The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat—just saying the name gives you a hint of the sheer power behind it. This car is nothing short of a maniac on wheels, and for good reason. It’s loud, ferocious, and absolutely unapologetic. For me, this car represents the world’s last great muscle car, a relic from a time when raw power was all that mattered.
The formula Dodge used for the Hellcat is pretty simple: take a reasonably affordable American coupe, ensure it’s rear-wheel drive, and then stuff it with the nastiest V8 you can find. In this case, that’s a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi. But here’s where it gets really interesting—the car gives you two keys: the black key and the red key. The black key unlocks a respectable 500 horsepower. Not bad, right? But it’s the red key that unleashes the full beast, giving you a massive 717 horsepower.
So, what does that much power feel like? Well, let me show you.
A Test of Pure Power
Before we get into the numbers, let’s talk about what it feels like to drive this thing. From the moment you press the start button, you know you’re in for a wild ride. The engine roars to life, and the exhaust growls as if to warn anyone within earshot: “Stay out of my way.”
First things first, though—we need to warm up the tires. Line lock makes that easy, and before you know it, I’m enveloped in a cloud of smoke. The tires are ready, and so am I. With the traction control on and launch control set to 1,000 RPM, I take off. A little wheel spin, but then the car hooks up, and we’re flying.
It’s a rush like no other.
The Numbers That Matter
Now, let’s talk about performance. Dodge claims the Hellcat can hit 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 10.8 seconds. Impressive, right? However, these numbers are typically achieved on a drag strip with sticky tires. In the real world, it’s not always so simple. On my best run, I clocked 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds—still fast, but a far cry from the ideal conditions.
But don’t let that fool you. Once the Hellcat is on the move, it’s an absolute animal. I topped out at 255 kph (around 158 mph) on the straightaway, and it felt like the car still had more to give. The brakes, by the way, do a fantastic job of reeling it back in—thankfully, because when you’re moving that fast, you need all the stopping power you can get.
Engaging But Unruly
What makes the Dodge Challenger Hellcat so special isn’t just the power—it’s the way it demands your full attention. You can’t relax behind the wheel of this car, not for a second. Lose concentration, and the Hellcat will remind you who’s boss. In fact, the biggest challenge is putting the power down. Whether you’re in second, third, or fourth gear, the rear tires constantly want to spin up, especially in anything but perfect conditions.
It’s deranged, and I love it.
The Looks: An Aggressive Throwback
Visually, the Hellcat is everything a muscle car should be—blocky, aggressive, and intimidating. It looks like it’s about to pick a fight with the rest of the automotive world. This particular model features the widebody kit, which adds bulging wheel arches that accommodate the massive 305-section Pirelli PZero tires. The front end has a recessed grille and angry, piercing headlights that give the car an almost menacing expression.
Speaking of those headlights, one of the DRLs is actually hollow and feeds air directly into the air filter. It’s a subtle touch, but it speaks to the car’s performance-driven design. The twin snorkel intakes on the hood also help cool the massive 2.4-liter supercharger that sits atop the engine.
A Symphony of Power
The sound of the Hellcat is one of its most defining features. Not only do you get the deep growl of the 6.2-liter V8, but you also get the unmistakable whine of the supercharger. It’s like music for gearheads, a combination of mechanical ferocity and pure power. There are plenty of V8s out there with a throaty exhaust note, but how many pair that with the high-pitched scream of a supercharger?
Handling: It’s All About the Grip
For all its power, the Hellcat isn’t exactly nimble. Weighing in at over two tons, it’s a heavy beast, and that weight becomes especially apparent when you’re pushing it through the corners. Sure, the 305-section tires give it impressive grip, but it’s no track star. In track mode, the suspension firms up, and the car becomes more stable through the bends, but you still need to be careful with your throttle application. Get too aggressive, and the rear end will happily step out.
But let’s be real—the Hellcat wasn’t built to carve corners. It was built to go fast in a straight line and make you grin from ear to ear while doing it.
The Price: Is It Worth It?
Now, let’s talk numbers again—but this time, about the price. This particular Hellcat costs £90,000 in the UK. That might sound steep, but think about it—how many cars can you buy with over 700 horsepower for under £90k? Not many, and certainly none that offer the same raw, visceral experience as the Hellcat.
It’s a muscle car in the truest sense of the word—no frills, just power. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Hellcat delivers.
Final Thoughts: A Monument to Power
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat isn’t trying to be something it’s not. While other muscle cars are becoming more refined, edging into sports car or even supercar territory, the Hellcat remains unapologetically true to its roots. It’s raw, loud, and utterly ferocious. In a world where performance cars are becoming more sophisticated and electric vehicles are on the horizon, the Hellcat feels like a last hurrah for the age of gasoline-powered muscle.
It may not be the most sophisticated car on the road, but it’s certainly one of the most engaging. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is a reminder of a time when cars were all about power, noise, and attitude. And for that reason, it may just be the last great muscle car.
1 thought on “Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: The Great Muscle Car”