Despite best intentions and a relatively low cost of entry, not everyone can utilize the small-ish proportions of the Volkswagen GTI, the cramped backseat of the Mustang GT, or the canvas roof of the two-seat Mazda Miata. There are very, very few “do-everything” cars on offer and no other cars have the same amount of versatility on tap as the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack.
Essentially, this is Dodge’s cheap thrills package, combining the R/T-level interior with the 6.4-liter V-8 ripped from the SRT 392. The naturally aspirated mill thumps out 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque and remains one of the best sounding V-8s on the market, emitting a caramel-thick lub-lub-lub lope at idle and an American Graffiti warcry at full throttle. Alas, like every other Charger flavor on the market, it’s only available with an eight-speed automatic.
In place of the SRT’s active suspension, the Scat Pack maintains its composure via a traditional performance suspension. Brakes shrink slightly, but remain beefy with 14.2-inch rotors and four-piston Brembo calipers up front (the SRT receives six-pot clamps and 15.4-inch discs). Rubber isn’t as sticky, either, with the SRT’s 275/40 Pirelli P Zeroes making way for 245/45 Goodyear RS-A all-seasons.
Despite its softer edges, the Charger Scat Pack is not to be underestimated. In a straight line, it will hit 60 mph after 4.2 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds — hardly pedestrian. Should you to find yourself on the right stretch of (closed) road, Dodge claims that you’ll be able to hit 175 mph.
Although it weighs in at a scale-busting 4,400 pounds, the Charger is still capable of holding its own when the quarter-mile morphs into a road circuit. Steering is light but returns enough road-feel to remain entertaining and although the all-seasons aren’t particularly grippy, if you’re timid enough with the throttle, it will dig its way through a corner fast enough. Or you can just smack the firewall with the loud pedal, hang the rear end out, and exit the corner in rowdy, smoke-covered fashion.
The Charger is a large car, for better or worse, offering a sizeable trunk and oodles of leg, shoulder, and headroom in the back. Despite the performance suspension, it’s comfortable over rough road, eating up miles with aplomb. With a starting price of $41,090, the Charger R/T Scat Pack offers an attractice blend of power, comfort, usability, and speed. We hope other manufacturers take notice of the value of the de-contented special. We certainly have.
2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack Specifications
| On Sale: | Now |
| Price: | $41,090 (base) |
| Engine: | 6.4L OHV 16-valve V-8/485 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 475 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic transmission |
| Layout: | 4-door, 5-passenger, front-engine, RWD sedan |
| EPA Mileage: | 15/25 mpg city/hwy |
| L x W x H: | 200.8 x 75.0 x 58.26 in |
| Wheelbase: | 120.2 in |
| Weight: | 4,395 lb |
| 0-60 MPH: | 4.5 seconds (est) |
| Top Speed: | 175 mph |
The post Quick Take: 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack appeared first on Automobile Magazine.
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