2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Review and Test Drive

Editor's note:  An earlier version of this review mentioned air catcher headlights that act as air intakes to feed air to the engine. This information was incorrect and removed.

I don’t know about you guys but I can’t think of a better time to be transported to a different time in history. And I am doing just that in a way this week with the nostalgic, yet modern 2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody. It’s a modern day muscle car with old school roots to love. As soon as you spend any length of time in one, you immediately understand its appeal and street cred, and why there are so many of these on the road.

As if we needed more proof, in a media call this week with Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA-North America, he told me Dodge//SRT almost ran out of Scat Pack models recently due to the pandemic, at one point recently down to only about 200 across the country. They’ve also received a lot of customer sold orders during the pandemic which are now being prioritized. He predicts production could be back to normal by late August.

The Challenger is what I’d call the quintessential two-door American muscle car that knows exactly where it’s been and where it’s going. First and foremost the Challenger is about pure power. Kuniskis says it’s not a “road race” sports car designed to handle like a GT350 but focused on straight line acceleration for drag strip enthusiasts. That said, it’s an incredible daily driver with great ride quality. Weighing over 4000 pounds, it’s confidently planted to the road and the rear-wheel drive R/T Scat Pack Widebody features larger adaptive damping and competition suspension. 

Powertrain

This is the most powerful Challenger in the lineup before heading into SRT Hellcat territory. The muscle behind this R/T Scat Pack Challenger is a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter 392 cubic-inch HEMI V-8 that delivers 485-horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. This is power the old fashioned way, without a turbo or supercharger. It’s the engine to go for in my opinion.

A 6-speed manual is standard but this has the optional $1595 eight-speed automatic with a leather wrapped gear-shift knob as well as remote engine start, a convenience feature that’s a breeze to operate from the keyfob.

The Challenger drinks premium fuel and in terms of fuel economy, you get 18 MPGs combined. But in a vehicle this fun to drive who cares. Active exhaust amplifies the sound for a sportier exhaust note.

Exterior

The Challenger, especially in Widebody form, is a commanding presence on the road with its long functional hood, huge fenders and upgraded 20-inch black carbon aluminum wheels that mean business. The exterior gives off a ‘60s and ‘70s muscle car vibe in all the right ways. This TorRed model features Scat Pack 392 badging, a black SRT grille and larger front splitter. The double circular headlamps are so cool. Also love the classic script Challenger badge up front on the grille. Note that fog lamps are not available with the Widebody. In back, you find LED brake lights, dual rear stainless steel exhaust and an optional satin-black SRT Performance spoiler.

Widebody Package

The Challenger is surprisingly easy to maneuver and get around in despite its size with the extra 3.5-inches of width due to the $6000 Widebody package. It doesn’t feel like a boat to drive and I had no trouble taking it through the car wash. Performance wise the Widebody package also adds adaptive damping suspension, ABS brembo 6-piston front brakes up front, with four-piston brembos in the rear. Inside you’ll get a leather flat-bottomed steering wheel, and a performance shift indicator.

Interior

You open the door to a roomy all-black, interior with a simple, user friendly, layout. This has the optional Scat Pack Nappa leather and faux suede inserts with the Scat Pack logos on the seat backs. They are comfy with sports bolstering that’s not too tight.

You get a 6-way power driver seat with 4-way power lumbar. The front seats and steering wheel are heated. This one provides optional ventilated seats as part of a Plus package that also adds a nice-looking all-new premium stitched dash and door panels, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and ambient lighting on the door panel trim.

Press the push-button start and the Scat Pack Bee and 392 badge light up a great-looking color 7-inch driver info display with red accents.

A slim center console sports a leather gear shift, and two cup holders and a large center console bin where you’ll find two USB ports and a 12-volt.

I have to say this cabin is roomy for a two-door! You can fit three adults in the back seat, too. Visibility wise, though, it’s hard to see out of your blind spot (as with most coupes), so it’s great to have a back- up camera and standard ParkSense rear park assist system, as well as optional blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic.

UConnect system

FCA’s UConnect4 NAV system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is fantastic with a very responsive 8.4-inch touchscreen. It’s so easy to change media stations, too. A nice full-screen features pinch-and-zoom capability. On the App page you’ll find your SRT drive modes (track, sport custom) and SRT dashboard and performance pages. You can also access a digital owner’s manual. An optional $1795 900-watt 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is out-of this-world spectacular and worth every penny.

Safety

This isn’t a vehicle with a ton of standard driver assist features. A Driver’s Convenience Group adds blind spot and rear cross path detection. Adaptive cruise control along with forward collision warning are available as part of a tech package.

What You’ll Pay

A base R/T Scat Pack starts from just under $40K, but add the Widebody package and other options and this one takes you to roughly $56K.

Verdict

I knew I liked the Challenger Scat Pack but even I didn’t realize how much until I had it for an entire week. It’s a fun, impressive ride and you can definitely count me in as a member of the Dodge Challenger fan club.