The upgraded muscle car will soon deliver supercar-like output levels at a shocking 707 horsepower, more than a hundred horsepower more than the previously announced “600-plus” estimate. This makes the Challenger SRT Hellcat “the most powerful Challenger ever, Dodge’s most powerful V8 ever and the most powerful muscle car ever,” says Dodge in its press release. Likewise the muscle car’s torque rating was supposed to be in the range of 575 pound-feet according to SRT Powertrain Director Chris Cowland, but in actuality it will make 650 lb-ft of torque.
Where
The sound of the new supercharged
Also big news, the Challenger SRT Hellcat will boast a new eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, Hemi-powered models previously only getting the old five-speed autobox. While positive there will be DIY fans chagrined that no manual gearbox is being offered, the mixing stick being reserved for less powerful models in the 2015 lineup such as the Dodge Challenger R/T and Hemi Challenger Scat Pack.
Similar to how Ford tames its Mustang Boss 302 by offering both regular and “Track”
Additionally, the new Challenger SRT Hellcat will also receive a new selectable Driver Mode system. According to Russ Ruedisuelli, head of SRT and Motorsports engineering, as quoted by TheDetroitBureau.com, the system “allows a choice of shock settings, steering assist levels, horsepower, traction setting, auto transmission calibration and shift points. There are over 125 different settings.”
Last, but hardly least, the Challenger SRT Hellcat will get an all-new interior inspired by the 1971 Challenger.
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will arrive in Chrysler Fiat showrooms this fall, after production at the Brampton, Ontario assembly plant starts in Q3 of this year.
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