Car writers at the MAMA Spring Rally got the first in-the-metal look at the most powerful production Dodge Challenger ever. The 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat was unveiled at a breakfast presentation, and its supercharged 6.2 liter HEMI V8 was happy to shatter the morning calm in Elkhart Lake, WI.
The Hellcat engine is easily the hottest powerplant ever stuffed into Dodge’s big pony car, and a horsepower rating of over 600 is expected. Intended to satisfy the needs of Challenger owners who want ultimate performance in a daily-drivable package, the new Challenger SRT Hellcat’s all-new supercharged V8 features a racing-grade forged steel crankshaft, high-strength pistons and cylinder heads. It’s available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hellcat-equipped Challenger includes functional heat extractors in the hood and a false headlight that feeds air to the engine.
Unique twenty-inch wheels are painted black and wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires. Massive 15.4-inch Brembo brakes are standard, and the anti-lock brakes and stability control have been retuned for the car.
In addition to the modified hood, the Challenger SRT Hellcat sports a “duck-bill” splitter and a unique spoiler. It shares the 2015 Challenger’s styling upgrades, including new taillights and split grille. Interior updates are also shared with the latest Challenger. The Hellcat features a separate valet keyfob that limits the engine’s output, limiting parking-lot shenanigans when the owner’s not around. The valet mode disables the Launch Control, remaps the engine control, locks out first gear and the manual mode in automatic transmission-equipped cars, and disables the steering wheel paddles–just the thing to discourage would-be Ferris Buellers.
Dodge will release horsepower ratings and pricing info closer to the car’s official launch.
