Let’s play a game of truth or dare. If you would dare me to tell you what’s my favorite US-made machine, I’d reply with Plymouth Road Runner Superbird out of reflex. But if I were to choose from the modern crop of muscly propositions, I would say 2015 Dodge Challenger, especially the menacing SRT Hellcat.
Don’t get me wrong here. Despite preferences, the 2015 Ford Mustang and 2016 Chevrolet Camaro also hit my gearhead sweet spot, but not as much as the 2015 Dodge Challenger. It is the oldest of the lot and its LC platform isn’t exactly the latest rave in chassis technologies, but you know what? Being objective when talking about muscle cars misses the point.
I could tell you that the Hellcat obliterates every other competitor in its segment thanks to its all-new supercharged V8 with 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque, but sheer grunt is downright immature to hail as the aspect that matters most when comparing these made-for-fun machines.
Truth be told, the Hellcat’s rear Pirellis have too much abuse to take, the reason why a 392 is a far better proposition for everyday driving. But if you believe that the 392 isn’t enough of a good-looking car, maybe you will change your mind after seeing what the newest Shaker mod adds to the model’s visual identity.
Before you peer through the photo gallery and release below, I’d like to highlight the essential stuff to you. First of all, the 2015 Challenger R/T Shaker and R/T Plus Shaker are now available for order, with the 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker ordering books opening this coming March. Additionally, do keep in mind that the R/T Shaker’s output can fluctuate slightly depending on the gearbox you choose.
Equipped with the six-speed stick shift, the 5.7L naturally aspirated HEMI packs 375 ponies and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm), while the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic dilutes oomph to 372 HP and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm). Furthermore, the Plus in the latter model’s name doesn’t hike the output, but adds extra equipment over normal R/T Shaker.
With the R/T Shaker going for $35,495 without the $995 destination, it’s $3,000 cheaper than the R/T Plus Shaker. If you want the full-on 485 HP and 475 lb-ft (644 Nm), the 2015 Challenger HEMI Scat Pack Shaker and its impressive 6.4 naturally aspirated HEMI cost $42,495 minus the $1,000 gas-guzzler tax for the manual box-equipped model. With these being said, enjoy the video, photo gallery and release below.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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