2017 Dodge Charger Scat Pack 0-60: Performance Specs and Real-World Expectations

2017 Scat Pack Charger 0-60 Performance

The 2017 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine producing 392 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. Dodge rated the 0-60 mph time at approximately 4.8 seconds, though real-world runs have varied depending on conditions and driver technique. The figure places the Scat Pack firmly in the muscle-car performance tier, ahead of the base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 model but a step below the supercharged 6.4-liter HEMI V8 found in the Scat Pack 1320 and the Hellcat variants.

The 0-60 time is not just a number. For a car weighing over 4,300 pounds with a large-displacement V8, the Scat Pack offers acceleration that feels immediate off the line, helped by a reinforced suspension and wider rear tires compared to the standard Charger R/T. The 8-speed automatic transmission, with its paddle shifters, allows for manual downshifts that keep the engine in its power band, contributing to consistent launch performance.

Engine and Drivetrain Details

The 2017 Scat Pack uses the same 5.7L HEMI V8 architecture as the R/T but with a more aggressive calibration, a cold-air intake, and a tuned exhaust system. The engine features Multi-Displacement System (MDS) cylinder deactivation for fuel efficiency during cruising, which is a departure from the full-throttle nature of the 6.4L engine. The 8-speed TorqueFlite transmission is the only gearbox offered with this V8 combination, paired to a rear-wheel-drive chassis as standard.

Key powertrain specifications

• Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8 with 392 hp / 410 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
• Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
• 0-60 mph: Factory rated ~4.8 seconds

Factors That Affect 0-60 Times

A number of variables can shift the 2017 Scat Pack Charger 0-60 time by several tenths of a second. Temperature, tire pressure, fuel quality, and the driver's launch technique all play a role. Testing conducted on different surfaces, from dry asphalt to slightly damp pavement, can produce different results. Cars with higher mileage or worn suspension components may not replicate the factory figure as consistently as a low-mileage example with fresh tires.

Professional automotive publications often test the Scat Pack under controlled conditions using a standardized procedure, which helps produce repeatable numbers. Independent tests have occasionally recorded 0-60 times as low as 4.5 seconds, while others have reported figures closer to 5.0 seconds. Both ranges are plausible for this model year and trim.

Comparison to Other Charger Trims

The Scat Pack occupies a middle ground in the Charger lineup. The base 3.6L V6 model takes roughly 6.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the 5.7L R/T sits near 5.5 seconds. The 6.4L HEMI SRT 392 improves on the Scat Pack's time, hitting 60 mph in around 4.2 seconds. At the top of the lineup, the Hellcat supercharged V8 achieves 60 mph in the mid-3.4-second range, though it comes with a significantly higher price and a different driving character.

Driving Experience and Practicality

Beyond the 0-60 sprint, the 2017 Scat Pack Charger offers a muscular driving feel that suits daily driving and road trips. The suspension is stiffer than the base R/T, reducing body roll in corners, while the all-wheel-drive option available on other trims is absent here — the Scat Pack is strictly rear-wheel drive, which rewards smooth throttle application. The interior retains the Charger's spacious cabin and available leather-trimmed seats, making it a practical choice for buyers who want muscle-car performance without sacrificing everyday usability.

The 2017 model year also introduced subtle styling updates to the Charger lineup, including revised front-end styling and LED taillights on select trims. For the Scat Pack, the exterior distinguishes itself with a hood scoop, larger exhaust tips, and unique badging, signaling its performance intent without crossing into the SRT or Hellcat territory.