It is true that the small width and height of the Challenger's hood scoops makes them difficult to be truly functional. However, the main reason is the location of the throttle body in relation to the hood scoops. The SRT engineers stated that the bends in the air ducts that would be necessary to connect them would be too restrictive and would negate any ram air effect.

In the old days, this was not a problem since the scoop (think T/A or shaker) was directly above the carbureator.