New car

[Troy]

Well, I've had it a few weeks so anyone who is friends on Facebook has already seen it...

2015 Charger Scat Pack in B5 Blue









More info...

I haven't really liked the "new" Charger since it came out in 2006. The latest revision changed the tail lights, added a deeper character line to the sides, and curved the front of the fenders down some. They also did something with the rockers so now the car doesn't have the slab sided look any more. I still hated the crosshair grill. As soon as I saw press release photos of the new Scat Pack I wanted one. It didn't hurt that the press car was B5 blue.

If you're unfamilar with the Scat Pack:
I believe it was introduced in February with the first cars being delivered near the end of March. Dodge shuffled things up with the release of the Hellcat by changing the SRT8 to the "SRT 392". It is essentially the same as the Hellcat except for the engine and transmission (and no fog lights as that's where the Hellcat oil cooler sits). The Scat Pack is a "downscale" model which has the 6.4 Hemi and transmission from the SRT 392 but excludes some of the standard options like leather interior and adjustable suspension. The other major differences are slightly smaller brakes (14.2" 4 piston Brembos vs 15.6" 6 piston Brembos), slightly smaller tires (245s on 20"x9" wheels vs 275s on 20"x9.5" wheels), and projector beam headlights vs HID. It's important to note that the SRT leather seats have large bolsters and are heated/ventilated with memory setting and all that so it's not just a fabric change. The Charger Scat Pack has the same body work as the SRT models - unlike the Challenger Scat Pack which looks nearly identical to the R/T with a bigger engine. The Scat Pack comes with it's own version of the "SRT Pages" application called "Performance Pages" which allows you to adjust the engine, transmission, traction control, and steering assist between "normal" and "sport" modes. It also has a configurable "launch control". All Scat Pack and SRT cars come with an active exhaust which opens up when you mash the gas (and on startup apparently). Road tests report that the Scat Pack turns identical times on road courses and drag strips as the SRT 392 even with the smaller brakes and tires. Tests show 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and 1/4 mile in the mid 12s.

I wanted a B5 blue one and had to have a sunroof. I really wanted leather - which works out because the optional leather on the Scat Pack *is* the SRT seat (unlike the optional leather on the R/T). Scoured the entire US and *every* Scat Pack was a pre-order. Local dealer told me to just order one but it'd be 6-8 weeks. After hitting lots of brick walls I decided that an SRT was just a more optioned version with cool stuff like giant brakes, adjustable suspension, HID lights, and standard leather interior. Not to mention a free track day! I found a few of them (even a Hellcat) and was actually on my way to buy one when I got the email that the customer who ordered this car had changed their mind. It was 30 miles from the SRT so I was already going that direction. We finalized the price and particulars over the phone. Naturally, it was sunny on the way to get the car but pouring thunderstorms most of the way back. I was able to follow the factory 500 mile break in pretty easily though. Funny thing is: no one but my insurance company seems to know exactly how to classify it. Dodge sent me a "congratulations on your purchase of a new SRT8 Charger" email. When I logged in to my UConnect account it says may car is an "SRT Charger". Apparently some of the early window stickers even said SRT8. But the car has R/T badges.

Since I've gotten it home I've seen reports that the Scat Pack order book is closed (but it may only be closed for dealers who are out of allocations) so any new order will be a 2016. I've also been told that the B5 is a 2015 only color so there aren't going to be any more. If I had waited to order one I'd probably be out of luck! After more research it seems as though the Scat Pack brakes are the same as the previous SRT - which means there's a plentiful selection of pads and rotors available. And I'll probably need it too since the life expectancy of wheels and tires is reportedly very short.

So far, it's pretty awesome. I drive it to work about every day and it's like a really nice sedan with a loud(er) exhaust note. Stand on it to get on the highway and it's pretty crazy. The traction control is brilliant and I've only managed to get the tires to slip twice. It rides really nice and has more gadgets and doodads than I know what to do with. Nearly everything is configurable through the big screen in the dash. I was a little leery about the auto trans but, in Sport mode, in shift in like 200 milliseconds. And it has paddles if I want the let it wind out. It attracts a ton of attention (is that good or bad?) even from people who aren't into cars. I have only seen one other Scat Pack/SRT in my area so most people are either trying to figure out what kind of car it is or think it's a Hellcat.

Troy

[chargerman69]

Love the blue, seen a load of challengers in B5 they look awesome

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Good looking car & the 0-60 aint too shabby either.....maybe now you'll get to Carlisle faster?

[tan top]

 

[Troy]

Good looking car & the 0-60 aint too shabby either.....maybe now you'll get to Carlisle faster?

Hah! I don't know about that. Every year I get a speeding ticket on the way to or from Carlisle. I can usually do the 9 hour trip in under 7. Any faster and I may end up in a jail somewhere!

I was working on that 0-60 time yesterday but may need to figure out the launch control. I still drive it like a stick which means I take my right foot off the brake before hitting the gas. If I 2 foot it and/or use the launch control it should help.

Troy

[charge69]

Beautiful Charger, Troy!  I would be proud to own it!  Is it for sale ?  Ha !!

[Troy]

Love the blue, seen a load of challengers in B5 they look awesome

Beautiful Charger, Troy!  I would be proud to own it!  Is it for sale ?  Ha !!

Um, maybe. I suppose if someone gave me enough money to replace it and put a down payment on a house I'd be stupid to refuse.

Thanks for the compliments. It's the 3rd blue car in my stable so I may have a problem.

Troy

[472 R/T SE]

Yeah, it's a very sharp rig.  I liked the last redesign that only lasted 3 years though.  It didn't really get enough time 
Although the 3rd rendition now is still a good lookin' sedan.  One thing's for sure, it's not just like every other rig out there with it's unique, strong lines. 

I've been hoping to get the wife into a Hellcat Charger next summer when the SRT10 is paid for but she's fallen in love with the new design 200 recently so we'll see.     If not a Hellcat Charger, I like yours.  I know she loves B5, need to show her yours.



Another big sedan that's caught my eye was a KIA, of all models.   

[skip68]

Love that blue Troy.     MY first thought was "damb, Troy got a Hellcat" and I was jealous as hell.      
Though not the number one monster sedan in the world, a close number 2 is mighty fine.   I've bashed on the new Chargers for years until the Hellcat came out and now I want one soooooooooo bad I almost regret everything I've ever said about new Chargers, almost.    
Bottom line, nice car Troy.      

[skip68]

I agree, it's getting better lines.   Am I the only one that sees a little bit of Viper in the front from the side?   Definitely a more aggressive look but I like the hood indentations of the last ones like the 68-70 style.   

[472 R/T SE]

Seeings how they're not built on the LX platform anymore, is LX Forums.com still the place for these rigs?

If not, what's the name of the new one please?

[Troy]

I'm on Hellcat.org and scatpackforums.com

Lots of shipping and option info on both.

Troy

[Troy]

Another big sedan that's caught my eye was a KIA, of all models.   

Probably the Optima. I have 2 neighbors with them and I like the front end. They have decent power and a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine as well. Plus, Kias come loaded even in the base model so there's not much to add.

Love that blue Troy.      MY first thought was "damb, Troy got a Hellcat" and I was jealous as hell.       
Though not the number one monster sedan in the world, a close number 2 is mighty fine.   I've bashed on the new Chargers for years until the Hellcat came out and now I want one soooooooooo bad I almost regret everything I've ever said about new Chargers, almost.    
Bottom line, nice car Troy.       

Yeah, 485 hp and 475 ft/lbs is an OK 2nd place. It still has 4 doors. First 4 door car I've ever owned - and the only auto outside of my muscle cars.

Troy

[FlatbackFanatic]

Nice ride Troy. I like the 2015 front end on the Chargers, There wasn't any around when I was looking for a new car(in Jan.)
So I got the 2015 Chrysler 200.

[hemi-hampton]

Looks nice, Congrats. LEON.

[ws23rt]

Congratulations The new chargers are looking much better this year.
I've been looking and waiting to get a hellcat challenger in B5 and so am still waiting. My practical side is saying I could already be driving a scat pac challenger with all but some over the top hp that I would seldom find a place to enjoy anyway.

[1970Moparmann]

Congrats Troy!  Looks nice!!!

[1974dodgecharger]

They modeled the 2015 charger after the 1969 charger...the designer talked about the 69 grill being identical to the 2015 charger.....for motivation.

[triple_green]

Troy,

You did great! I love the car!

Mark

[bill440rt]

LOVE the new redesign. Sharp car, Troy! 

Hoping to get out of the minivan phase in the not too distant future, wife already has been wanting a new Charger in blue to boot! 

[Charger-Bodie]

I'm on Hellcat.org and scatpackforums.com

Lots of shipping and option info on both.

Troy

Your on Hellcat.org too? Cool.

[JB400]

Looks good   Much better looking than the R/T's that's for sure.

[RIDELIKEHELL]

I like the B5 it's sharp! Congrats!

[Shakey]

Congratulations on the new car, it looks great!   

Enjoy

[myk]

Suddenly everyone approves of the new Charger?     I'm going to have to call Satan and see if his neighborhood has frozen over.

In any case, Troy I LOVE YOUR CAR-beautiful color and styled just right.  Could you please post some tail and rear oriented pictures?  Charger forever!

[skip68]

Suddenly everyone approves of this car?  What changed?  

Nothing's changed.   Obviously you didn't get the alert that Troy got a new charger so everyone tell him how nice it is and how good he looks in it.     
The release of the Hellcat is what's changed my mind.  Ever since my neighbor (challenger owner) showed me video and bragged about wanting to trade in his challenger for it I was hooked.   I would drive that car til the wheels fall off.   It's also a better looking car with better lines.   IMO if Dodge did this from the beginning it would've been more welcome amongst most of us I think.   Who wouldn't want to drive that car?    Now, if Troy would've got the V6 version we probably would be polite and say it's nice.   But we'd also ask if he has room for his purse.   

[Troy]

Nice ride Troy. I like the 2015 front end on the Chargers, There wasn't any around when I was looking for a new car(in Jan.)
So I got the 2015 Chrysler 200.

To be clear, I would not have bought a Charger with the standard front end. It's better than the past but I still hate the grill. *This* (SRT/Scat Pack) front end is what sold me.

Congratulations The new chargers are looking much better this year.
I've been looking and waiting to get a hellcat challenger in B5 and so am still waiting. My practical side is saying I could already be driving a scat pac challenger with all but some over the top hp that I would seldom find a place to enjoy anyway.

I found a B5 Charger SRT Hellcat in Idaho that was actually available (same options as mine). Sticker was $68k but after 3 emails they informed me they were asking $87k. I really wasn't looking for a Hellcat because I have to drive this thing practically daily and 707 HP isn't ideal. The price helped make that decision for me.

They modeled the 2015 charger after the 1969 charger...the designer talked about the 69 grill being identical to the 2015 charger.....for motivation.

Um really? His definition of "identical" is certainly different than mine. I still hate the new Charger grill. Of course, anyone who knows me also knows I'm not a huge fan of the 69 grill so making a new one look like that wouldn't make me any more excited about the car. I hate the 71 Challenger grill too and now that they used it as a basis for the 2015 Challenger it turns me off. It's blacked out on SRT models so it's not as obvious (or hideous).

LOVE the new redesign. Sharp car, Troy! 

Hoping to get out of the minivan phase in the not too distant future, wife already has been wanting a new Charger in blue to boot! 

Bring her to Carlisle. I believe if every dealer had one of these on their lots sales would go through the roof. The color is that cool in person! Even non-car people at work comment on it.

I'm on Hellcat.org and scatpackforums.com

Lots of shipping and option info on both.

Troy

Your on Hellcat.org too? Cool.

Hmmmm, yeah - but probably for a different reason than you!

Suddenly everyone approves of the new Charger?     I'm going to have to call Satan and see if his neighborhood has frozen over.

In any case, Troy I LOVE YOUR CAR-beautiful color and styled just right.  Could you please post some tail and rear oriented pictures?  Charger forever!

Really, I only like the SRT style. You can have the rest. I still don't like it being a "Charger" but it's been around in this form for more years than the original at this point. And... I love the front end so much that when I was looking for pictures to post I realized that I don't have any of the back! It's pretty awesome too with the lower body work and 4" exhaust. Raining today but I may grab some any way. I also don't have any engine pics. It's hemi orange.

Thanks again everyone. You don't know how hard it was for me to even consider walking into a Dodge dealership. Every one local to me has ripped me off (or at least tried to) in the past and I swore I'd never buy a new Dodge. Hopefully this is a positive experience.

Troy

[Troy]

I almost forgot: gas mileage was 21.9 on the way home with the car. I found out that the MDS will come on steady at 78 mph but at 80 mph it comes in and out depending on grade of the road and wind. The car has 3.09 rear gears so anything with a 5.7 would probably be able to sustain the higher speed. With the MDS on it pushes past 30 mpg but that gets negated by the 6-8 mpg in traffic trying to stop for gas. After a couple weeks of driving to work (8 miles total/5 highway) I'm averaging about 16. But that also includes random blasts from a stoplight and trying to beat my 0-60 times. I'm expecting to get better mileage after the newness wears off - but maybe not. My trucks all get 14-17 so I'm used to it out of a daily driver.

That front scoop is open - but it doesn't supply the intake. Like the Hellcat I think it's more of an extractor.

Troy

[Ghoste]

I hope this one goes better than your last Dodge dealer experiences too Troy.

[flyinlow]

Hard to not like with a B5 Charger.    

[Homerr]

Still not a fan of "4-door Charger", wish they called it the Coronet or something.  But, that new grill does make the whole thing come together much better.  Hard to argue with B5.   

[myk]

Troy I agree with what you said: liking the new Charger is conditional, in that it has to have the right drivetrain, trim package, wheels, etc.  Personally, I would be happy with a garden variety R/T in orange, the right wheels and the little black trunk spoiler. 

As for dealers, they're all trying to scam people so no surprise there.  That's why I'll never set foot in one as long as I can help it.  Congratulations, and have a blast with your new rocket. 

And post those pics!

[Troy]

I added one from the side/rear for you myk.

Troy

[472 R/T SE]

Suddenly everyone approves of the new Charger?     I'm going to have to call Satan and see if his neighborhood has frozen over.

In any case, Troy I LOVE YOUR CAR-beautiful color and styled just right.  Could you please post some tail and rear oriented pictures?  Charger forever!

1st thing I thought myself.  I seen it on Facebook & wondered if he'd post it here. 

I wanted to mention we'd see who all the kiss ass members there is but most of the ones commenting are respected veterans around here that were never big time critical in the 1st place, lol.



I'm not liking the new changes thrown on the Challenger either.  I like the '71 Challengers but they're towards the bottom of my list.  Please, Fiat, don't stick a sad face on it with the next changes.

[69 OUR/TEA]

Very cool Troy !!!! Congrats !!!! I've mentioned it a few times , as I've had a new Challenger already ( 09 R/T 6speed ) , def like the Charger better , more functional for me with 2 kids . Not that the Challenger is not good , as I do like the new Scat Pak shaker  option  and Hellcats  , but would take a Charger first .

[JB400]

What's going to be the first mod?

[68 RT]

Nice! Like the color. 

[Troy]

What's going to be the first mod?

The SRT comes standard with HID headlights. This one did not. However, it has projector beam lights so I just need to add the correct bulbs/ballast. Hopefully I don't have to disassemble the front half of the car to do it...

Otherwise, it will be a front plate bracket as soon as I get a ticket! (Ohio requires them.)

*IF* I end up with a bunch of disposable income I'd like a body colored rear spoiler like the SRT. I think it looks better than the black.

I don't plan on touching anything else.

Troy

[skip68]

Troy, I might be wrong but I thought if the car doesn't come from the factory with a bracket for front plate then it's not mandatory.      unless it's a state to state kinda thing?     

[Ghoste]

It's state to state.

[JB400]

Agreed.  I had a car that didn't have the front plate, and had to put one on thanks to the local gestapo

[Ponch ®]

Blah...its got FOUR DOORS! It's NOT A CHARGER! It DOESN"T BELONG HERE!   

[Troy]

Troy, I might be wrong but I thought if the car doesn't come from the factory with a bracket for front plate then it's not mandatory.      unless it's a state to state kinda thing?     

Ummm, no. None of them come with the bracket installed from the factory (since they screw through the bumper). Technically, if your state requires a front plate the dealer is supposed to install it before you take delivery. Luckily most dealers here ask first! It's in the trunk. I see a lot of guys using a "hidden" bracket that allows the plate assembly to be removed OR it folds under the car. However, the splitter only sits 4.75" off the ground so installing something under there means it will just hit more stuff. I drove a Fiero for 3 years before I got the first ticket for no front plate (Kentucky and Indiana don't require them so there are lots of cars around here without them). If you attach a plate before your court appearance they'll generally throw the ticket out. We'll see.

Troy

[Ponch ®]

Troy, I might be wrong but I thought if the car doesn't come from the factory with a bracket for front plate then it's not mandatory.      unless it's a state to state kinda thing?    

Ummm, no. None of them come with the bracket installed from the factory (since they screw through the bumper). Technically, if your state requires a front plate the dealer is supposed to install it before you take delivery. Luckily most dealers here ask first! It's in the trunk. I see a lot of guys using a "hidden" bracket that allows the plate assembly to be removed OR it folds under the car. However, the splitter only sits 4.75" off the ground so installing something under there means it will just hit more stuff. I drove a Fiero for 3 years before I got the first ticket for no front plate (Kentucky and Indiana don't require them so there are lots of cars around here without them). If you attach a plate before your court appearance they'll generally throw the ticket out. We'll see.

Troy

If and when you do decide to put a plate on and you dont wanna drill holes, since you have the "honeycomb" lower grille:

1) go to home depot and buy some fairly long Toggle Bolts


2) get some double sided tape, the kind that has a plastic backing on one side

3) stick the 2 sided tape along the entire length of the top of the back of the plate (leave the backing on the side facing out

4) run the toggle bolts through the lower holes of the plate, and the toggle ends into the honey comb grille

5) tighten them

And you have a very sturdy plate. The double sided tape on the top of the plate will keep it from scratching the paint on the bumper. They do tend to loosen up with all the driving and whatnot, so check them every few weeks.

Its how i have it on the Challenger. same basic idea.

[TPR]

Nice purchase Troy, now if only they sold them here...
TPR

[Old Moparz]

Blah...its got FOUR DOORS! It's NOT A CHARGER! It DOESN"T BELONG HERE!   

Ponch is right. Must be all that schoolin' he's done.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I'm on Hellcat.org and scatpackforums.com

Lots of shipping and option info on both.

Troy

Your on Hellcat.org too? Cool.

There goes the neighborhood, I'm on there too, although with a different screen name.



Congrats on the Charger!  

[Ghoste]

Oh, all kind of secret and undercover like huh?

[JB400]

Blah...its got FOUR DOORS! It's NOT A CHARGER! It DOESN"T BELONG HERE!  

Ponch is right. Must be all that schoolin' he's done.

I know this is just a little ribbing, but it's funny, that some people here will say what's not a Charger, but will never give a definition of what one actually is.

[472 R/T SE]

The LX forum has an SRT area where they used to on occasion let the members ask the factory SRT rep questions.

I remember when someone asked what mod he would suggest from the get go for reliable, affordable performance & he said to add a 100 HP shot.  Nothing more, nothing less.   

[myk]

Anyone who asks an ignorant question like that one, is only going to get a sarcastic answer, if any at all... 

[Troy]

It was sunny yesterday myk so I took some engine and rear pictures. Yes, it's dirty. It's rained all but 2 days since I got it.







Troy

[hemigeno]

 

In B5 Blue, w/ auto trans, 4 doors and no "old car smell", my wife would prefer that car to my Daytona.

To continue an earlier discussion...

Saw a TV commercial for the Charger Scat Pack over the weekend, and at the end they described it as a "Charger R/T Scat Pack".  With the SRT engine connection, they've used about every moniker they have in the toolbox except Hellcat (for obvious reasons).

[Troy]

Yeah I know! I registered at Carlisle in the R/T class but after further consideration I should probably be in the SRT class. In previous years anything with the 392 seemed to go there. I'm sure someone will whine either way. Don't care! I don't want a trophy and I think awards for perfectly stock new cars is kind of cheesy any way. If you see my car don't vote for it!

Troy

[472 R/T SE]

You're just entering for the parking anyway right?   

Make sure that trunk doesn't have anything in it that doesn't belong & you can haul all kinds of parts of home.
Do the rear seats still fold down?

[Troy]

You're just entering for the parking anyway right?   

Make sure that trunk doesn't have anything in it that doesn't belong & you can haul all kinds of parts of home.
Do the rear seats still fold down?

Weeeeeelllllll, normally I'd say "YES!", absolutely. However, I usually grab a parking spot across the street in someone's yard while the new stuff gets parked on the back side of the hill over by the highway. I honestly think I'm better off parking outside the gates in this case. Unless I park in the tent...

I haven't bought any parts of significance at Carlisle in a few years so having trunk space for that isn't a priority. Most of the vendors that I like will also be at the Mopar Nationals the next month and I don't enter a car to that dusty, unorganized mess! It's close enough to drive home every day so I shop on the first day and drive the truck the next day if I find something big.

Troy

[Old Moparz]

You're just entering for the parking anyway right?   

Make sure that trunk doesn't have anything in it that doesn't belong & you can haul all kinds of parts of home.
Do the rear seats still fold down?

Weeeeeelllllll, normally I'd say "YES!", absolutely. However, I usually grab a parking spot across the street in someone's yard while the new stuff gets parked on the back side of the hill over by the highway. I honestly think I'm better off parking outside the gates in this case. Unless I park in the tent...

I haven't bought any parts of significance at Carlisle in a few years so having trunk space for that isn't a priority. Most of the vendors that I like will also be at the Mopar Nationals the next month and I don't enter a car to that dusty, unorganized mess! It's close enough to drive home every day so I shop on the first day and drive the truck the next day if I find something big.

Troy

You aren't afraid to park it by the dumpster at Nathan's Cafe, are you? 

[Neal_J]

Way to go, Professor!

[fireguyfire]

Congrats on the new Toy Troy!!!!!

[myk]

It was sunny yesterday myk so I took some engine and rear pictures. Yes, it's dirty. It's rained all but 2 days since I got it.







Troy

Dirt?  All I see are beautiful, classic Mopar lines on top of a modern, capable platform...

[wingcar]

Very Nice........

[TexasStroker]

Very nice...welcome to the modern side of Mopar!