Dodge has a rich history when it comes to muscle cars, and it trades on such lore now and again with special-edition models like the Charger SRT8 Super Bee and the Challenger Yellow Jacket. Entering 2014, however, Dodge is taking retro to a whole new level, and in a good way, with the re-introduction of its factory Scat packages. The Sinatra-like name comes from the original Dodge Scat Pack, a Dodge enthusiast club whose popularity led the factory to first introduce stage kits nearly 45 years ago. Dodge brought a trio of Scat-outfitted cars to the 2013 SEMA show, and here’s how the kits break down by model, sans pricing, which is forthcoming:

Challenger Scat Packages

Each Scat Pack–eligible Dodge offers three stage kits; the Challenger’s requires the 5.7-liter Hemi engine, naturally. Scat Package 1 brings a retuned engine calibration, a cold-air intake, cat-back exhaust, and a Scat Package 1 badge. Scat Package 2 adds a further retuned ECU, a Mopar camshaft, and a Scat Package 2 badge. Finally, Scat Package 3 mixes Mopar ported and polished heads, high-flow exhaust headers, and an ECU tune to suit its specific upgrades; of course, a Scat Package 3 badge is included. Dodge’s SEMA Challenger Scat Pack car further amps up things with a bunch of stuff from the Mopar catalog, including 20-inch “Classic II” wheels, a new electronically variable side-exhaust kit (which keeps the pipes going aft, but can reroute sounds and gasses to a pair of side-exit outlets), and an adjustable coil-over suspension.

Dodge has finally taken the covers off its 2015 Challenger, but the model we’re most interested in, the high-performance SRT, is nowhere to be seen. Hopefully we’ll see it soon, as it’s the one that’s expected to get Chrysler’s new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 dubbed the Hellcat. We’re sure of this because previous SRT powerplants like the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 are now offered in the regular Challenger.
ALSO SEE: 2015 Dodge Charger Debuts At 2014 New York Auto Show

Yes, the 2015 Challenger is available in eight different variants: SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, 6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker. All feature revised styling inspired by the iconic 1971 Challenger as well as upgraded suspension, much nicer cabins and an available TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual remains standard.

The most powerful models are those with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 (6.4-liter Scat Pack and 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker). The engine makes 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and when hooked up with the new eight-speeder can accelerate the big coupe from 0-60 mph in the mid-4.0 second range. The quarter mile time is in the low-12 second range while the top speed is a claimed 182 mph. These models also get Brembo brakes and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Next in line are the R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker and R/T Plus Shaker, which get a 5.7-liter HEMI. These have an output of 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there are the entry-level models, the SXT and SXT Plus. These get Chrysler’s ubiquitous 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, whose output remains capped at 305 hp.

For the handling, engineers have added an electronic steering system with three levels of adjustment, a Super Track Pak suspension upgrade, and a vehicle dynamics adjustment system with a sport mode that allows you to set throttle, transmission and steering performance to their most potent settings.

HECK OUT: 2015 Ford Mustang 50 Year Limited Edition Debuts At 2014 New York Auto Show



You’ll be able to distinguish the 2015 Challenger from the outgoing model by its new split grille, LED daytime running lights, revised tail lamps and more pronounced power bulge on the hood. Inside, you’ll find a high-sill center console, driver-focused instrument panel, aluminum bezels and a host of new color and trim options including classic Houndstooth.

There is also the latest technology including Chrysler’s Uconnect Access infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. A second 7-inch screen can be found in the main instrument cluster. Safety features include a backup camera, adaptive cruise control, and warning systems for forward collisions, blind spots and rear cross traffic.

Production of the 2015 Dodge Challenger lineup will take place at Chrysler’s Brampton Assembly Plant in Canada. Sales commence this fall.

The full range is on show this week at the 2014 New York Auto Show. To see what else the show has to offer, head to our dedicated hub.

Following the debut of the updated 2015 Challenger lineup at the 2014 New York Auto Show last month, Dodge has now dropped the first details on the high-performance variant developed by the brand’s in-house tuner SRT: the 2015 Challenger SRT. We can confirm that the car will come in two flavors, one of which is nicknamed the Hellcat and powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8. The other comes with the previous Challenger SRT's 392 6.4-liter HEMI V-8.

The 2015 Challenger SRT 392 makes do with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, while the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat is said to deliver more than 600 horsepower, making the latter the most powerful V-8-powered car ever launched by a Chrysler brand. Looking past the addition of its blower, the supercharged engine also benefits from strengthened internals and special materials optimized for superior thermal conductivity. It also gets a bright orange finish for its aluminum rocker covers. Final specifications will be announced closer to the market launch later this year.

Drive for both Challenger SRT variants is channeled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or available TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters, plus a new limited-slip differential. As part of the 2015 Challenger update, the SRT variants also gain a new Drive Modes feature. This allows the driver to tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering (Challenger SRT only), paddle shifter response (automatic transmission only), traction and suspension. The driver can also choose from pre-configured modes including Sport, Track and a Default setting. Interestingly, the Challenger SRT Hellcat gets two individual keys: One in black for reduced output and another red one to unleash the full 600-plus-horsepower output. These is even a PIN-activated Valet mode for both variants that, among other things, limits power and access to the first gear.

The Challenger SRT duo also share the same visual updates as the regular 2015 Challenger, including front-end styling inspired by the iconic 1971 Challenger, such as the split grille. As a special touch, the aluminum hood gets an intake inspired by hood on the Viper launched in 1996. Other SRT-specific elements include the 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with available Pirelli P Zero tires, Brembo brakes, lowered suspension and the large splitter. The brakes are the biggest ever fitted to an SRT vehicle and feature two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers up front.

Inside, owners will be treated with a driver-focused cabin and a few additional 1971 Challenger-inspired elements. Modern touches include the configurable 7-inch display in the main instrument cluster and 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen in the center console. A new, trapezoidal shaped stamped aluminum center console provides the Challenger SRT’s interior with a fresh look, and is joined by leather-wrapped surfaces and a new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and audio jack.

The Challenger SRT models also offer performance seats with large side bolsters for maximum lateral support in hard cornering. The seats can be covered in Nappa leather and Alcantara, and come with embroidered SRT logos. Finally, a redesigned SRT-branded heated steering wheel with a flat-bottom design is fitted.

Look for the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT duo to join the rest of the 2015 Challenger lineup in showrooms in the second half of the year. Production will take place at the same Brampton Assembly plant in Canada where all Challengers are currently built.