Dodge’s 2015 lineup will make history by offering the most powerful car ever made: the 2015 SRT Hellcat. Its 707 horsepower engine also makes it the fastest car, with the capability to do a quarter of a mile in 10.8 seconds. The Hellcat is also the first HEMI to feature a factory-installed supercharger. With so much power and speed, it is set to change the future of the muscle car.
Engine Capabilities
The ’15 SRT Hellcat comes with a 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V-8 engine that features 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It has a top speed of 199 miles per hour, which just misses the top speed barrier of 200 mph. The engine can go from zero to 60 in about 3.5 seconds. It comes with either a six-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic.
For those who want to limit the capability for some drivers, there are two different key fobs, one that only allows the driver to use only 500 horsepower and another that provides the full 707 horsepower capabilities. There is also a valet mode that limits the engine output and makes other alterations to limit the capabilities of the car. One downside of the massive power is the lower fuel economy that leads to a gas guzzler tax in many places.
The Exterior Look
Although the engine provides the Hellcat with amazing capabilities, the exterior is similar to the other Challenger coupe models except for a small badge that says “supercharged” on the fenders and engine cover. The 2015 models play homage to the classic 1971 Challenger, including a two section taillight. There are eleven color options, including different shades of red, blue, white, grey, black and a green.
The car features LED-rimmed headlights and taillights. One distinct feature of the Hellcat is the absent parking light on the driver’s side in order to make room for air intake for the supercharger atop the engine. The supercharger is IHI-supplied and twin scroll. The Hellcat also features a lower front air intake and a more aggressive front slitter that increases the downforce. To further help the aerodynamics of the car, there are aero-optimized side sills and a tall rear spoiler
The wheels are 20 inches in diameter and 9.5 inches wide, providing the grip necessary for such a powerful car. There was a subtle trim of the hem of the wheel wells in order to accommodate the aluminum wheel and tire package. The steering allows for tight cornering, and the suspension allows for a smooth drive and features hollow stabilizer bars to keep the car level.
Safety
A car with so much power must need incredible safety features. In addition to standard safety features, such as airbags, the Hellcat features the biggest front brakes of any Chrysler vehicle, including the Viper: Brembo two-piece front disc brakes that are 15.4 inches in the front and 13.7 inches in the rear.
The Interior
Dodge designed the Hellcat interior with the driver in mind. It features aluminum trim and seats with a choice of either Napp leather with Alcantara inserts or Laguna leather. The car comes standard with heated and ventilated seats and a 360-degree heated steering wheel. In further homage to the classic Challenger, the cockpit uses classic gauge faces and a sweeping center console, but with the full capabilities of modern technology. The driver’s display also offers a customized read-out with more than 125 potential configurations.
The Hellcat has a starting price of $59,995, which includes the gas guzzling tax but not a destination fee and optional packages. With so much power and capabilities, the Hellcat is set to make a mark on history, and challenge the competition to step up their game.
photo credit: Chrysler Group via photopin cc