After going to range on Sunday, I opted to venture into the local Dodge dealership to see for myself if this car actually lived up to the hype.

2020 Dodge Charge Scat Pack Widebody



After driving it, all I can say is, holy crap this thing is fast. I've driven my share of fast cars over time, but this thing is on another level. Acceleration is nothing short of violent. It gets into its powerband pretty quick (that powerband is about as wide as the Mississippi River) and never seems to stop pulling, right up to the point you need to get out of the fast pedal. On my test drive I left 50 feet of dual black marks on a local surface road without even trying (sales guy thought it was hysterical). Launching this thing, even with its huge 325mm tires would take some practice, if the goal was something other than simply leaving clouds of white smoke everywhere. Oh and that exhaust rumble even at idle. Mmmmmmm, good.

As for its other attributes, 'no' it isn't polished, 'no' it isn't luxurious, 'no' it isn't that technologically sophisticated, 'no' it doesn't ride like a German luxury car, and 'no' it won't get 20 mpg around town. But if you want to put a huge smile on your face (and the faces of three of your friends) over and over again, this thing delivers like nothing I've ever experienced. And it's even got a trunk you can actually put a weekend's worth of bags in.

I am trying (and getting there) to convince my wife why we need a Hellcat...(getting ready to sell the GTO so that's step 1 on her requirements).

Reason 1. My SEG every time I drive it.
Reason 2. The passengers' either having an SEG or look of sheer terror when I give them a ride.
Reason 3. An awesomely big trunk (compared to the GTO's "barely big enough for an overnight bag" sized trunk.
Reason 4. Refer to Reason 1.

Dodge certainly has some good powertrains. However, I agree completely, the fit and finish and ride quality leave a lot to be desired. I had a Cadillac CTS-V for about 5 years and that was almost as much engine but it handled great and was a pleasure to daily drive.

I had a Hemi in my rental last November in New Mexico. Buck 41 before I got on the brakes.

The Challenger/Charger is probably the biggest reason Ford's not going to make sedans anymore.
I drove a Challenger Hellcat about a year and a half ago, it was more violent than my M5, but not as controllable. Shocking how fast you get up to triple digits and keeps pulling, and handles it with ease.

Jeff Gordon test driving a Camaro is what I thought of reading your post.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ozarkwoods,

I have thought of going and test driving the top Charger, Challenger, and Camaro just for fun. I am too afraid I would end up buying one. My current vehicle is a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z-71.

Just for clarification gentlemen (and ladies), the Charger Scat Pack is the non-supercharged version of the Hellcat. It sports a mere 485hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. And trust me, after driving this version, there is no need for the Hellcat version on the street. On the track would be a different argument, but the Scat Pack version is plenty for a daily driven four door muscle car (what I was actually looking for). It's also about $20k less expensive than the Hellcat version.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ59:
I had a Hemi in my rental last November in New Mexico. Buck 41 before I got on the brakes.

It's not that top speed that shocked me, its how quickly it can get there from a dead stop.Again, this thing is just insanely fast for as big as it is. The fact I could throw four adults in it in reasonable comfort (well that is until I started mashing the go fast pedal) is what makes it an option for me. Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers just won't cut it for my daily needs.

We bought the Challenger with the V6, which has done a 5.3 second 0-60, at least what the dash tells me. A Hellcat would destroy me, if I didn't wreck it, I would have no license.

Flashback to my youth, I had a '70 Challenger with a 340. 18 years old and full of piss and vinegar. Summer I graduated was the year '75. I managed to get 13 speeding tickets before they pulled my license in less than 4 months.

One hell of a summer, and it's puts a smile on my face every time I think about it, lots of friends, GIRLS and FUN!!

At nearly 63, I don't think I would last!

Must edit to add, if I ever get the chance to have a Hellcat, I'll jump at it! But then again, maybe just a Hemi.

I’ve enjoyed my Charger Scat Pack immensely. 80% of the time there’s a car seat in the rear seat. Plenty of room and plenty of power. I will definitely strongly consider another one when the time comes which is hopefully a while down the road.

How much for the GTO and what year is it? I was never allowed to have one back in the day. Things are different now. I don't listen to things my wife demands I not do.

Have Y'all read about the old guy who too a test drive in a challenger and went to the Buena Vista, CO airport. Checked in with the manager who said OK. So out they went for a few top end runs. On the last pass, they didn't realize how fast they were going and couldn't stop. Flew off the end of the runway (not a carrier) and kept going. Crash landed on the next little hill. Both Deadified. Sad waste of a great car. But I guess they died doing what they loved.

Never owned a Dodge product in my life until I bought my Scat Pack.



I liked it so much I bought an AWD model for daily use.

quote:

Originally posted by 1s1k:
Never owned a Dodge product in my life until I bought my Scat Pack.

A friend of mine has the gray one like that. It's super fun to drive or ride in.

My new Durango has the V6. Same motor used in the Police version. Very impressive motor for a V6. Scoots right along!

quote:

Originally posted by SevenPlusOne:
The Challenger/Charger is probably the biggest reason Ford's not going to make sedans anymore.
I drove a Challenger Hellcat about a year and a half ago, it was more violent than my M5, but not as controllable. Shocking how fast you get up to triple digits and keeps pulling, and handles it with ease.

Sedans aren’t selling because everyone is buying SUV’s. Nothing Fiat makes has anything to do with it.

^^That's the truth. GM was practically giving away the SS, a 4-door sedan, Magna-ride suspension, 415hp V8, RWD. People aren't buying sedans and it's not because manufacturers aren't offering good ones.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
I have thought of going and test driving the top Charger, Challenger, and Camaro just for fun. I am too afraid I would end up buying one. My current vehicle is a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z-71.

Made this mistake a few years ago. After several many weekends of just for fun test drives found a Cayman in garage. Oopsie!

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:And trust me, after driving this version, there is no need for the Hellcat version on the street.

That's like saying there is no need for a .45 when a 9mm will kill, or the anti-gunners magazine capacity arguments. I'll keep my 700+ HP thank you...

LS!GTO, go test drive one, and you will buy it. Plenty of deals to be had out there.

quote:

Originally posted by apf383:

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:And trust me, after driving this version, there is no need for the Hellcat version on the street.

That's like saying there is no need for a .45 when a 9mm will kill, or magazine capacity. I'll keep my 700+ HP thank you...

Nah, not really. That's the beauty of our capitalistic system. You keep your Hellcat and I'd be more than happy to drive a Scat Pack. My point was more that ~500hp is about the max sweet spot for daily driver duty IMO. The Hellcat, though an impressive beast, is just too much for commuting type activities, also IMO. And since I can't tap that extra 200hp+ very often, I'll opt to keep the additional $20k in my bank account.