Ever since the retro-inspired Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger debuted, there’s been one question: where will these cars go next? How do you evolve a design that’s inspired by a finite past, after all? It’s unlikely that Chevy and Dodge are eager to remind folks of the anemic 1981 models of the Challenger and Camaro, after all.
For Dodge, at least, the answer to that question seems to be: more retro. At the 2013 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Dodge and Mopar unveiled a range of new features, accessories and limited-production models of the Challenger, and every one seems to have been ripped from the headlines of Dodge’s past successes.
Most notable is the return of the “shaker” hood. The engine-mounted hood scoop poking through a hole in the hood gulps cool air for the engine and was a hallmark of Dodge’s classic muscle car. Available on the Challenger R/T, the Shaker comes with the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 and a Mopar cold-air intake as standard equipment. Special badges are paired with satin black stripes on the hood and roof, a unique functional spoiler and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Functional upgrades include the Super Track Pack, which adds monotube shocks and a high-performance steering gear. Pricing of the 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker starts at $36,995 when it goes on sale early next year.
Taking the limited-production idea a bit further is the Mopar ’14. This is the latest in Mopar’s series of annual 100-unit limited-edition Chrysler products, and it’s the second time that Mopar has chosen a Challenger. A choice of white or black paint is applied to the Challenger R/T Shaker, and it features unique wheels and grill, Mopar Design badges and an upgraded interior.
Just in case you were forgetting about Dodge’s muscle car days even with the preponderance of special Challengers around, Mopar announced the availability of three Dodge “Scat Packages.” The Scat Pack name will be familiar to anyone who wrenched on Mopars in the 1960s and 1970s, and the plan is the same–these are DIY upgrade kits for the Challenger. Available in a range of skill levels–Scat Package 1, 2 or 3 respectively–Mopar offers cold-air kits, performance cams and engine remapping kits, among other hop-up items.
For the foreseeable future, it appears that Dodge will be reviving its muscle-car heritage with the Challenger. What’ll be next?
