The Shaker Returns to the Dodge Challenger R/T at SEMA!

In addition to the re-introduction of the Dodge Scat Pack, another piece of exciting news from the Chrysler Group at the 2013 SEMA Show was the introduction of the new Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker limited edition model.  The Shaker hood was one of the key features of the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda from the early 1970s and to this day, Mopar diehards have attempted to remake the Shaker look on everything from Dakotas to Neons to Chargers to Ram trucks.  However, while there have been options to add a Shaker hood to a modern Chrysler Group vehicle through the aftermarket, there hasn’t been a vehicle sold with a Shaker hood – until now.

The Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker is based on the Challenger R/T Classic model which includes the 5.7L Hemi V8 and the buyer’s choice of either an automatic or manual transmission. The new Shaker hood is fully functional, with a system of piping that channels air in through the large scoop poking through the hood to a conical air filtration system and cold air intake setup before heading into the hungry Hemi engine.  When you open the hood, the Shaker hood scoop stays attached to the engine and a system of channels helps to funnel water safely out of the engine bay so owners don’t need to worry about getting caught in the rain.

The new Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker package looks absolutely awesome but this limited edition package is more than just a fancy hood system.  The R/T Shaker comes standard with the Super Track Pak that adds 245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar three-season tires, a special three mode electronic stability control with full “off”, a performance tuned steering system, stickier brake pads and monotube shocks as part of a sport tuned suspension package.  Those Challenger R/T Shaker buyers who want even greater performance can opt for any of the 3 Scat Pack stage kits.

On the outside, the Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker wears new 20 inch 5 spoke rims with painted black pockets and a matte silver face, a body color grille surround, a gloss black fuel door, a satin black decklid spoiler and a unique Shaker style body graphic on the hood, roof and trunklid.  Inside, the Shaker Challenger features either black or Radar Red leather seats with an embroidered Shaker logo on the seat backs, the three spoke flat bottom steering wheel from the Challenger SRT, a pistol grip shifter and a limited edition Shaker serial plate on the right side of the dash face.

The 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker will begin arriving in dealerships early next year with a price of $36,995 – just $2,500 more than the Challenger R/T Classic on which the Shaker model is based.  This Shaker Challenger is available in Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, TorRed and vibrant Header Orange but having seen the Header Orange car shown here in person – it would be my clear choice.

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

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