By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 18, 2020) Equipped with a massive 6.4-liter V-8 SRT 392 Hemi that delivers 485-horsepower, courtesy of an eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2020 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack Plus Widebody lives in the shadow of the attention-getting headlines of its more powerful big brother, the 707-horsepower Charger Hellcat.

From the outside, the Hellcat is easily distinguished from the R/T, mainly by its standard Widebody exterior that features unique front and rear fascias with integrated fender flares that add 3.5 inches of width over its wider wheels and tires.



Now, for 2020, the Dodge boys have expanded its offering of high-performing Charger models by adding a Widebody Package to America’s only four-door muscle car. For an additional $6,000, the package adds identical, integrated 3.5-inch body-color fender flares, making room for the wider 20-inch by 11-inch wheels and Pirelli 305/35ZR20 tires, Brembo six-piston front calipers with two-piece front brake rotors and unique suspension tuning with Bilstein three-mode adaptive damping, all combining to deliver improved performance on the street, strip, and road course. Also included is a stitched leather flat-bottom steering wheel, and a performance shift indicator.

We tested the Widebody R/T with options that also included the $1,995 Plus Group that added Scat Pack logo Nappa/Alcantra and ventilated power seats, heated rear seats, premium-stitched dash panel, blind-spot indicator and rear cross traffic detection, power tilt/telescope steering column and more.

The added $1,895 technology package includes advanced brake assist, lane departure warning plus, full-speed forward collision warning with emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers. Other options were GPS navigation, Sirius XM, Harmon Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and surround sound, power sunroof and red brake calipers.

Visually, there’s little separating the R/T from the SRT Hellcat; under the hood is where you’ll find the difference. Both vehicles carry over their engines and transmissions from 2019 and remain outrageously quick. Our clocked a zero-to-60 time of 4.3 seconds, just a half second slower than the Hellcat. We didn’t clock a quarter mile run time but Dodge says Hellcat will cover the distance in a scant 10.9 seconds, and the Scat Pack in 12.4-seconds. The difference in those times seems almost negligible when considering the 222 extra horsepower advantage. While it’s true the Scat Pack is marginally slower, the behind-the-wheel fun factor isn’t diminished. Launch Control, Launch Assist and Line Lock features come standard.

We think that unless you’re addicted to overindulgence and bragging rights, our preference between the two muscle-bound Chargers is the R/T Scat Pack. It’s insanely quick with all the horsepower you will need. Just put it in Sport or Custom drive mode with the two-mode exhaust open, and you will easily smoke the tires of this V-8 license loser.

You’ll definitely have to exercise a modicum of self-control when lining up at traffic lights next to a GT, SS, AMG or M-Series. But perhaps best of all is saving $21,250 over the price of a Hellcat.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $46,245
Price as Tested: $57,350
Engine-Transmission: 6.4-Liter 485-hp SRT 392 Hemi V8 teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 15/24/18 mpg City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5

Where Built: Ontario, Canada

Crash Test Results: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for small overlap front (driver-side) rated as “Marginal”. All other including moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints & seats as highest possible “Good.”

Competes With:
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, Hellcat, Hellcat Redeye
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Ford Mustang GT

Fab Features
Stupendous tire-shredding performance
A bargain-priced monster
Sinister Widebody looks