Fiat Chrysler has a few fun things in store for the 2021 Dodge Challenger. Along with boasting a new Mopar Drag Pak, the updated Challenger spreads the Widebody love previously reserved for higher-performance trims to new models in the lineup. That’s good news for drivers who want to skim a few seconds off their lap times—or, more accurately, appear to be able to do so—with their new R/T Scat Pack Widebody with the Shaker package and the R/T Scat Pack with the T/A 392 package Challengers, which arrive in dealerships next year. Previously, the Widebody treatment was limited to the R/T Scat Pack (sans Shaker option), as well as the SRT Hellcat and SRT Hellcat Redeye models.
As its name suggests, the R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody combines the brand’s signature hood shaker (part of an optional package on regular R/Ts), which funnels cooler air back into the engine and visibly “shakes” when the engine revs. That engine is a naturally aspirated V-8 delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, paired to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you lift the hood, you’ll find a “Shaker” decal that hearkens back to a similar piece on the original 1970 Challenger. The Widebody model is 3.5 inches girthier than the regular R/T Scat Pack, and it rides on sticky Pirelli tires wrapped around 20-inch wheels.
The 2021 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 Widebody celebrates a limited-edition ancestor built for the SCCA Trans Am racing series in 1970. Today’s T/A model (like the Shaker, this is a package for the R/T) gets a black hood, black wrapped roof, and black spoiler as well as special “T/A” graphics. Finishing off the exterior upgrades are “Air Catcher” headlamps with LED-illuminated T/A logos and a 392 fender decal.
Among the sheetmetal you’ll find a NACA-ducted hood optimizing air flow. The model makes use of the same Hemi V-8 engine and transmissions as the R/T Scat Pack Shaker. Inside, the car has an old-school “tic-toc-tach” gauge cluster, while buyers can choose between black seats with Houndstooth cloth inserts or black heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats with T/A embroidery.
So how much do these cars cost? The Shaker Widebody is slightly less expensive, selling for $49,185. FCA is now taking orders for that one, which hits dealerships early next year. The T/A 392 Widebody goes for $50,585 and will be available to order later this year prior to hitting dealerships in the spring.
