What the Scatpack Charger Does 0 to 60 In
A Dodge Charger Scatpack accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.3 to 4.5 seconds, depending on the model year, transmission type, and driving conditions. This measurement comes from real-world testing by automotive publications and Dodge's own performance data. The exact time varies slightly between the automatic and manual transmission versions, with the automatic generally performing slightly faster in controlled tests.
The Scatpack name refers to Dodge's mid-tier performance package for the Charger, sitting between the standard R/T and the top-tier Hellcat. It uses a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. That engine is the same one found in the R/T model, but the Scatpack adds performance-focused suspension tuning, upgraded brakes, and a more aggressive transmission calibration that contributes to the faster acceleration time.
Key Takeaways
- A Scatpack Charger reaches 60 mph from a standstill in roughly 4.3 to 4.5 seconds under ideal conditions.
- The 5.7-liter V8 engine produces 485 horsepower, which is the same displacement as the R/T but with different tuning.
- Automatic and manual transmissions produce slightly different 0-60 times, with the automatic typically marginally quicker in testing.
- Real-world acceleration depends on tire grip, road surface, weather, and how the driver launches the vehicle.
How the Scatpack Engine Compares to Other Charger Models
The Charger lineup includes several performance tiers, each with different 0-60 times. The base R/T model, which shares the same 5.7-liter V8, typically runs 0-60 in 4.5 to 4.7 seconds because it lacks the Scatpack's suspension and transmission tuning. The Hellcat, which uses a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 707 horsepower, reaches 60 mph in approximately 3.6 seconds. The Hellcat Redeye, the top model, does it in around 3.4 seconds.
Below the Scatpack sits the standard R/T, which is slower but still quick. Above it, the jump to Hellcat performance is significant—roughly 0.7 seconds faster—but the price difference is also substantial. The Scatpack occupies the middle ground: noticeably quicker than an R/T but without the supercharger complexity or the cost of a Hellcat.
What Affects Your Actual 0-60 Time
The 4.3 to 4.5 second figure assumes optimal conditions: a driver who knows how to launch the car properly, good tire grip, a smooth road surface, and warm engine temperatures. In everyday driving, your actual time will likely be slower. Cold tires, wet pavement, or a driver who is not familiar with the car's launch behavior can add half a second or more to the time.
Tire choice matters significantly. The Scatpack comes with performance tires from the factory, but aftermarket high-grip tires can shave tenths of a second off the time. Transmission type also plays a role: the eight-speed automatic can hold optimal engine RPM during the launch, while the six-speed manual requires the driver to manage the clutch and gear changes. Both are quick, but the automatic's consistency gives it a slight edge in testing environments.
Road surface and weather conditions are equally important. A smooth, dry asphalt surface allows the tires to grip better than a rough or wet surface. Elevation and air temperature affect engine performance too—thinner air at high elevation or very hot days reduce the engine's power output slightly, which slows acceleration.
How Scatpack Performance Compares to Competitors
In its price range and performance class, the Scatpack Charger competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro SS and the Pontiac GTO (in used markets). The Camaro SS with a 6.2-liter V8 produces 455 horsepower and runs 0-60 in approximately 4.0 to 4.2 seconds, making it slightly quicker than the Scatpack. The Dodge Challenger R/T Scatpack, which uses the same engine and tuning, produces identical acceleration times to the Charger Scatpack.
Muscle cars in this segment have converged on similar performance levels over the past decade. The differences between a 4.3-second and a 4.5-second 0-60 time are meaningful to enthusiasts but barely noticeable in daily driving. What separates them is often handling, braking, and how the power is delivered rather than the raw acceleration number.
Understanding 0-60 Testing Methods
The 0-60 times you see published come from different testing methods, which is why you may see slightly different numbers from different sources. Professional automotive magazines typically use a fifth-wheel device or GPS-based measurement system that records acceleration in real time. Dodge's official numbers often come from controlled testing on a closed track or dyno-based estimates.
Consumer reports and YouTube channels sometimes use smartphone apps or onboard computer data, which can be less precise. The variation between 4.3 and 4.5 seconds reflects these different testing conditions and methods rather than a defect in the car. When comparing 0-60 times across different vehicles, look for tests conducted by the same publication using the same method for the most accurate comparison.
What Happens After 60 MPH
The Scatpack's acceleration does not stop at 60 mph. It continues accelerating through the quarter-mile, which is another common performance benchmark. The Scatpack Charger typically completes a quarter-mile in 12.9 to 13.1 seconds at speeds around 109 to 111 mph, depending on the same variables that affect 0-60 time. This metric is often more meaningful for real-world performance because it shows sustained acceleration rather than just the initial launch.
Top speed for a Scatpack Charger is electronically limited to 175 mph, though the car is capable of higher speeds. This limit is set by Dodge for safety and tire rating reasons. The engine continues to produce power all the way to this limit, making the Scatpack a genuinely quick car across a wide range of speeds, not just off the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Scatpack faster than a regular R/T Charger?
Yes. The Scatpack runs 0-60 in roughly 4.3 to 4.5 seconds, while an R/T typically takes 4.5 to 4.7 seconds. The difference is small but consistent, coming from suspension tuning and transmission calibration rather than engine changes. Both use the same 5.7-liter V8.
Can you get a faster 0-60 time with modifications?
Yes. Upgrades like performance exhaust systems, tuning software, and high-grip tires can reduce 0-60 time by several tenths of a second. Supercharger kits can reduce it by a full second or more, but these are expensive and complex modifications.
Does the automatic or manual transmission run faster 0-60?
The automatic transmission typically runs slightly faster in testing, usually by a few tenths of a second. The automatic can hold optimal engine RPM during launch without the driver having to manage the clutch. The manual is nearly as quick but depends more on driver skill.
How does a Scatpack Charger compare to a Hellcat?
A Hellcat runs 0-60 in approximately 3.6 seconds, roughly 0.7 seconds faster than a Scatpack. The Hellcat uses a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 707 horsepower compared to the Scatpack's naturally aspirated 5.7-liter with 485 horsepower. The Hellcat is significantly more expensive.
Does weather or temperature affect 0-60 time?
Yes. Cold air is denser and allows the engine to produce more power, so cold days can produce slightly faster times. Very hot days reduce performance slightly. Tire temperature also matters—cold tires grip less than warm tires, so the first acceleration attempt of the day is usually slower than subsequent ones.