Engine specs and what they mean for emissions

The 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack uses a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower. This engine is a naturally aspirated design, meaning it draws air through the intake without a turbocharger or supercharger. The displacement and power output place it in the high-performance category, which affects how much it emits and how much fuel it consumes.

Dodge equipped this engine with a catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor system to reduce tailpipe emissions. The vehicle meets the emissions standards that were in effect for 2016 model year vehicles. However, because this is a large-displacement V8 designed for performance rather than efficiency, its emissions profile is higher than smaller, turbocharged engines or hybrid vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack has a 5.7-liter V8 engine rated at 16 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway with an automatic transmission.
  • This vehicle falls into the "large sport utility vehicle" category for EPA emissions purposes, which means it has different standards than sedans or compact cars.
  • The engine uses a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor system to reduce harmful emissions, but the large displacement still results in higher overall emissions than smaller engines.
  • Real-world fuel economy depends heavily on driving habits, with aggressive acceleration and highway speeds above 65 mph reducing efficiency significantly.

Fuel economy ratings and real-world performance

The EPA rates the 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack at 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, assuming an automatic transmission. The combined rating is 19 miles per gallon. These numbers reflect standardized testing procedures, not what you will see on your odometer.

In practice, owners report fuel economy ranging from 14 to 22 miles per gallon depending on how they drive. Spirited acceleration, frequent hard braking, and highway speeds above 70 mph all reduce efficiency. Conversely, steady-speed highway driving and moderate acceleration can push the combined figure closer to 20 miles per gallon. Cold weather also reduces efficiency by 10 to 15 percent because the engine runs richer during warm-up.

Emissions standards and what changed from earlier models

The 2016 model year was subject to Tier 2 emissions standards set by the EPA, which had been in place since 2004. These standards limit the amount of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds that a vehicle can emit. The Scat Pack's catalytic converter and engine management computer work together to keep emissions within these legal limits.

Compared to the 2015 Charger R/T, the 2016 model made no significant changes to the emissions control system. The 5.7-liter V8 remained the same. However, Dodge did introduce the Scat Pack variant in 2015, which was a higher-performance version of the standard R/T. The emissions profile between the standard R/T and the Scat Pack is essentially identical because both use the same engine and emissions hardware.

Octane requirements and fuel type

The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack requires 91-octane fuel or higher. Using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knock, which is a pinging sound that occurs when fuel ignites unevenly in the combustion chamber. Knock can damage the engine over time and also triggers the engine computer to retard timing, which reduces power and efficiency.

Premium fuel costs more per gallon than regular 87-octane fuel, typically 30 to 50 cents more depending on your region and current oil prices. Over a year of driving, this adds up. If you drive 12,000 miles per year at 19 miles per gallon combined, you will use roughly 630 gallons annually. The premium fuel requirement is a real cost of ownership for this vehicle.

How the engine management system controls emissions

The 2016 Scat Pack's engine computer continuously monitors oxygen levels in the exhaust using an oxygen sensor. When the sensor detects that the exhaust is running too rich (too much fuel, not enough air), the computer leans out the fuel mixture. When it detects a lean condition, the computer adds fuel. This feedback loop keeps the catalytic converter operating at peak efficiency.

The catalytic converter itself contains precious metals — platinum, palladium, and rhodium — that act as catalysts to convert harmful gases into less harmful ones. Carbon monoxide becomes carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides break down into nitrogen and oxygen. This process works best when the engine is running at normal operating temperature, which is why cold starts produce higher emissions than warm driving.

Comparing the Scat Pack to other 2016 performance vehicles

The 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack sits in the middle of the performance spectrum. It produces more power than a Chevrolet Camaro SS (455 hp) but less than a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (645 hp). Its fuel economy is similar to other large V8 muscle cars — the Camaro SS achieves 16 city and 25 highway, and the Challenger R/T achieves the same ratings.

Compared to turbocharged performance cars like the 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost (310 hp, 21 city and 32 highway), the Scat Pack uses more fuel and produces more emissions per mile. However, the Scat Pack delivers significantly more power and a different driving experience. The trade-off between performance and efficiency is a choice the buyer makes when selecting this vehicle.

Maintenance items that affect emissions

Several maintenance items directly affect how much your 2016 Scat Pack emits. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and causes the engine to run rich, increasing emissions and reducing fuel economy. The oxygen sensor can degrade over time and cause the engine computer to make incorrect adjustments. A failing catalytic converter loses its ability to convert harmful gases and will trigger the check engine light.

Regular oil changes, spark plug replacement at the manufacturer's recommended intervals, and keeping the fuel system clean all help the engine run efficiently and emit less. If your check engine light comes on, the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem that affects emissions. Having it scanned with a diagnostic tool will reveal whether the issue is something straightforward like a loose gas cap or something that requires repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the "Scat Pack" name mean?

Scat Pack is Dodge's branding for a higher-performance version of the R/T. It includes a more aggressive suspension tune, unique styling, and a slightly higher power rating (485 hp versus 370 hp in the standard R/T). The name references a 1960s Dodge performance package.

Will a 2016 Charger R/T Scat Pack pass an emissions test?

Yes, if the vehicle is properly maintained and the emissions control systems are functioning. A failed emissions test usually indicates a problem with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, or engine computer. A diagnostic scan will identify the specific issue.

Can I improve fuel economy on a Scat Pack without losing performance?

Modest improvements are possible through driving habits: avoid jackrabbit acceleration, maintain steady highway speeds below 65 mph, and keep tire pressure at the recommended level. Aftermarket air intakes and exhaust systems may improve efficiency slightly, but they can also affect emissions compliance.

How much does premium fuel cost compared to regular over a year?

The difference varies by region and oil prices. At typical 2016 prices, premium fuel cost 30 to 50 cents more per gallon. For a vehicle averaging 19 mpg and driving 12,000 miles annually, this adds roughly $500 to $850 per year in fuel costs compared to a vehicle using regular 87-octane fuel.

Is the 2016 Scat Pack more efficient than the 2015 model?

No, they are essentially identical. The Scat Pack was introduced in 2015, and the 2016 model carried over the same engine, transmission, and emissions systems with no significant changes to efficiency or emissions output.