a quarter mile...as far as breaking goes the SS will stop at least 10 feet shorter than the Dodge and on the road course the Dodge will not stand a chance...the sS is a better built better balanced all around car and the dodge really just is a boy racer car with 0 class
Words spoken by someone that
Words spoken by someone that has obviously never driven an SRT before. The SRT Charger destroys cars on the "road course" known as the street. I ran into an SS on the road last weekend and blew the doors off it with a Scat Pack SRT Charger. These things have a fun factor that can only be appreciated once you drive one. Visually my opinion is that the Dodge looks WAY better than the SS. We are not talking about classy cars, these are not Audi's or BWM's they are muscle cars. The dodge looks aggressive and unapologetic. The SS looks confused....like a 2008 Malibu front end, Jaguar knockoff body side and Malibu rear end. Can't say anything bad about the interior tho, it has a lot of class.
The new Scat Pack Charger is
The new Scat Pack Charger is an impressive car and handles way better than most give it credit for but its hefty weight of 4,400 lbs can be felt when you get on a curvy road. The SS Sedan is over 400 lbs lighter and is so well balanced that it even drives lighter than its actual weight.
If your "road course" is mainly straight flat roads the Scat Pack Charger will clearly dominate the SS but throw some curves & elevation in the mix then the SS Sedan rules. If you ever get a chance to really drive a SS Sedan then you will understand.
Looks are a personal preference and I appreciate the understated looks of the SS Sedan. I get more positive feedback on my 2014 SS Sedan than I do on my 2010 Challenger SRT8, 2012 Camaro SS/RS or 2013 Mustang GT with a shaker hood. Most people don't even know what the SS Sedan is or they know but haven't ever seen one.
First off, if you add all the
First off, if you add all the options that are standard on the SS the cost of the Scat Pac jumps to $47,960.00 that's $320.00 more then the SS. As far as the 0 to 60 times Car & Driver tested a manual SS and it was 4.6 sec. 0 to 60 and did the 1/4 mile in 13 flat. Very Impressive for a car that has a 70 HP disadvantage to the Dodge. As far as looks, yes I agree the Dodge has a more aggressive and sporty look but the SS is not for the person that wants to attract attention to themselves. And I agree with Mr. Monte the SS will handle better then the Dodge on a road course and even with that extra 70hp it may have trouble keeping up with the SS. All in all both are impressive cars but my choice is the SS.
A lot of stated preferences.
A lot of stated preferences. Well here's mine. My buddy and I were racing around town the other day. He has a red SS and I have a white Scat Pack. We stopped at an casual drive in car show at the local Steak & Shake. Parked next to each other I got tons of compliment he got few. Some twenty year old girl (obviously doesn't know cars based on the forthcoming statement) asked my buddy if his SS was a new Malibu. Thought he was going to cry. I know it's not a Malibu but the SS is beyond understated. For the record all those Chevy Guy scoff when you bring up mustangs being lighter than Camaro's. Build quility really, if you think GM has a grip on build quility you must think all cars rattle. I'm a Ford guy but I'm not driving an SHO, Ford should be ashamed. Anyway both cars have there merits. But if ya gave me an SS I would trade it on my Scat. Beautiful car.....
WE JUST PURCHASED A LEFT OVER
WE JUST PURCHASED A LEFT OVER 2014 CHEVY SS WITH MOON ROOF. THEY KNOCKED 10 GRAND OFF STICKER PRICE. WE ARE BOTH IN OUR LATE 60'S. I JUST SOLD MY VETTE CAUSE IT WAS GETTING HARDER TO GET IN AND OUT OF. SHE WANTED LUXURY I WANTED PERFORMANCE. O M G I CAN'T BELIEVE IT WHAT A CAR ! TODAY I SMOKED A MUSTANG GT AT A LIGHT . BY THE LOOK ON HIS FACE AS I BLEW PAST HIM I KNOW WAS THINKING WHAT DOES THAT MALIBU HAVE IN IT ? YES IT LOOKS LIKE ONE. WHO CARES THIS IS THE PERFECT SLEEPER CAR. WHO KNEW RETIREMENT WAS GOING TO BE THIS MUCH FUN.