Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, a 707 hp beast

Dodge launches the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat, the most powerful “Muscle Car” ever built, at least as a series-production model. It features a 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engine equipped with a Roots-type supercharger capable of producing a far from modest 707 hp.

To deliver all that power, Dodge required a reinforced engine block as well as a higher-capacity water pump. A new cooling system was also developed for the supercharger, along with a larger engine radiator and an aerodynamic package designed to reduce air resistance and cool certain mechanical components, such as the air intake in the left front headlamp.

It is striking that the Challenger SRT Hellcat is offered with two keys, which would be normal for any car, but on this particular model they work differently depending on which one is inserted in the ignition. It is like a comparison between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: two personalities in one car.

The keys are differentiated by two colours: black and red. With the black key, power is reduced to 500 hp, which is nothing to scoff at, and with the particularity that it is not possible to disable traction control, and the Launch Control system is inhibited.

With the red key, all 707 hp are at the driver’s full disposal, whether on the road or on a track day to get the most out of the HEMI Hellcat engine on a circuit. The Launch Control system can indeed be used with this key and will make standing starts easier.

The engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox with a modified clutch to withstand the high power levels, or you can opt for an 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic gearbox.

Besides retaining an exterior faithful to the first Challengers, the interior is also inspired by the classic models of 1971.

The new Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is a high-performance machine ready for anything, whether for calm everyday driving or for running on a circuit and unleashing all the potential it has under the hood.

Source | Dodge