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SRT HELLCAT

On the Prowl With a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody

July 22, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Behind the wheel of the world’s most powerful production sedan.


The 2020 Dodge Charger line is topped by this SRT Charger Widebody.
You’ll pay about $70,000 to acquire one.

The Dodge Charger stands alone among mainstream sedans. Its full-size body style is increasingly uncommon and its traditional rear-wheel-drive platform makes it unique in this segment, sharing its footprint with the Chrysler 300, while also counting a Dodge Challenger coupe derivative.

We recently had the opportunity to drive the most potent version of the 2020 Charger when an SRT Hellcat Widebody model was dropped off for a week’s worth of fun. To that end, we’re dispensing with our usual model review to drill down on this most impressive of Charger models.

Hellcat Musings

Dodge’s use of the Hellcat name originated in 2015 when it released a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine for both the Charger and Challenger. In 2018, the Jeep Grand Cherokee got its version, which was named the Trackhawk. That same year Dodge made a crate engine (hellcrate) available to anyone wanting this engine to upgrade their ride. Beginning in 2021, we’ll see a Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, what’s likely to become the fastest SUV in the world.

The Hellcat name comes from the Grumman F6F Hellcat, which was the naval carrier-based fighter aircraft introduced in 1943 and used widely in the Pacific theater. Great Britain also received more than 1,000 units and these were widely used until the end of World War II.


The Charger features a classic coke bottle layout. This one is amplified with a bright patina, widebody trim and wheels, and huge Brembo brake covers in red.

History of the modern Dodge Charger. Car fans know that the original Charger name was affixed to a sport coupe in the 1960s and 1970s. What they prefer to ignore is that this name was later used on a subcompact front-wheel-drive model for six years in the 1980s. While the switch to four doors angered some when the current model rolled out in 2005, various performance versions have consoled the faithful. Besides, with the Challenger coupe’s arrival in 2008, happiness followed. This writer has gotten over his disappointment that the Magnum wagon disappeared in 2008 after an all-too-brief four-year run.


See Also — The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon by the Numbers


Origin of the current Charger. Credit DaimlerChrysler with supplying us with the Magnum, Charger, 300, and Challenger. DaimlerChrysler was the name of the entity founded in 1998 that brought Mercedes-Benz and the Chrysler Corporation brands under one name. The LX platform underpinning these models comes from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform of the 1990s, but the American version was designed stateside. Chrysler tapped the Mercedes parts bin for its five-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, rear differential, and the multi-link rear suspension. In 2011, four years after separating from Daimler, Chrysler rolled out an updated platform and dubbed it LD (the Challenger sits on an LA variant). The three remaining models are based on the 2011 update.

What’s a widebody? In recent years, we’ve seen Dodge roll out Widebody versions of its Challenger and Charger. No, Dodge did not broaden vehicle width, but they did add bodywork such as chunky wheel lips to give these models an even more formidable presence. The Widebody models have improved tire and suspension packages, including modified springs, sway bars, and shocks. The Bilstein three-mode adaptive damping system is especially noteworthy here.




Design attributes. Besides the various “widebody” exterior enhancements, the Hellcat benefits from several interior features and upgrades. We point out the front seats which are wide, gently bolstered, and all-day comfortable. In other words, they’re much more livable than the sport seats you find in many other models. In fact, I believe if you are a larger individual – taller and a bit wider, you’ll find these seats quite pleasing. Few cars can deliver such and that’s why pickup trucks are popular for bigger people. Move beyond the base model and you’ll find an ample amount of soft-touch materials. We liked the Hellcat’s quilted leather seats with the SRT debossing. It’s a fetching look without being overwrought. The center stack is cleanly ordered with an 8.4-inch touch-screen display (7 inches in base trims) with knobs and switches underneath to control audio and climate functions. The fat transmission shifter seems entirely appropriate for this model as do the metal-wrapped pedals.

Big on safety features; old design. The Charger’s aged design doesn’t help it with crash test scores, although it still earns high marks from the NHTSA, while the IIHS is less forgiving. The institute’s small front overlap testing typically favors modern models. With the Charger, it scored marginally. That said, the Charger does come with several features that go beyond the requisite suite of airbags and a rearview monitor. All models come with rear parking sensors. You have to move up through the trim ranks to find such features as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. They’re available and are certainly worth considering.

Four engine choices. Most manufacturers offer one or two engines for each model and call it a day. Not so with the 2020 Charger as there are four choices available. Beginning with a 3.6-liter V6 and extending to 5.7- and 6.4-liter V8 engines, there’s a naturally aspirated powerplant for varying levels of performance and efficiency available. The 6.2-liter V8 exclusive to the Hellcat is the only boosted engine of this cohort. All four engines work with an 8-speed automatic transmission.


The Hellcat’s instrument panel utilizes analog and digital displays.

Enhanced Hellcat performance. When it comes to performance, all eyes are on the Hellcat. The 2020 Charger features the standard amount of Hellcat power, specifically 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. That’s an incredible amount of power available and dwarfs the 300 horsepower delivered by the V6 and the 485 horsepower derived from its largest engine, the 6.4-liter V8. How fast is this most powerful of all Chargers? We’ve seen 0-60 mph times of 3.6 seconds from published sources. Yes, that likely makes the Charger the fastest production sedan in the world.

Hold on. Tightly. There is nothing subtle about the Hellcat’s performance. From the moment the ignition is engaged, the performance exhaust system percolates. I had a few people remark that the Charger is “very loud.” That’s what it is supposed to be – you’ll hear it coming well before it arrives. Step-off acceleration is excellent, but it is when you “floor it” that the Hellcat’s awesomeness comes to bear. And this is where maximum attention and control is required – the rear wheels quite easily will give out from underneath this burly sedan, sending the SRT Hellcat into a spin. This model is ideal for the straightaway, but extra caution is required on twisty roads and when entering and leaving corners. Its steering is weighty with direct handling. The Charger tracks well, but a measured increase in performance should result in a corresponding increase in personal attentiveness. We like the Hellcat’s around-town moan as well as its banshee-like scream when pressed into action.


See Also — 12 Things We LOVE About the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack


More power for 2021. If 707 horsepower isn’t enough for you, then know that it’ll be bumped up to 717 horsepower for 2021. But the performance enhancement doesn’t stop there. We’ll also see a Hellcat Redeye variant roll out, this one based on the Challenger of the same name. Here, Dodge upgrades the standard 2.4 IHI supercharger to 2.7 liters. Moreover, boost increases from 11.6 PSI to 14.5 PSI, while the redline moves up from 6,200 to 6,500. The Redeye also benefits from stronger rods and pistons, an enhanced oil capability, and a pair of dual-stage oil pumps (up from the current one). Other upgrades include an all-new performance hood, mail-slot grille, and a cold-air intake fixed near the wheel liner. In all, the top-shelf Hellcat bakes 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque.

Looking ahead. We know what 2021 holds for the Charger, including the Hellcat, but what about the long term? You may know that Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA Groupe are planning to merge and will form a new company called Stellantis. If the merger passes regulatory scrutiny (and that’s never a guarantee), the new company should emerge in the first half of 2021. We don’t know what that will mean for the Dodge brand, but we expect it will survive. Likely, the brand will continue in its present form for the short term, but new models based on PSA architecture seems likely. This could also mean the first plug-in Charger hybrid as well as other engine choices. But as long as demand remains for performance models, the Charger, Challenger, and Durango should remain.


Rear breather cutouts help keep the Charger cool.

Your Cost

Choose a 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat and you’ll pay handsomely to own one. Indeed with the $2,100 gas guzzler tax and $1,495 destination charge, your cost is $73,950. Options such as a Carbon/Suede interior, navigation, and Alcantara seats add thousands of dollars. With special paint and wheels, you’re looking at $80,000 before discounts kick in.


2020 Dodge Charger Specifications


Dodge 2020 Charger
Segment Full-Size Sedan
Price Range $29,995 to $69,995 (plus $2,100 gas guzzler tax)
Destination Charge $1,495
Engine No. 1 3.6-liter, V6
Horsepower 292/300 @ 6,350 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 260/264 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Engine No. 2 5.7-liter, V8
Horsepower 370 @ 5,250
Torque (lb.-ft.) 395 @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Engine No. 3 6.4-liter, V8
Horsepower 485 @ 6,100 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 475 @ 4,100 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Engine No. 4 6.2-liter, supercharged V8
Horsepower 707 @ 6,000/6,100 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.) 650 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Seating 5
Curb Weight (pounds) 3,964 to 4,586
Wheelbase (inches) 120.0
Length (inches) 198.4, 200.8, or 201.0
Width (inches) 75.0, 78.3
Height (inches) 58.5, 57.8, or 57.6
Headroom (f,r…inches) 38.6, 36.6
Legroom (f,r…inches) 41.8, 40.1
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 59.5, 57.9
Hip room (f,r…inches) 56.2, 56.1
Storage (cubic feet) 16.5
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) 1,000
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel Regular (V6), Midgrade (5.7), Premium (others)
Fuel Tank (gallons) 18.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 19/30/23 (V6); 13/22/16 (6.2)
Manufacturing Plant Brampton, Ontario, Canada


Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.


See Also — The High Potency Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: CHRYSLER 300, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, DODGE, DODGE CHALLENGER, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Mercedes-Benz, rear-wheel drive, SRT, SRT HELLCAT, Stellantis, SUPERCHARGER, V8 engine

The High Potency Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

August 14, 2018 by admin 9 Comments

The SRT Hellcat is in a league of its own.

2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
The undisputed performance sedan king: Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

The Dodge Charger needs no introduction, its reputation carefully laid out and established when the sedan rolled out in 2006. Since then, the Charger has undergone numerous updates, including a major redesign in 2011. Today, the Charger is arguably America’s performance sedan, which is topped by a Hellcat model, which is a high-performance variant I recently had the pleasure of driving.

2018 Dodge Charger Models

As for the 2018 Dodge Charger, it remains a full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan with all-wheel drive available on some trims. Dodge offers a dizzying number of trims, packages and engine choices.

The base model is the SXT ($28,995), followed by the SXT Plus ($30,495), the SXT Plus with Leather ($33,695), R/T ($35,495), Daytona ($38,995), R/T Scat Pack ($39,995), Daytona 392 ($44,995), SRT 392 ($51,145) and the SRT Hellcat ($67,995). There is also a pair of all-wheel-drive models: the GT ($32,995) and the GT Plus ($36,195). Add $1,345 for the destination charge.

The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6, which makes up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. This engine is standard on all SXT and GT trims. Powering the R/T and Daytona models is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque.

2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Under the hood of the R/T Scat Pack, Daytona 392 and SRT 392 models is the largest engine of the four available with the 2018 Charger. This one has a displacement of 6.4 liters and an output of 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque.

At the top of the engine order is the 6.2-liter V8 found in my test Hellcat model and only available with this trim. This one is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, generating 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Every Charger engine works with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

(See Also — Dodge Cancels SRT Hellcat Orders, Resets for 2016″>Dodge Cancels SRT Hellcat Orders, Resets for 2016)

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Drilldown

2018 Dodge Charger SRT HellcatThe Charger SRT Hellcat like the Challenger SRT Hellcat represents the ultimate of performance for Dodge. But there is also one distinction between the two and that is the available SRT Demon, which powers the Challenger alone. This model makes 808 horsepower (840 with racing fuel) and is a one-and-done model for 2018. Happily (at least for enthusiasts), the 797-horsepower Redeye takes its place for 2019.

But neither the Demon nor the Redeye is offered with the Charger. Consider this “deficiency” as Dodge’s way of offering some separation between coupe and sedan.

Here are four important elements that comprise the 2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat:

1. Subtle design changes for 2018.

2018 Dodge Charger SRT HellcatOn close inspection, the SRT Hellcat receives several changes for 2018.

To begin, the grille is new as are the fender badges. It also has a new red IP badge. Optionally, Dodge makes available a new “Matte Vapor” wheel finish; black, orange and gunmetal Brembo Brake calipers; and dual gunmetal grey stripes. My test model had the orange brake calipers, which served as a fitting contrast to the F8 green patina. Inside, an all-new available Demonic Red Laguna Leather interior joins the product line.

2. It is the fastest sedan in the world, bar none.

2018 Dodge Charger SRT HellcatNot everyone realizes it and some are surprised by this important Charger fact. The SRT Hellcat is the fastest production sedan in the world. Its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine makes 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque.

It has a top speed of 204 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds. That’s amazing as this is no lightweight sedan. Indeed, Dodge says its top-end model weighs in at 4,536 pounds.

(See Also — The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon by the Numbers)

3. Helpful performance enhancements make a difference.

2018 Dodge Charger SRT HellcatA model with the strength of the SRT Hellcat benefits from several performance enhancements, which enable this potent sedan to function under the most rigorous conditions. It begins with a 220-volt alternator, which offers significantly better electrical accommodation than the standard 160-volt unit.

The Hellcat’s transmission is unique to this model too, as it supplies full manual control by means of the gear selector or the paddle shifters, and delivers three modes which are also unique: street, sport and track. Keeping the Hellcat planted are Pirelli P Zero Nero all-season or Pirelli P Zero three-season (summer or performance) tires.

Further, ultra-high performance Brembo Brakes dress the front and rear of this sedan. Up front are 15.4 x 1.34 two-piece aluminum hat, vented and slotted brakes with six-piston fixed monoblock aluminum calipers. At the rear are 13.8 x 1.10 vented and slotted brakes with four-piston fixed with aluminum housing.

2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

4. No real competitors.

The Dodge Charger doesn’t have any real competitors. By that, I mean models from competing brands that can go wheel-to-wheel with this sedan. Sure, in its more basic SXT layout, the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Kia Cadenza and the Toyota Avalon each have V6 models with the potency to take on the Charger and even win.

Beyond that, only the Taurus has a turbocharged V6 that matches well against Dodge’s standard Hemi engine. No model, however, has anything that can take on the top-range SRT 392 and Hellcat models. Not even the now-retired Chevrolet SS. And as for the similar Chrysler 300, it gets the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and nothing more. The Chrysler brand’s market emphasis is on premium features, not performance.

By the way, Dodge pairs the Hellcat and every one of its Charger engines with an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Driving Impressions

Make no mistake about it: the SRT Hellcat delivers its performance chops willingly. Some would say too willingly as this sedan has a habit of pushing way past the posted speed limit with little effort.

2018 Dodge Charger SRT HellcatFrom the onset, the Hellcat shows that it is no ordinary model. In what may be just as much as a marketing ploy as a safety feature, Dodge delivers two different key fobs with each model. The black one limits performance to 500 horsepower. The red one serves up the full 707. Happily, Dodge supplied the red one for my driving enjoyment. Oh, as an aside here, if you have both the black and red key fobs present in your vehicle, the red one rules.

Push the ignition and the Hellcat roars to life.

At first, it isn’t as loud as some models I’ve driven. Then again, I’ve learned that today’s exhaust systems offer a milieu of styles, ranging from piped-in enhancement to traditional cat-back arrangements. Happily, the Dodge had the latter.

Pull away from a stop and the SRT Hellcat is ready to romp and stomp. It is a large sedan that is for certain, but with all that power at the ready, it moves with authority. I like weighted steering and this Dodge’s steering wheel is as heavy as they come. But it isn’t annoyingly heavy. Rather, it imbues confidence — as if the weight serves as a connection to the road. And it does.

Another caution here is the power on tap can surprise the novice. Count me among the newbies who hadn’t driven a Hellcat previously. The moment after receiving the red key fob, my wife and I headed to the store. As we pulled away from our first traffic light, the Hellcat fish-tailed before righting itself. And that was without heavy foot action on my part.

The Hellcat is a beast and you’ll be able to gauge that for yourself if you’re able to take it on back country roads where neither fuzz nor fowl alight. This over-the-top sedan yowls and leaps as it plunges down the road. An adrenaline rush awaits…if you have a delicate heart, then take much caution here. Give the launch control a try — it counts down from 5 and begs you to improve your numbers.

It is better to take it on the track if you’re interested in approaching anything close to half the top speed this sedan can manage. Needless to say, I couldn’t explore the finer side of all things performance, but the potency was always evident.

(See Also — Raw to the Core: 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT)

2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Parting Thoughts: To Hellcat or Not

I like the Dodge Charger in whatever iteration it is offered. The V6 is strong and any one of the three V8 engines supply ample to outrageous power. The standard HEMI is the most efficient, not simply because of its smaller footprint, but rather because of the cylinder deactivation that quenches its thirst.

The Charger almost seems out of place in a segment where turbo fours and V6 engines dominate. But this model’s “old school” look and feel endear it and the Challenger to Mopar faithful, who wouldn’t have it any other way. And neither would I.


2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat


2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

  • Sticker price from $66,295
  • Price as tested: $74,670
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 gasoline engine
  • 707 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 650 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 rpm
  • 4.09 inches bore by 3.58 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9.5-to-1
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 120.4 inches
  • Length: 200.8 inches
  • Width: 75 inches
  • Height: 58.26 inches
  • Passenger volume: 104.8 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 16.5 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds
  • EPA: 13 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 4,536 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good — moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 3/5 years/Unlimited/100K miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Brampton, Ontario Canada

2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat


See Also — Dodge Hellcat Commercials Air, But You Cannot Have One

All 2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: DODGE, Dodge Charger, DODGE CHARGER SRT HELLCAT, HELLCAT, performance sedan, rear-wheel drive, SRT HELLCAT, SUPERCHARGER

Pony Wars: Dodge Challenger Upends Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro

July 12, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Dodge’s entry pulls a fast one.

Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger
Dodge Challenge sales are plum crazy!

The Dodge Challenger is No. 1. Or at least it was in June 2017. In the annual battle for pony car supremacy, the Ford Mustang continues to lead the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger in US auto sales, but last month the Challenger overtook the two to finish first.

And that’s no small feat for Dodge’s sport coupe. Long a distant third-place finisher, the Challenger is living up to its name and is within striking distance of overtaking the second-place Camaro.

Pony Car Sales Through June 2017

What’s especially significant here is this Challenger is the same generation model released in 2008. Moreover, both of its American competitors are newer, with the most recent Mustang released in 2015 and an all-new Camaro in 2016.

The Dodge Challenger is the lone car bright spot among the major brands in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles portfolio. Specifically, sales are up 4 percent through the first six months of 2017, while sales of the similar Dodge Charger sedan are down 11 percent.

Mustang sales are plunging, dropping 29.2 percent through June. Comparatively, Camaro sales are nearly flat, slipping just 0.7 percent during that time. There’s an opportunity here for both Mustang foes to pick up sales this year, but we’ll see how Ford chooses to respond before making predictions.

Pony Car Sales Breakdown

June 2017 Pony Car Sales

New and Specialty Models

So, how is Dodge managing to wring out sales from the Challenger, now in its 10th year of production? By releasing a slew of new and speciality models.

In 2008 — its first model year since the 1970-1974 pony car run (let’s never mention the heretical Mitsubishi model of the late 1970s and early 1980s) — Dodge limited production to 6,400 units and nearly all sold in advance of production.

Throughout the intervening years, Dodge expanded the Challenger product line as new engines joined the portfolio. Special package options, including Drag Race, Rallye, and Rallye Redline joined in, giving shoppers even more reason to consider this model.

And Along Comes the SRT Demon

Even as its competitors prepared and released new models, Dodge kept the pedal to the metal with the Challenger. Notably, in 2015 Challenger sales reached a record 66,365 units as a special edition Hellcat variant making 707 horsepower rolled out. The novelty of this before-unheard-of model sparked sales. Also, Dodge’s decision not to limit production fueled interest.

Earlier this year, Dodge threw new attention on the Challenger as it announced an SRT Demon wide-body variant. The specialty model comes packed with a 6.2-liter V8 engine outfitted with a 2.7-liter supercharger with an output of 808 horsepower. Fill this machine with 100 octane racing fuel and 840 horsepower is at the ready.

The interesting thing here is that the first Demons have yet to arrive at Dodge dealers. That’ll happen in the fall and the allotment of 3,000 2018 models should add further impetus to Challenger sales.

Meanwhile, Dodge continues to enjoy outstanding buzz based on its latest super model, no doubt a contributing factor in its sales increase so far this year. Another factor is the Challenger GT, the model’s first-ever all-wheel drive variant.

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
2018 Challenger SRT Demon sales begin this fall.

Ford, Chevrolet Respond

Neither Ford nor Chevrolet is likely to allow Dodge to steal their thunder without putting up a fight.

For one thing, the 2018 Mustang gains a Pony Package, offering 19-inch polished wheels, side stripes, and other embellishments. Other yet-to-be-determined changes will have to await the release of the 2018 Mustang product sheet in the coming weeks.

As for the Camaro, a high-performance ZL1 1LE Extreme Track package debuts, outfitted with a racing-based suspension and aero technologies, while delivering a blistering 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Importantly, Chevrolet matches this engine with a six-speed manual gearbox only.

It may be a few more years before we see an all-new Challenger, bringing the current-generation model run to at least 12 years. That’s long for any car, but still a few years short of the 15-year model run (1979-1993) of the third-generation Fox-body Ford Mustang.


See Also — 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon by the Numbers

Sales statistics verified with each manufacturer.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: Chevrolet, CHEVROLET CAMARO, DODGE, DODGE CHALLENGER, Dodge Challenger GT, Ford, FORD MUSTANG, pony cars, SRT Demon, SRT HELLCAT, US AUTO SALES

Dodge Cancels SRT Hellcat Orders, Resets for 2016

July 28, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Some customers waiting for 2015 SRT Hellcat variants of the Dodge Charger or Dodge Challenger will soon find themselves with their orders canceled. That’s the word from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), as it announced on Monday that it will not fulfill a portion of the remaining orders.

Left hanging are about 900 customers who will be called by FCA beginning this week to learn their fate reports Automotive News. But this dark cloud comes with a silver lining as FCA will permit affected customers to buy a 2016 SRT Hellcat. Further, these customers will be eligible to procure their 2016 models at discounted prices, matching the price of the 2015 models. FCA hasn’t announced pricing for the 2016 Hellcats, but both coupe and sedan prices are expected to rise appreciably.

Demand for the SRT Hellcats has outstripped supply. Even so, FCA is working diligently to finish its scheduled run of 2015 models as it cancels its unscheduled orders.

SRT Hellcat Production

SRT HellcatDodge will also increase Hellcat production for 2016 and will work with dealers to allocate cars based on the dealer’s inventory. Beginning on August 10, Dodge dealers will have the opportunity to order their first allocation of 2016. Those dealers able to move their inventory will be permitted to participate in a second allocation next February. Production of the 2016 SRT Hellcats will begin in September.

“We could not have asked for a more enthusiastic response to the Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcats – it was absolutely unprecedented, but then again, these 707-horsepower muscle cars are unprecedented,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO, Dodge and SRT brands, FCA US. “To meet this demand, we are more than doubling our SRT Hellcat production for 2016 and simplifying the process to make it easier for our enthusiasts to get their hands on the hottest muscle cars in history. In addition, customers with verified sold orders that weren’t built in the 2015 model year will receive special discounted pricing if they re-order in 2016.”

Upgraded Standard Equipment

Both rear-wheel drive models will now be outfitted with higher-end standard equipment, including ultra-premium Laguna Leather interiors, and an 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment system with navigation, five years of SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic reports, and HD radio.

As before, both SRT Hellcats are powered by a 6.2-liter, supercharged V-8 engine making 707 horsepower and 650 foot-pounds of torque. The Hellcat engine comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. An adaptive competition damping suspension features independent suspension up front and five-link suspension at the rear. Each model comes equipped with 20-Inch x 9.5-Inch SRT low-gloss black forged wheels and Pirelli PZero tires at the corners.

As appealing as SRT Hellcat models have been, both vehicles come with a level of overhead that should give some buyers pause. Pricing for the new models is expected to push closer to $70,000, well within luxury brand parameters. Further, buyers should get an estimate from their insurance agent to discover what their premium pain point will be.

Combined 16 mpg fuel economy and premium grade gasoline is yet another cost factor. Finally, you’ll pay a mint to replace the tires, with a set of four Pirelli PZeros setting you back by at least $1,000, plus installation. They’re also summer-only tires, so you will need another set for colder conditions. And for those who love to spin their SRT Hellcats on the track, yet another set of tires may be required.

Muscle Car Sales

Despite the challenges inherent with owning top-end Dodge models, the brand has benefited from the added recognition. While Dodge brand sales are down 16 percent for the year through June 2015, Dodge Charger sales are up 2 percent and Dodge Challenger sales are up a whopping 41 percent. Combined, sales of these muscle cars were at 87,772 units, well ahead of both the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.


See Also — Dodge Hellcat Commercials Air, But You Cannot Have One

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: 2016 cars, DODGE CHALLENGER, Dodge Charger, FCA, ORDERS, PRODUCTION, SRT HELLCAT, SUPERCHARGED ENGINE, UCONNECT

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