The 2015 Dodge Challenger faithfully channels the styling of its 1970s ancestor, but until now it’s been missing an important piece of retro hardware.
Part of the first-generation Challenger’s signature look was the “Shaker” hood scoop, so named because it actually shook when the engine was revved.
Dodge offered the Shaker briefly on a limited edition 2014 Challenger, but it’s going all in for 2015. As it announced last year at the New York Auto Show, the carmaker will make the Shaker an option on most V8 Challenger models.
The Shaker isn’t just for show, Dodge says. The engine-mounted scoop acts as part of a cold-air intake system, and Shaker models also get a conical air filter and a different air box for optimized air flow.
Buyers looking to shake things up will have two choices of engine to affix a Shaker hood to.
The Challenger R/T Shaker features a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, with 375 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. An R/T Plus model is also available with a few extra options.
For a bit more muscle, the Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker comes with a 6.4-liter HEMI (392 cubic inches, per the name) producing 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.
The 392 engine is similar to the one used in the outgoing Challenger SRT, and Dodge says it should be good for mid 4-second 0-60 mph times, and quarter mile times in the 12-second range.
The 707-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat isn’t available with the Shaker. It gets a model-specific, Viper-inspired hood to cover the 6.2-liter surcharged HEMI V8 Hellcat engine.
The 2015 Dodge Challnger R/T Shaker and R/T Shaker Plus are available for order now, with prices starting at $35,490 and $39,490, respectively.
Order books for the 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker open in March, and prices will start at $43,490.
