By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA Media
For 2016 the Dodge Challenger and its R/T Scat Pack with 6.4-liter HEMI powertrain, showcases the evolution of the performance brand while staying true to the muscle car’s heritage, with its roots harking back to Scat Pack performance stage kits offered on 1968-71 Challengers.
Exterior
Inspired by the iconic 1971 Challenger, the 2016 Challenger R/T Scat Pack models take on a bold appearance that draws on the 1971 model’s split-grille and split tail-lamp cues, updated with four signature LED headlamp halo surrounds offset by piano black trim. Single projector-beam headlamps at each front corner light the road ahead. High-intensity discharge headlamps are also available.
A split tail-lamp design continues the historic 1971 model’s inspiration. For a modern look, the Dodge brand’s signature LED treatment creates a single ribbon of light within each lamp. A redesigned rear valance gives the 2016 Challenger with a widened, more planted appearance, while fascia-mounted exhaust tips provide a high-performance finished look.
Interior
Inside the Dodge Challenger is an enthusiast designed cockpit, featuring world-class materials, execution and technology; A cleanly executed instrument panel features an aluminum-stamped driver’s bezel, which establishes the driver’s cockpit. For a high-tech look, an innovative 7-inch TFT instrument cluster screen extends through the driver’s bezel and provides a customizable display. The gauge cluster features an analog speedometer and tachometer that straddle the TFT customizable instrument cluster and provide a heritage-inspired “tic-toc-tach” look with throwback radial numbering and concave shape. Additionally, the center stack neatly houses the 5-inch and the available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreens.
A trapezoidal shaped aluminum-stamped high-sill center console provides the interior with a fresh, asymmetric look, while the leather-wrapped surface and French-seamed accent stitching exudes craftsmanship and style. With its unique elevated design, the center console houses additional controls for the Uconnect touchscreen above with ergonomically located redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. A media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and auxiliary audio input is neatly housed inside the center console’s armrest.
Technology features
From its updated Uconnect Access interface, to the availability of Uconnect Access Services with roadside assistance, Keyless Enter ‘n Go, theft-alarm notification, voice texting and the ability to turn the Challenger into a Wi-Fi Hotspot to the Dodge Performance Pages, 3-D navigation and a mobile app that allows drivers to open or lock their car from a distance, Dodge Challenger delivers a slew of high-tech features for the ultimate driving experience.
The Uconnect Access system leverages advanced embedded cellular technology, which enables direct, one-touch connections with emergency service providers, roadside assistance dispatchers and vehicle information specialists.
New for 2016, Uconnect is introducing new features that include the all-new Drag and Drop menu bar, Siri Eyes Free and Do Not Disturb features that can be viewed via the 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Performance
R/T Scat Pack 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 gives Challenger best-in-class naturally-aspirated power and efficiency, with 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque.
An active electronically controlled exhaust gives a deep, throaty exhaust note in keeping with its heritage and track-bred credentials. performance upgrades include Brembo four-piston caliper front brakes, which deliver world-class stopping power, enabling a braking distance of 60-0 mph in 117 feet, performance suspension, an isolated rack-mounted electric power steering system with three settings: Normal, Comfort and Sport, 20 x 9-inch polished with black pocket aluminum wheels, high-performance tires, standard Dodge Performance Pages, which allow driver control over a range of vehicle settings, including steering feel, transmission response, stability and traction controls, and standard launch control. A Scat Pack 6.4-liter badge, a 180-mph radial-numbered speedometer, aggressive front splitter and rear spoiler with an embedded ParkView rear backup camera complete the package.
The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack model offers the choice of a six-speed manual or the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. By design, this state-of-the-art gearbox provides world-class shift quality and speed, plus refinement with enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.
For maximum performance on road and track, Challenger’s Super Track Pak provides a full complement of race-bred chassis upgrades. The Super Track Pak lowers the suspension by 0.5 inches and adds Bilstein shock absorbers, upgraded brakes, Goodyear Eagle F1 three-season tires and specially-tuned suspension. The Super Track Pak comes complete with a shortcut button to the Dodge Performance Pages embedded in the 8.4-inch touchscreen radio and provides visible performance information, such as programmable shift light indicator, reaction time, 0-60 times, G-force indicator and lap times in the 7-inch TFT customizable cluster display.
Summary
As the Dodge brand’s performance coupe, the chassis of the Dodge Challenger is designed, engineered and fine-tuned to deliver world-class performance and efficiencies, thanks to its advanced technological solutions, Dodge is reaching back into its rich history and broad range of heritage colors. New again for the 2016 model year, Plum Crazy joins heritage and high-impact exterior colors range from B5 Blue to Tor-Red.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $37,995.00, the one I drove included the R/T SCAT PACK 6.4L V8 Package 24G (TorqueFlite 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, AutoStick Automatic Transmission and Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters), and the Uconnect 8.4 Navigation System, and it came in at $41,185.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 15 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
