Are scatpacks automatic?
Scat Pack models can be equipped with either a manual or an automatic transmission, so they are not restricted to a single gearbox.
What is a Scat Pack?
The Scat Pack is a performance-oriented trim for Dodge’s Challenger and Charger that typically features a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering substantial horsepower and torque for street and track use. It sits below the Hellcat lineup in overall output but remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking raw V8 performance without forced induction. Transmission options have varied by year and configuration, with both manual and automatic versions offered in many model years.
Transmission options by era
Below is a concise look at how transmission choices have appeared in Scat Pack configurations across generations.
- 2015–2019 Challenger and Charger Scat Pack were offered with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, giving buyers a choice between engagement and effortless performance.
- 2020–2023 updates continued dual availability, including Widebody variants; both manual and automatic transmissions remained on offer, with the automatic often favored for everyday driving and high-speed performance.
- In recent years, the 8-speed automatic has been the more common choice for most Scat Pack builds, though a manual option persists on several trims and configurations for enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Across generations, Dodge has provided both manual and automatic Scat Pack configurations, so the answer to whether Scat Packs can be automatic is yes—many are, but it depends on the specific year and model.
Choosing between manual and automatic
Deciding which transmission to prefer depends on how you plan to use the car, your driving style, and the specific model you’re eyeing. Here are typical considerations.
- Manual: offers direct engine–driver engagement, easier to feel in control on a twisty road or at the track, and some buyers enjoy the traditional sports-car feel of shifting gears.
- Automatic: delivers quick, seamless shifts and often faster elapsed times on a track or in daily driving, with modern automatics featuring launch control and adaptive shift programming; generally easier in traffic and for long highway commutes.
- Availability and features: the exact transmission options (including paddle-shift modes, launch features, and shifting logic) vary by year and trim, so checking the specific build is important.
Conclusion: If you want maximum engagement and a traditional manual experience, look for a Scat Pack with a manual gearbox; if you prioritize convenience and potentially quicker times, an automatic is the typical path.
How to verify your Scat Pack's transmission
To confirm which gearbox your Scat Pack has, inspect the gear selector (manual gear levers show a clutch pedal and a traditional H-pattern, while automatics show PRNDL), review the window sticker or build sheet, and check the vehicle’s VIN/RPO codes, which identify the exact transmission type. The dealer’s documentation or the owner’s manual can also clarify whether the car is equipped with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic.
Summary
In short, Scat Packs are not limited to a single transmission. Dodge has historically offered both a manual and an automatic option for the Scat Pack across multiple generations, giving buyers the choice between engagement and convenience. When shopping, verify the exact transmission on the specific vehicle you’re considering, as this is a key factor that shapes driving feel, performance profiles, and resale value.
Can a Scat Pack outrun the cops?
Superior power and insane speed don't mean police can't catch you. While a few law enforcement agencies have sprung for Dodge Hellcats and Scat Packs, those types of resources aren't all over the place. That means anyone with such a muscle car could conceivably outrun any cop pursuing them.
Is the Dodge Charger manual or automatic?
The Dodge Charger is only available with an automatic transmission. It has been exclusively equipped with automatic transmissions since its 2006 relaunch, and even the newest models are not offered with a manual. The reason is that the Charger's platform and floor pan were designed without a place for a manual stick shift, and the extensive modifications needed to add one were deemed too costly.
- Automatic only: Since its 2006 redesign, every Dodge Charger has come with an automatic transmission.
- No manual option: Dodge has confirmed that the upcoming models will also not have a manual transmission option, a trend that is also reflected in the phasing out of manual transmission options for the Challenger, according to Yahoo.
- Why no manual: The Charger's floor pan was never designed to accommodate a manual transmission. The cost of redesigning the entire structure, including crash-safety certification, was not a worthwhile investment for Dodge, given the declining market for manual cars, notes this YouTube video.
- Manual-swapped versions: It is possible to manually "swap" a Charger with a donor vehicle, such as a Challenger, but this is a significant and expensive custom modification, says MotorBiscuit.
Do they make automatic scat packs?
The Scat Pack engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. However, a six-speed manual transmission is also available.
Are scat packs auto or manual?
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
It swaps the 5.7L Eagle HEMI V8 for the 6.4L 392 HEMI V8. This much larger and more powerful engine produces up to 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The R/T Scat Pack also comes standard with the six-speed manual transmission.
