The new 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker Debuts at SEMA

While the SEMA Show in Las Vegas normally focuses on new performance products, the Chrysler Group used this year’s show to introduce the new 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker - a limited edition package that is based on the Challenger R/T Classic and centers around the radical Shaker hood scoop system. For those unfamiliar with the Shaker hoods used by both the Chrysler Group (who coined the Shaker term) and some Ford Mustang models, the hood scoop is actually mounted on the top of the engine rather than being part of the hood. To make room for the Shaker system, the hood has a large hole cut into it through which the Shaker scoop extends so when you open the hood, the scoop remains on the engine. The Shaker hood allows the engine to have the coolest air possible rammed in through the scoop while a system of channels prevent water from running through the hole in the hood…plus it just plain looks awesome.

“The legendary Shaker performance hood is back, with its engine-mounted, fully floating scoop and exposed high-flow element that produces cold-air induction – making the new 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker the real deal,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO of Dodge Brand. “With Challenger having its best sales-year ever, the time is right to provide our most loyal fans with the return of the Shaker, and even more power with new ‘Scat Package,’ performance stage kits.”

While the Shaker hood system is practically reason enough to introduce a new limited edition trimline for the 2014 Dodge Challenger, the Chrysler Group engineers didn’t stop there when putting together this cool new package. First, the 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker comes in five exterior colors including Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, TorRed and the beautiful Header Orange on display above. Next, a set of unique “Shaker style” stripes line the hood, roof and trunk lid accentuate the Shaker hood design while a body colored grille surround, a gloss black fuel filler door and a black decklid spoiler help this package to stand out from other modern Challengers – just in case the unique hood design doesn’t drive home the point on its own. The package exterior is finished off with Shaker badges on the scoop, Hemi badges on the fenders and 5-spoke 20 inch wheels with black painted pockets and a matte silver face wrapped in high performance rubber.

Inside, the 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker limited edition package begins with deep bolstered sport seats wrapped in plush Nappa leather in either Dark Slate Gray with silver stitching or Radar Red with matching red stitching. A similar 3-spoke flat bottom steering wheel to the one found in the Challenger SRT is added next with a unique instrument panel viewed through the race inspired steering wheel. Those Challenger R/T Shaker models with the Tremec manual transmission get a pistol grip shift knob on top of the Mopar short throw shifter while automatic models get a set of shift paddles mounted on the sporty steering wheel. The interior package is finished off with the Shaker logo embroidered in the seat backs and a small dash plaque on the passenger’s side of the dash sporting the Shaker logo and the serial number of each car.

Finally, once the interior and exterior look of the 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker package was addressed, the engineers turned to improving the performance. In addition to the integrated cold air intake of the Shaker hood system, this limited edition Challenger is fitted with the Super Track Pak that includes P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires wrapped around the black and silver wheels, a high performance steering setup, high friction brake pads, monotube shock absorbers tuned for optimal handling performance and a three mode stability control system with a “full off” mode. Also, the Challenger Shaker package is designed to work with the new Scat Pack performance kits so buyers who want the most out of their Shaker equipped Mopar muscle car can opt for the Stage 3 Scat Package with a performance camshaft, ported cylinder heads, headers, a high flowing exhaust system and an engine tune to make the most out of these modifications.

Best of all, the 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker comes with an MSRP of only $36,995 so this package is only $2,500 more than the non-Shaker 2014 Challenger R/T Classic. The bad news is that with only 1,000 units planned for production, these models may leave the showrooms in a hurry so those wanting one should contact their local dealership as soon as possible…maybe with cash in hand.