If there’s one car company that knows how to capitalize on its heritage, it’s Dodge. Not that we’re complaining – for the muscle car fans among us, Mopar’s onslaught of products that bring together modern technology and nostalgia has been a major component of the second golden age of automobiles that we’re currently enjoying.
The latest addition to that strategy is the Shaker hood. First seen on the 1970 Challenger, the Shaker hood option was revived last year on the 2014 Challenger R/T, and is now ready to roll on the 5.7-liter V8 powered 2015 Challenger R/T and R/T Plus, as well as the 6.4-liter V8 equipped Challenger R/T Scat Pack. For those unfamiliar with the Shaker, it’s a hood “snorkel” which is mounted directly to the engine and pops up through the closed hood, feeding cold air into the motor.
But unlike a typical hood scoop, since the Shaker scoop is mounted to the engine itself rather than being a component of the body work, the scoop vibrates along with the rest of the powertrain while the surrounding panels are more-or-less stationary, hence the Shaker moniker. Of course with the fuel injection and the more sensible camshafts found in modern Hemi motors, the effect is not nearly as pronounced as it was back in the original big block cars, but it’s still a pretty cool little feature that helps the car stand out from the pack both functionally and visually.
The package includes a cold air intake, conical air filter and optimized air box, along with Shaker graphics applied externally as well as on the underside of the hood.
Shaker packages for the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T and R/T Plus are available to order now. Prices clock in at $35,495 and $38,495, respectively, and come bundled with the Super Track Pak, which includes a half-inch lower suspension, high-performance Bilstein dampers, uprated brakes, three-mode electronic stability control and three-season Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. The 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker will become available to order in March for $42,495 plus destination, and if equipped with the manual transmission, an additional $1000 gas-guzzler tax.
Images: Dodge