While everyone else is worried about crossovers the team at Dodge are building what appear to be America’s best muscle cars. Automakers have largely given on making large sedans, especially ones that deliver high levels of performance. But Dodge continues to keep the flame burning making the best kind, loud, in your face, tire-smoking muscle cars. For 2020, the brand’s list of Hemi-powered, rear-wheel-drive tire killers now includes Widebody versions of the Charger Scat Pack and Hellcat, borrowing parts and inspiration from Widebody Challenger models, which began showing up for 2018.

Certainly, there are more sensible and fuel-efficient choices for a roomy sedan, like the Nissan Maxima or the Toyota Avalon. But if you have an appetite for performance the Charger is the only way to go. It really is a big bargain when you consider the performance, interior space and other factors, starting at just $45,995 it costs just $6,000 more than the standard-width Scat Pack. All told it is 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, which for those not keeping score, is the same torque and 10 fewer hp than the new C8 Corvette from the 6.4-liter naturally aspirated Hemi. Dodge claims 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a 12.4 second quarter mile at 111 mph and most importantly it sounds incredible. It is loud enough to get you in trouble with any number of police departments and is guaranteed to upset your neighbors when you show off to friends.

There are also suspension upgrades from Bilstein (adaptive shock absorbers), and the Scat Pack Widebody adds larger and more powerful brakes taken from the Hellcat: Brembo-sourced six-piston fronts and four-piston rears. Revised tuning for the electronic power steering helps drivers keep better control, and there are different modes to choose from. The Scat Pack Widebody has 27 percent stiffer front springs compared to regular Scat Pack models and a larger rear sway bar; both have retuned shock absorbers for the stiffer springs. Driving the Widebody Charger Scat Pack’s suspension is incredibly compliant. Cruising around in Street mode the ride is firm but comfortable and it is very quiet on the highway once the Hemi settles down in top gear. There’s also very little body roll, just enough to help you communicate with its tires and chassis as you pick up the pace. This is still a big heavy car but it is impressively agile considering its bulk, even on tighter roads thanks to the excellent ZF eight-speed automatic.

The Widebody Package which we drove is optional on the Charger Scat Pack but standard on every 2020 Charger Hellcat. The Widebody Challenger widens the sedan 3.5 inches due to the flares which cover the wider 20x11-inch forged aluminum wheels that look incredible and massive 305/35ZR20 tires front and rear. All-seasons are standard, but the car is better on the 3 season option at a $695 upgrade. On the outside there are also new front and rear fascias, rocker trim and a reshaped rear spoiler. You really have got to hand it to Fiat-Chrysler, the current Charger has been with us for 15 years, but thanks to a number of styling updates, interior enhancements, power boosts and limited-edition models, this full-size sedan is as relevant now as it's ever been.

Inside the seats are wide, thickly bolstered and super-comfortable, the rear seats are comfortable enough for adults, the boot is nice and big, with 16.5 cubic feet of space for suitcases, golf clubs or more. Once you find them there are enough USB and 12-volt outlets scattered throughout the cabin to keep everyone happy and the 8.4-inch touchscreen in the dash runs Chrysler's excellent Uconnect tech while it's not the latest and greatest system to hit the market, the software within is solid and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. When it comes to driver assistance the Technology Group covers you with Brake Assist, Rain Sensing Wipers, Lane Departure Warnings, Automatic High Beams, Forward Collision Warnings and Adaptive Cruise Control ($1,895). I also liked the Driver Confidence Group which gave nice and bright HID Projection headlamps for $795.

There is no hiding the fact the Charger is a big, heavy car but in the end the Widebody Package enhances the good characteristics with little to no drawbacks except that maybe now you'll have more trouble fitting into those "compact" parking spaces. The as-tested Scat Pack Widebody is stickered at $60,250 (including destination charges). Admittedly, I could remove a few options such as the Power Sunroof ($1,295) the Black Satin Graphics package ($3,495), Navigation ($995) and the Harman Kardon stereo ($1,595) running my car at $52,870.

To put that in perspective one of the greatest supercars of all time the Ferrari F40 has 471hp and does 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and has less seats, the Charger is an incredible steal of a deal. The Charger never gets old and when you open up the throttle it always makes you smile, when family cars are faster than supercars you know it is a great time to be alive.

Highlights	Description
Engine	6.4 L 8-cylinder
Horsepower	485 hp @6100rpm
Torque	475 lb-ft @ 4100rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Suspension, F/R	Bilstein Adaptive Damping Suspension / multilink
Brakes, F/R	15.4-inch / 13.8-inch discs
Wheels and Tires	20-in. alloy, 305/35ZR20
Curb weight	4385 lbs
Overall length	201. in.
Overall width	78.3 in.
Overall height	57.8 in.
Wheelbase	120 in.

2020 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack Widebody