If you had high hopes for Dodge and Mopar’s SEMA Show press conference after seeing the teaser of a covered sports car and reading the press blurb earlier today, then like us, you’ll probably be disappointed after finding out that the surprise debuts were the return of the Scat Packages for three Dodge models and the introduction of a shaker hood for the Challenger.
Initially, Dodge will offer the new Scat Package performance upgrade kits for the 2014 Challenger, Charger and Dart beginning from spring next year at a “cost-effective price” – whatever that means.
For the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI-powered Challenger and Charger, there are three kits, with the first one adding an ECU, cold air-intake and cat-back exhaust, the second one pushing the power gains further with a camshaft, and finally, the third one that rounds out the package with performance ported and polished heads and hi-flow headers.
Owners of the 2.4-liter Dart GT will also have three options to choose from. The first stage kit includes a cold-air intake, short throw shifter and brakes with slotted rotors and performance pads. Go for the second stage and you get an ECU tune and a cat-back exhaust, while the third stage kit adds a big brake kit, and a sports suspension with adjustable springs and struts, plus different front and rear sway bars.
If you missed the classic shaker hood on the new Challenger, then there’s good news for you with the release of new package sporting a fully functional Shaker hood with Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter and optimized air box for “improved airflow and performance”.
Dodge said that the Challenger R/T V8 Shaker also includes the Super Track Pak, with high-performance steering gear, brake linings and monotube shock absorbers, P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) that can be fully deactivated for hooning or some tree hugging – Dodge didn’t say that, we did.
Available as a $2,500 option on the Challenger R/T Classic, the 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker will land at Dodge dealerships in the first quarter of 2014 with pricing starting at $36,995 (excluding destination and handling), or $37,495 if you choose the custom hood-to-tail stripes.
Revealed next to the Shaker model is the new Mopar 14′ Challenger of which only 100 examples will be built, making it the rarest limited production version of the series to date. While the SEMA car is finished in Bright White, the Mopar edition will also be offered with a Gloss Black exterior finish, both with a “Shaker style” stripe in “Mopar Blue” as standard, or optionally, with a choice of two different stripes.
The Mopar 14′ comes with the new Shaker hood in a satin black finish sitting on top of the standard 5.7-liter V8 Hemi, while other special extras include the gloss black 20-inch wheels, and gloss black exterior trims and accents. Inside, there’s a serialized instrument panel plaque, sport seats in black Nappa leather with blue accent threads, which also make their appearance on the pistol-grip shifter boot and three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Other goodies included in the package are a custom-crafted personalized owner’s manual, “Mopar” branded key fobs and Mopar ’14 memorabilia. Prices were not announced.
For a visual take on the above models and several other Chrysler Group cars displayed at the SEMA Show, head below the break for the comprehensive gallery.
2014 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T SHAKER