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Video: Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat unleashed
Rory goes for a spin in the fearsome Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat for what could be the final roll of the dice for the classic muscle car
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 22 September 2022 | 0 min read
We all know Rory loves a muscle car, to the extent he’s even put his money where his mouth is with a V8-powered Ford Mustang of his own. But, as Ford’s icon transitions into the electric era with the Mustang Mach-E, the last brand standing in this defiantly old-school world may well be Dodge. And, specifically, its fantastically named Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody.
As Rory explains, the formula hasn’t really changed since the 60s heyday of the muscle car, when American brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Pontiac and others were locked in a horsepower arms race of ever-increasing excess. These cars were simple, relatively affordable and transformed the regular coupes on which they were based into straight-line, drag-strip heroes by putting the biggest V8 possible under the hood. Sure, the modern Hellcat has a few mod cons and tricks up its sleeve. But it hasn’t messed with the basic formula.
As Rory explains, the formula hasn’t really changed since the 60s heyday of the muscle car, when American brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth, Pontiac and others were locked in a horsepower arms race of ever-increasing excess. These cars were simple, relatively affordable and transformed the regular coupes on which they were based into straight-line, drag-strip heroes by putting the biggest V8 possible under the hood. Sure, the modern Hellcat has a few mod cons and tricks up its sleeve. But it hasn’t messed with the basic formula.
From its supercharged 6.2-litre, 717 horsepower V8 engine to its Coke bottle styling, the Challenger is all-American excess on four wheels. And, as you’ll see from the video, something of a wild ride, even for a driver of Rory’s talents.
Over in America you can buy your hot Challenger in a multitude of different flavours, the most exciting ones V8 powered and with branding suggesting Dodge’s product planning meetings involve a lot of beer and pizza. Take your pick of the 5.7-litre Hemi V8-powered R/T with 375 horsepower, or the more powerful R/T Scat Pack and Scat Pack Widebody versions, all with their iconic ‘Shaker’ bonnet scoop. Not enough? OK, you need the Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi with 717 horsepower, as tested here by Rory. Unbelievably this isn’t even the most powerful option available, the brilliantly named Redeye version offering 797 horsepower while the SRT Super Stock takes it to over 800 horsepower for ultimate drag-strip bragging rights.
Over in America you can buy your hot Challenger in a multitude of different flavours, the most exciting ones V8 powered and with branding suggesting Dodge’s product planning meetings involve a lot of beer and pizza. Take your pick of the 5.7-litre Hemi V8-powered R/T with 375 horsepower, or the more powerful R/T Scat Pack and Scat Pack Widebody versions, all with their iconic ‘Shaker’ bonnet scoop. Not enough? OK, you need the Hellcat’s supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi with 717 horsepower, as tested here by Rory. Unbelievably this isn’t even the most powerful option available, the brilliantly named Redeye version offering 797 horsepower while the SRT Super Stock takes it to over 800 horsepower for ultimate drag-strip bragging rights.
Even the paint names for the Challenger have a sense of fun about them, whether it be Frostbite, Go Mango, Hellraisin, Smoke Show, Sinamon Stick or White Knuckle. By now you’re probably wondering where you can go and buy your own Hellcat, the issue here being - like many of the coolest American cars - it’s not officially sold in the UK. That’s OK, though, because specialist importers know the hoops to go through to get a monster like this registered for UK roads and, if you’re happy living with left-hand drive, there are Challengers you can buy on Auto Trader right now.
As the world goes electric it may be the last-chance saloon for cars like this. But, as the Hellcat proves, muscle cars aren’t going down without a fight. Or a lot of tyre smoke. Like the video? Don’t forget to hit like and then subscribe for more great content like this!
As the world goes electric it may be the last-chance saloon for cars like this. But, as the Hellcat proves, muscle cars aren’t going down without a fight. Or a lot of tyre smoke. Like the video? Don’t forget to hit like and then subscribe for more great content like this!
