2020 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack Widebody Review

This week we’re taking another look at the 2020 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack Widebody. The Charger comes in many different configurations, and other than the Hellcat, this is probably my favorite. On the plus side, this car is easier to handle than the Hellcat.

The Scat Pack name was introduced in 1964 and revived in 2013. There was a Scat Pack Club that started in 1970 because there were so many Scat Pack enthusiasts. There are still today fans of the old and new Scat Packs who have an active facebook page.

The 2020 Charger is the seventh generation of this car, which actually started out as a 2-door in 1966.

The R/T Scat Pack price-wise falls below the 707-horse Hellcat and just above the R/T. My tester is over $25,000 less than the 2020 Hellcat Widebody, which to me, makes it a great buy.

Exterior

For 2020, all Hellcats will be Widebody versions, and it is optional on the Scat Pack, like the one I am reviewing. Besides looking better, the fender flares allow for wider tires that help keep the car on the ground for better acceleration. The tires will still break loose on every takeoff, but when you do a launch, it gives you increased grip.

Powertrain

There are a lot of highlights to the 2020 Scat Pack, but let’s start under the bulging aluminum hood that has a functional air scoop. That’s where you’ll find the 6.4-liter SRT 392 V8, and yes, it’s a Hemi. It propels this 4400-pound beast from zero-to-60 in just 4.2 seconds, and it produces 485-horses. Top speed is electronically limited to 175 miles per hour. For us old-school car guys, I love that they point out proudly on the front fenders that the engine is 392 cubic inches. This engine is naturally-aspirated, no turbocharger or supercharger, just pure raw power.

The Charger only comes with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Scat Pack sits on 20” by 11” wheels and Pirelli tires that look terrific, and you can’t miss the massive red brake calipers. The Widebody gives you another 1.5” width on the tires

Interior

Moving to the interior, it is very well done. The cloth Carmel-colored performance seats are extremely comfortable and feature the Angry Bumble Bee logo. The dash layout is well done and is true to the retro roots of the original Scat Pack, but with a modern flare. In the middle of the gauges, you get a configurable 7-inch driver information and settings cluster, and you’ll see the 180-mph speedometer.

There is a drive mode button on the dash so you can choose track, sport, custom, or auto. You can configure this big beast any way you want to.

Credit: Dodge

You will notice the terrific Chrysler Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM Radio, Bluetooth, 3-D navigation system and Uconnect Access with 9-1-1 call assist.

U-connect gives you a suite of apps for real-time data, and you can turn the entire car into a Wi-Fi hotspot for multiple users. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can operate the voice activation from the steering wheel.

Standard Equipment and Options

As standard equipment, you get a heated steering wheel with controls, shift paddles, automatic temperature-controlled air conditioning, and power heated seats. You also get keyless entry, remote start, and a security system.

Options on my review car total $9485, of which $6000 is the Widebody option. It has the Plus Group for $1,995 which gives you air conditioned seats, LED lights, blind-spot monitoring, power seats, power tilt wheel and more. This group also has heated rear seats, rear center console, and illuminated rear cupholders.

For $795, you get bi-function HID projector headlights, and for $695 you get upgraded 3-season tires.

Ride and Drive

Driving dynamics are amazing. For more controlled performance, hit the Dodge Performance Pages on the U-Connect screen which allows driver control over a range of vehicle settings, including steering feel, transmission response, stability and traction controls, and for a really good time, hit launch control. If you want to eat up a set of tires in a hurry, use the line lock button. It locks the front wheels down for an impressive burnout.

The new electronically controlled active exhaust sounds fabulous, but otherwise this Dodge is very quiet inside.

In summary, this is an incredibly fast family car that doubles as a muscle car. It makes a wonderful daily driver. It handles great, is exciting from the minute you start it, and if you need to carry 5 people, they’ll all be comfortable. The trunk will hold a ton of cargo or luggage for those long road trips.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is rated at 15 in town, 24 on the highway, and 18 overall if you behave. Your biggest challenge is going to be learning how not to burn rubber from every take off.

Verdict

As equipped, this car comes in at a window sticker price of almost $51,000 and for what this car offers, that’s a real bargain. In fact, I don’t think you can buy more car in a sedan these days for the price, especially since these have had really good factory incentives.