A Look at the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack

Much like the other modern muscle sedans, the * 2016 Dodge Charger * has a variety of performance models. The R/T Scat Pack model is the third most powerful model in the lineup, and the last one that sits at a price lower than $40,000. The R/T Scat Pack has numerous performance and aesthetic upgrades, including a new engine, badging, hood design, and grille.

With the R/T Scat Pack, Dodge delivers a Charger that has the similar looks and performance as the SRT models and the attainable price of a lower level trim, giving us the best of both worlds. Certainly, this combination deserves a second look.

Three Words: Plum Crazy Purple

With the 2016 Charger models, Dodge decided to bring back the classic plum crazy purple color, and it looks good with the design of the R/T Scat Pack. While the base Charger models don’t seem to do the color justice – they look a little too squarish to pull off this color – slap it on the R/T Scat Pack Charger with the design upgrades and it wears that paint like a second skin.

While that’s not the only color available for the 2016 Charger, it’s worth considering when it comes to this model.

Design

For starters, the R/T Scat Pack Charger receives a hood scoop for increased air flow to help cool and enhance the engine performance. This hood scoop is complimented by a redesigned split grille, which is also blacked out. The top half of the split grille matches the width of the headlights and the bottom half is a trapezoidal shape. This geometric configuration works with the design much better than the standard one, and provides a more menacing look to the front-end.

Also, both halves of the split grille are set back, just like the headlights and daytime running lights. This makes the frame around the grille stand out even more, and provides a much needed contrast. The last thing you’ll notice is the bee from the Scat Pack grille badging sitting in the left corner next to the headlight, and the honeycomb design of the grille itself.

The rest of the design follows this theme, slick and intimidating. Opt to tack on the Blacktop Appearance package, and you will get 20-inch gloss-black wheels, black trim elements, and a sport steering wheel – all of which complement the inside of the Charger perfectly.

A Surprisingly Spacious Interior

Along with various upgraded design features, like aluminum-trimmed pedals and cloth sports seats to lend a more track-ready feel, this Charger is also surprisingly spacious. Even on the lower trims, the interior volume for passengers and storage in the Charger beats out any other muscle-sedan on the market. Competition like the Camaro and Mustang can’t come close to even matching the Charger’s spacious four person seating, or its 16.5 cubic-foot trunk. Plus, the rear seats fold down, which means it’s possible to carry even larger items if just the trunk isn’t enough.

There is so much room in the cabin (and the front seats are much larger than average) that a small person might feel like they are being swallowed by the interior cabin, which isn’t not something to complain about.

Brief Overview of Interior Quality

Not only is the Charger flaunting a spacious interior, but it’s also one of the better looking ones. The base level might have a few plastic parts that are off-putting, but when you get into models like the R/T Scat pack, it’s hard to find something wrong with it.

Everything from the layout to the materials is top-notch. Unlike most other performance sedans, Dodge made sure the Charger does just as well on the inside as it does on the outside. For starters, the dashboard is just as sleek looking as the outside of the R/T Scat Pack, and it’s easily one of the nicest interiors you will find for the money. Bolstering the design even further, there are a few old-school elements added for vintage flair, like the T-handle shifter for an automatic transmission.

Additionally, there are plenty of buttons and knobs in the Charger R/T Scat Pack model. It’s a refreshing sight to see this, especially because it can be annoying to repeatedly stab a touchscreen before it finally decides to respond. With that thought it mind, Dodge also made sure there were plenty of steering wheel mounted buttons with large and readable icons.

What does all this rambling add up to? Everything in the interior of the Charger R/T Scat Pack was designed with comfort, space, quality, efficiency, and presentation in mind. It’s rare to find a vehicle with an inside that’s just as good as the outside.

Engine Upgrade

You don’t need to go full blown Hellcat in order to get earth-shattering performance. In fact, Dodge doesn’t want you to. They understand not everyone can afford the SRT Hellcat, so they created a Charger that features performance exceeding its price range, and I bet you can guess which one that is.

The engine in the R/T Scat Pack trim model is a true beast. It’s a 6.4-liter V8 that churns out a massive 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. torque. This is the second strongest engine in the Charger lineup, and propels the R/T Scat Pack trim down the road from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That’s smoking!

The hood scoop I mentioned before enhances the engine’s performance and the spoiler helps with the aerodynamics.

Safety

Straddling the line between performance and safety upgrades, the R/T Scat Pack Charger also receives a Brembo High-Performance Brake System. The size of the rotors was increased to 14.2 inches, and the red Brembo four-piston fixed calipers with aluminum housing provide the stopping power needed to control a beast like this. As a bonus, they look good peeking out from behind the wheels.

The old days of taking performance over safety are gone for vehicles like this, and now even vehicles built with performance in mind are just as safe as your run-of-the-mill sedan. For example, the Charger comes equipped with crumple zones in order to mitigate impact damage. If that fails, then the solid safety frame that’s built with high-strength steel will protect the passengers. Side guard door beams also make an appearance and are made from the same high-strength steel, which have been welded into the vehicle’s side door construction. Along with a host of airbags and four active head restraints, you are safe from whatever may happen on or off the track.

That’s not even counting the numerous technological safety features that are present in the Charger R/T Scat Pack, like all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation, and electronic stability control.

Price

Now, you figure the price would need to be pretty expensive for the Charger’s blend of exceptional performance, high-quality, good looking design (inside and out), and extensive safety options. But, it’s not. Everything mentioned in this post, and much more, comes standard on the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack model, with the exception of the Blacktop Appearance package. The price? A surprisingly low starting MSRP of $39,995, especially when you consider that this vehicle is only one step below the $50,000 SRT model.

As I said previously, the value you get for your dollar with the Charger R/T Scat Pack is a pleasant surprise and worth looking into. Expert reviews on websites like Edmunds and Autoweek are even saying the value-for-dollar ratio is astounding. Forget about the overly expensive Camaro SS or Mustang Shelby GT because this Charger has everything you need for the right price.

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