Chrysler has introduced its most powerful Dodge Challenger ever, to be launched as the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
The Hellcat name comes from its entirely new, supercharged 6.2 HEMI engine, which outputs 707 horsepower and .650 lb-ft. of peak torque. It's a muscle car on steroids, for those drivers who just can't live with less than 700 horsepower. The motor is the most powerful eight-cylinder engine the company has ever made.
Did we say 707 horsepower? Just confirming that it wasn't a typo.
A big, all-powerful and all-torqueing engine needs powerful friends, and the SRT Hellcat features an all-new eight-speed transmission to channel that power (six-speed manual also available), the largest front-brake system (Brembos!) ever offered on a Chrysler product as standard equipment, and new tire technology from Pirelli that starts with Y-rated four-season tires.
The Challenger SRT is also available with a relatively puny 392 HEMI V-8 that puts out a measly 485 horsepower. It could be marketed as the Heckcat.
Both SRTs include driver-selectable Drive Modes. Each Mode controls horsepower, transmission shift points, steering effort, traction and suspension settings. The four modes consist of Custom - allows the driver to personalize all settings; Sport - configures the vehicle for maximum performance; Track - maximizes vehicle performance on smooth, dry surfaces; and Default - activates at vehicle startup, ready for custom or pre-set modes to be selected by the driver.
The SRT Hellcat model is delivered with two key fobs - red and black. The red key will provide access to the full horsepower and torque potential of the Hellcat engine. The black key offers a more serene and economical driving experience by limiting the engine's sass. There is also a Valet Mode, which the driver activates with a four-digit PIN code that turns the SRT Hellcat into a Honda Accord.
Unlike its 1970s predecessors, which went really fast but handled curves like an ocean liner, the 2015 Challenger SRT delivers confidence-inspiring handling and ride comfort through its 20-inch wheels, with Pirelli 275/40ZR20 Zero Nero tires that are designed for the car.
The interior build quality and materials and thoroughly modern electronics, sadly do not include an eight-track player for old times' sake, and are decidedly un-Seventies.
"The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the most powerful muscle car ever," said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO, Dodge Brand and SRT Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "With 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, we have unleashed a true GT car with an all-new driver-focused interior, the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission and the first supercharged HEMI engine Chrysler has ever produced."
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will begin production in the third quarter of 2014, at the company's plant in Brampton, Ontario. It will carry a sticker price of $60,000 pre-options. Gas mileage? If you have to ask...
