What is the performance package on a Dodge Charger?

The Dodge Charger is a legendary American muscle car known for its powerful performance and bold design. One of the key features that sets the Charger apart is its available performance package, which takes the car's capabilities to the next level. In this article, we'll dive into the details of the Dodge Charger performance package and explore how it enhances the driving experience.

What is the Dodge Charger Performance Package?

The Dodge Charger performance package is a collection of upgrades and enhancements that are designed to improve the car's overall performance. This package is available on select Charger models, and it typically includes a combination of the following features:

• Upgraded Engine: The performance package often includes a more powerful engine, such as a larger displacement V8 or a turbocharged or supercharged version of the standard engine. This provides a significant boost in horsepower and torque, allowing the Charger to accelerate more quickly and reach higher top speeds.


• Improved Suspension: The performance package may include upgrades to the Charger's suspension system, such as stiffer springs, shocks, and stabilizer bars. These modifications enhance the car's handling and responsiveness, making it more agile and capable on the road or track.


• Upgraded Brakes: To match the increased power and performance, the Charger's braking system is often upgraded with larger, more powerful disc brakes. This helps to ensure that the car can slow down and stop effectively, even under heavy braking conditions.


• Unique Styling Cues: The performance package may also include distinctive styling elements, such as unique wheels, badging, and aerodynamic enhancements. These visual upgrades not only enhance the Charger's appearance but also contribute to its overall performance by improving airflow and reducing drag.

By combining these various upgrades, the Dodge Charger performance package transforms the already impressive muscle car into a true high-performance machine, capable of delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

Benefits of the Dodge Charger Performance Package

The Dodge Charger performance package offers several key benefits to drivers who are seeking a more thrilling and capable driving experience:

• Increased Power and Acceleration: The upgraded engine and other performance-focused components provide a significant boost in horsepower and torque, allowing the Charger to accelerate more quickly and reach higher top speeds. This translates to a more exciting and engaging driving experience, especially on the open road or racetrack.


• Improved Handling and Responsiveness: The suspension upgrades and enhanced braking system work together to improve the Charger's overall handling and responsiveness. This makes the car more agile and easier to control, particularly when navigating tight turns or high-speed maneuvers.


• Distinctive Styling: The unique styling elements of the performance package, such as the distinctive wheels and aerodynamic enhancements, give the Charger a more aggressive and sporty appearance. This can be a significant draw for drivers who want their muscle car to stand out from the crowd.


• Enhanced Driving Dynamics: The combination of increased power, improved handling, and distinctive styling creates a driving experience that is both thrilling and satisfying. Drivers who opt for the Dodge Charger performance package can expect to enjoy a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, whether on the open road or the racetrack.

Overall, the Dodge Charger performance package is a compelling option for drivers who want to take their muscle car experience to the next level, with a focus on power, handling, and style.

What year to stay away from a Dodge Charger?

The Dodge Charger years to avoid are generally the earlier models from 2006–2008 and some from the 2011–2012 and 2014 model years due to frequent recalls, electrical issues, and transmission problems. Specifically, the 2006-2008 models had teething problems with a new engine and electronics, while the 2011-2012 years are flagged for electrical and powertrain issues, and the 2014 model had numerous recalls, including critical ones for airbags and cruise control.
 
This video discusses some of the worst Dodge Charger years and their issues: 55sAntique TAGSYouTube · Jan 7, 2025
Dodge Charger years to avoid

• 2006–2008: These were the initial years of the redesigned model, and they suffered from "teething troubles," including issues with the new 5.7L Hemi engine and complex electronics. They also had a higher number of customer complaints and costly repairs. 
• 2011–2012: These models were known for electrical problems and issues with the powertrain, including transmission concerns. 
• 2014: This year saw a significant number of recalls, some of which were major and potentially dangerous. Issues included cruise control that wouldn't disengage, a faulty alternator, and problems with the airbags. 

Common issues to watch for

• Transmission problems: Slippage, hard shifts, and intermittent shifting were reported across multiple generations, particularly in the 2006-2010 models and some of the 2011-present models. 
• Electrical issues: This was a recurring problem, especially in the early models and 2011-2012 years. 
• Engine issues: The early 5.7L Hemi in the 2006-2008 models had some problems, which were mostly resolved in later years. 
• Recalls: Be sure to check the specific recall history for any year, especially 2014, as some recalls involved serious safety concerns. 

What is a performance handling package?

For those looking for more handling, there's the Performance Handling Package. It equips the Dodge Charger with a high-performance suspension and four-piston Brembo fixed caliper brakes to improve your handling and stopping power. You can equip this package on trims such as the Charger GT RWD and Charger R/T.

Is a Scat Pack faster than a 392?

No, a 392 is not faster than a Scat Pack because they use the exact same 6.4-liter 392 cubic inch V8 engine with 485 horsepower. The SRT 392 is a trim level that includes additional performance features like larger Brembo brakes, adaptive suspension, and other aesthetic upgrades, while the Scat Pack is the performance trim level that also comes with the 392 engine.
 
This video compares the speed of a Dodge Charger Scat Pack and a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack: 57sWho Is LouieXIIIYouTube · Aug 20, 2021
Performance

• Both the SRT 392 and the Scat Pack have identical engine power outputs: 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.
• Because the engines are the same, their straight-line performance, like 0-60 mph times, is virtually identical. 

Key differences

• SRT 392: Often comes with more premium features as standard, such as larger Brembo brakes, an adaptive suspension system that allows for adjustable ride firmness, and specific SRT badging and interior trim. 
• Scat Pack: Is the performance trim that adds the 392 engine to the R/T model. Many of the performance upgrades found on the SRT 392, such as the active suspension and larger brakes, can be optioned on the Scat Pack, making a fully-loaded modern Scat Pack very similar to an SRT 392. 

This video discusses the differences in features between the SRT 392 and the Scat Pack: 1mMotorTubeYouTube · Jun 7, 2018

What is the fastest Dodge Charger package?

The title of the fastest Dodge Charger goes to the Charger Daytona Scat Pack with its staggering 670 horsepower after the performance upgrade.