- Dodge is highlighting the performance of the new Charger R/T and Scat Pack.
- Both eschew Hemi V8s, but offer more power and faster acceleration.
- New Charger R/T hits 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds faster.
For the past decade and a half, the Dodge Charger R/T was closely associated with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. That long-running formula has now changed, as the latest model swaps the V8 for a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six.
While fans are happy to have a powertrain that’s not fully electric, the inline-six will take some getting used to. Dodge seems to be acknowledging that as they’re promoting how much better the new model is.
More: Dodge Opens Orders For New Charger R/T That Costs $10K More Than Old Hemi
According to the automaker, the latest Charger R/T solidly outperforms its predecessor as it develops 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 468 lb-ft (634 Nm) of torque. That’s 50 hp (37 kW / 51 PS) and 73 lb-ft (99 Nm) more than the old model, although that difference drops to 45 hp (34 kW / 46 PS) and 58 lb-ft (79 Nm) when you compare it to the Challenger R/T.
Thanks to the extra power, the new model accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and can run the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds. Those are sizable improvements over the old 5.7-liter V8, which took 5.1 seconds to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) and 13.5 seconds on the drag strip.
As Dodge CEO Matt McAlear explained, the new Charger R/T significantly outperforms the previous model as “it’s quicker, faster, and more capable.” He added the “Charger R/T is a muscle car that can double as an everyday driver, with an award-winning interior and best in-class cargo volume.”
Dodge went on to note the Charger R/T is America’s most affordable all-wheel drive muscle car as pricing starts at $49,995. However, as we’ve previously reported, the car is significantly more expensive than the 2023 Challenger R/T and Charger R/T. The former started at $39,385, while the latter retailed for $42,385. On the bright side, the sedan now has a lower $2,000 premium.
New Video Series Promotes Charger Scat Pack
In other Charger news, Dodge launched a new video series promoting the Charger Scat Pack. It’s hosted by ‘Badassador’ John O’Malley of Boosted Motorsports.
The series, if you can even call it that, consists of five clips that are roughly one minute long. Given their short length, they focus on a few highlights including the car’s high-output Hurricane inline-six that develops 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS) and 531 lb-ft (719 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 177 mph (285 km/h).
Besides focusing on the engine, clips also look at how the model can switch from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. Another video then focuses on driving dynamics.
