Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320, a toned-down Demon that's also fit for racing

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was the latest spectacular creation from the North American brand, a true beast of the drag strip, capable of stripping the decals off illustrious acceleration kings such as the Porsche 918 Spyder or the very Bugatti Chiron. And it seems that Dodge has developed a taste for these special car versions, now presenting the one dubbed the fastest naturally aspirated Challenger.

This is the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320, fit for runs on drag strips and, once you’ve finished releasing your adrenaline, for heading out to do the weekly grocery shopping at the supermarket. This new beast from Dodge borrows several parts and setups from its more sporting siblings, including the spectacular Demon, and makes its track intentions very clear with the number 1320 in its name, which is the distance in feet of the quarter mile.

Aesthetically, it won’t differ by using anything other than what you could find on the Challenger Hellcat, since it uses the same Gurney-style rear spoiler on the trunk lid, the same splitter on the front bumper, and a vented hood thanks to three air intakes, the central one being larger. But it will feature distinctive badges that will alert you to the version you’re looking at, with a reinterpretation of the legendary Dodge Super Bee now transformed into the “Angry Bee.”

Inside, nothing would seem suspicious either, were it not that, just as in the Demon, only the driver’s seat is included as standard in order to cut weight to the minimum, though everything can return to normal by paying the symbolic price of 1 dollar, which will get you the rest of the seats installed. Also, despite its sporting character, there are plenty of everyday comforts, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and start, parking sensors, and a rear-view camera, among many others.

Under the hood is where we begin to find the essence of this special muscle car. The Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 uses the naturally aspirated 392 HEMI V8 engine, which produces 485 hp and a peak torque of 644 Nm, and it can only be paired with the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, together with the exclusive TransBrake system borrowed from the Demon, a launch system that keeps first gear and reverse engaged so that, once the paddles are activated, all the torque is sent to the rear wheels and you take off like a shot.

But it won’t be the only system the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 takes from the SRT Demon, as working together with the TransBrake we also find the Torque Reserve system, which controls fuel flow and spark advance or retard to maximize power delivery and provide better acceleration off the line. The rear axles are also those used on the Demon, including the Nexen SUR4G Drag Spec tires, suitable for both track and street, which can be heated up without problems thanks to the Line Lock function.

The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 will be available to order later this year, with customer deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2019, at a set price of 45,980 dollars.