Introduced for the 1966 model year, the Dodge Charger->ke218 evolved from a two-door fastback version of the Coronet into a full-fledged muscle car->ke507 in the early 1970s. The nameplate was discontinued in 1977 and reintroduced in 1982, but the Charger remained only a shadow of the vehicle it once was. Dodge->ke28 axed the model once again in 1987 and revived it in 2006 as a four-door sedan.->ke142 The modern-day vehicle was redesigned for the 2011 model year and gained a refresh for 2015, when a substantial makeover changed the appearance of its front end. 2015 also brought brand-new models to the lineup, including the extremely powerful Hellcat version and now the Scat Pack.

Developed to pay tribute to the company's Scat Pack Club of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Scat Pack model joins the 2015 Charger lineup as a standalone model, carrying numerous unique features inside and out and a 6.4-liter, HEMI, V-8 engine under its hood. Aimed at nostalgic Mopar enthusiasts, the Charger Scat Pack slots between the base R/T and the 392 SRT. Read on to find out more about the newest member of the Dodge Charger family.

Click past the jump to read more about the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack.

Exterior

The 2015 Dodge Charger already benefits from a new exterior, but the standard, facelifted sedan that launched at the 2014 New York Auto Show becomes rather unique with the Scat Pack. The front fascia gets extensive changes, with both the grille and the bumper getting replaced by bespoke units. The Scat Pack ditches the trademark cross-hair grille in favor of a simpler layout and the stock bumper for one with a massive lower grille and integrated splitter. A new aluminum hood with a Viper-inspired, power bulge also contributes to the Scat Pack's menacing appearance.

The rear fascia is more subdued, but changes are noticeable in the bumper, and these include a couple of side vents and lower valance incorporating four-inch, round exhaust tips. The aero package is completed by a single-piece, trunk-lid spoiler finished in matte black. Naturally, the iconic Scat Pack bee is present just below the passenger-side taillight to signal this is more than just a regular Charger.

When viewed from the side, the Charger Scat Pack is distinguished by flared side sills and 20-inch, ten-spoke wheels wrapped in high-performance Pirelli tires.

Interior

The Charger's revised, driver-oriented interior is enhanced by a host of features unique to the Scat Pack trim. These include performance front seats with "Scat Pack" embroidery, a performance steering wheel, and a configurable seven-inch DID cluster with “Scat Pack” splash graphic.

Being one of the most well-equipped trims of the 2015 Charger lineup, the Scat Pack also comes with the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM/SiriusXM Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, six premium speakers and a 276-watt amplifier, aluminum pedals, and a 180-mph speedometer. ParkView backup camera, and ParkSense rear park assist are among the safety features included in the package.

Customers will also benefit from the Dodge Performance Pages app, which enable drivers to control a range of vehicle settings, such as steering feel, transmission response, and stability and traction controls.

Drivetrain

The engine is the only component that remains unaltered under the Scat Pack badge. But that's far from being a bad thing, as this trim level comes with the tried-and-true, 6.4-liter, HEMI V-8. Revised for 2015, the naturally aspirated mill generates 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to return mid-four-second 0-to-60 mph times and mid-12-second quarter-mile runs. The eight-banger mates to Chrysler's brand-new, TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

There is, however, one new feature in the drivetrain department, in the form of an electronically controlled active exhaust system. The new feature provides a deep and throaty exhaust note that sets the Scat Pack model apart from its standard and R/T-badged Charger siblings.

Drivetrain/Specifications

Suspension

Although the initial Scat Pack did not include extensive chassis modifications, the modern-day bundle adds a host of performance upgrades in that department. Updates consist of a high-performance suspension for better handling, a 3.09 rear-axle ratio and a beefed-up braking package. The latter includes Brembo four-piston calipers up front that enable the Charger to come to a complete halt from 60 mph in only 120 feet. The Pirelli P-Zero tires also provide better grip under acceleration and braking.

Prices

The Charger Scat Pack retails from $39,995, not including destination. That's a $7,000 premium over the standard Charger R/T and quite the good deal considering the numerous updates included with the package. The Scat Pack will become available later in the model year.

Competition

Chevrolet SS

While the base and the R/T models have plenty of competitors to go against, including the Ford Taurus and the Chevrolet Impala, the Charger Scat Pack will be challenged by only one American-built sedan: the Chevrolet SS. Built in Australia alongside its Holden siblings, the SS is one of the very few four-doors that boasts over 400 horsepower. Thanks to its 6.2-liter V-8 that is shares with the Camaro SS, the sedan cranks out 415 ponies and 415 pound-feet of torque. This power hits the pavement by way of either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The latter is a new addition for the 2015 model year.

This power allows the SS to hit 60 mph from a standing start in 4.9 seconds. Granted, that's nearly a half-second slower than the Charger Scat Pack, but still impressive for a family sedan. On the other hand, the SS is quite expensive, with customers having to fork at least $45,770 to get their hands on one. The sticker does come with a certain degree of exclusivity, as the SS is rather difficult to find at dealers.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Charger Scat Pack is more proof that Dodge is looking back on its heritage to draw more nostalgic gearheads into showrooms. That's not a bad thing, but I can't help remember that the Scat Pack was more about an owners club than a trim level. Either way, the Charger Scat Pack is great addition to the lineup that bridges the gap between the R/T and the 392 SRT. The Scat Pack should be a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for unique features and a well-equipped trim level.