2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Plus

Highlight: The big body two door coupe is available with a manual transmission.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $54,600 (Base MSRP: $29,340)

Seating Capacity: 5, although the rear seat is only designed for small kids

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; daytime running lights; traction control system; an electronic stability control system; a hill start assist system; a rear park assist system; a rear back up camera; a tire service kit; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (SXT ): 18-inch wheels; a 7-inch infotainment screen; a 160-mph speedometer; a/c with dual zone control; auto headlamps; daytime running lights; dual bright exhaust tips; electric power steering; illuminated cupholders; an integrated center stack radio; a keyless entry system; a push button ignition starter system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a leather wrapped shift knob; a monotone exterior paint color; an outside exterior temperature display system; a power driver seat; cloth seats; power fold-away mirrors; 60/40 rear split seat; a rear armrest with cupholder; and a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel 

Standard Equipment(R/T Pack Plus):  a 6.4-liter, V8 engine; 180-mph speedometer; an in-vehicle WiFi system; an Alpine 6-speaker; an 8-inch infotainment system; an active exhaust system; an automatic a/c system; black brake calibers; Brembo brakes; HD radio with satellite radio; heated front seats; a heated steering wheel; a humidity sensor; a push button ignition system; a launch assist driving mode system; SRT front slitter; steering mounted audio control; and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Options: 6.4-liter V8, 485-horsepower; 3.09 rear axle ratio; Plus Package: a door trim panel with ambient lighting, leather trimmed seats, power tilt/telescopic steering column, Scat Pack logo Nappa/Alcantara seats and ventilated front seats; Technology Group: a radar activated cruise control system, an automatic headlamp beam control system, a forward collision warning system and a rain-sensitive windshield wiper system; Driver Convenience Group: an electronic blind-spot system, a rear cross path detection system, high-intensity discharge headlamps and manual foldway mirrors; Widebody Package: 20-inch wheels, all-season performance tires, adaptive damping suspension, anti-lock 6 piston brakes, performance shift indicator, widebody competition suspension and widebody fender flares; an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters; SRT performance spoiler; Scat Pack Bumblebee stripe; and a navigation system

Other Trim Levels:

GT
SRT Demon
SRT Hellcat

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM 

AppleCar Play/Android Auto: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder/305-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
19-city/30-hwy

What’s New: The R/T Scat Pack is one of the newest additions to the retro coupe trim, keeping the vehicle fresh and desirable, as coupes are flaming out. Also new for this year is a Hellcat that pushes the horsepower to the limits --- 797 horsepower.

Why: The rear-wheel drive, big body coupe is available in a variety of trims, engines and flashy colors. Buyers can opt for the powerful 6-cylinder, which pushes out 305-horsepower to the daring 717-horsepower SRT Hellcat for those who prefer to ‘drive’ on the edge. There is even a Hellcat Redeye edition this year, which pumps out 797-horsepower.

We were fortunate to get our hands on the R/T Scat Pack Plus. This fun-to-drive vehicle is positioned in the middle of the Challenger trims. The wide-body vehicle, which adorns dual hood scoops and fender flares, rides on 20-inch Pirelli tires. Its got the look and feel of the muscled-up SRT Hellcat, with its somewhat stiffer front springs, but at a much lower price and with more manageable horsepower. In fact, a SRT model pricing can range from $68,000 to $95,000.

In essence, our test vehicle was much tamer in terms of attempting to keep it on the road and out of the ditch. Our vehicle was also outfitted with a variety of driving modes: street, sport and track. This feature allowed us to adjust the transmission shift speeds, the horsepower, the steering and the suspension setting by way of the infotainment system.

The Challenger, which competes with the likes of the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Camaro, provides more of everything in terms of interior space. Unlike its competitors the Challenger has more of a big car feel.

One doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort, as result of the vehicle taking on many of the features that were once reserved for the SRT models. Its large. Its roomy. The front seats are both supportive and comfortable. Simply the front seats are just accommodating for all shapes and sizes despite this being a high-performance coupe. All of the features are properly placed and easy to use.  

Our test vehicle included everything from a power operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel to power front seats to a radar activated cruise control system to a 180-mph speedometer. The vehicle allows one to quickly make adjustments via the infotainment with the sound of the muffler to an application allowing the driver to record the speed, when burning up the streets or track.     

And for those seeking a more race-like Challenger in terms of the interior, the Scat Pack 1330 is available. The racing trim is designed for one since it’s only outfitted with a driver’s seat. The Scat Pack 1330 is designed literally for the racing strip. In case you’re wondering, the name originates from the days of drag strips, where there was a quarter mile distance. This street legal vehicle is capable of pumping out 485-horsepower.

With many of the Challenger trims being designed for high-performance, the engineering team has made a concerted effort to keep the vehicle from over-heating, since they know the vehicle will be pushed to the limits. The 2019 model was designed with a low-restriction, fully functional dual snorkel hood sealed to the air box. This redesign has resulted in an intake air reduction of 4 degrees Fahrenheit.    

The engineering team has also gone to great lengths to create a safe and spirited racing and driving experience.  Every thing from Brembo brakes to a launch assist system is available, which helps to keep the wheels from hopping, when starting out a race.

While we must note, we did not use many of the racing features available on our Challenger, we did have an opportunity to test some of the horsepower while on the expressway and on some curvy, hilly back roads.

But: While this is a large coupe, the rear seating area is not conducive to those with long legs. In fact, the rear seating area is designed for those whose legs only touch the back of the seats. Basically it was only designed for small kids and height-challenged adults.

Also because of the power that spews from this vehicle, a HUD (Heads Up Display) system should be standard equipment, as a safety measure, aiding the driver to avoid tickets.

And, in such a retro big body vehicle, why isn’t a CD player standard in the Challenger? This is the ideal demographic for this vehicle.

Verdict: At a time, where the cars no longer seem relevant, as consumers gravitate toward crossovers, trucks and SUVs, the design and engineering team at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have managed to electrify the large coupe, offering a variety of powertrains and color schemes, keeping it both fresh and relevant.

For those seeking all of the amenities of the SRT Hellcat without the price and less the horsepower, the R/T Scat Pack Plus is worth the investment.

Competition: Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang