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- Highs Aggressive styling, otherworldly power, comfortable interior.
- Lows Disconnected steering feel, mediocre cabin materials, awesome power might cause anxiety in some drivers.
- Verdict It's not for the faint of heart, but the 707-hp Charger Hellcat is ideal for adrenaline junkies with families.
Overview
Dodge disappointed more than a few old-timers when it introduced a Charger sedan in the 2006 model year. The Charger badge had been applied to a rakish two-door muscle car 40 years earlier. But when Dodge added an optional Hemi V-8, and then higher-performance iterations from the SRT subbrand, the purists moved on to embrace the modern Charger. SRT’s treatment reached a new high in the 2015 model year with the Charger Hellcat, featuring a 707-hp, supercharged Hemi V-8 and an aluminum hood with NACA ducts and dual-air extractors. The Charger Hellcat also comes with two key fobs: a black valet fob that limits revs to 4000 rpm and disallows turning off the traction and stability controls, and a red fob that places no limits on the driving fun.
What's New for 2017?
The 2017 Charger Hellcat comes with a new standard 20-inch wheel design: five-spoke lightweight aluminum wheels finished in low-gloss black. There are also new exterior and interior SRT Hellcat badges and a new SRT-logo steering wheel with red LED illumination. New paint colors for 2017 are Destroyer Gray and Octane Red.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SRT 392: $52,240
- SRT Hellcat: $68,740
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Charger SRT 392 comes with a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that produces a healthy 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. But the king of the hill is the SRT Hellcat with its 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 that pumps out a raucous 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is an eight-speed automatic with manual controls. The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) recorded a 0-60 mph sprint of just 3.7 seconds and an 11-second quarter-mile time. Its top speed is a manufacturer-claimed 204 mph, making it the fastest production sedan in the world. With sticky Pirelli P-Zero tires on 20 by 9.5-inch “Slingshot” forged-aluminum wheels and five drive modes, the Hellcat turns and handles far beyond any Mopar muscle car from the original Charger’s late-Sixties heyday, although the steering could be tuned for better feedback. But, surprisingly, the Hellcat's relatively long wheelbase and soft suspension give it a fairly comfortable ride for a fire-breathing performance car.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Charger SRT Hellcat is a full-size four-door sedan with a 120.4-inch wheelbase, so it comes with a decent amount of interior space. There's even enough headroom in the back seat for two (or, in a pinch, three) adults. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The Hellcat is distinguished from other Chargers by its Dark Radar Red gauges with digital graphics, light-black trim accents, anodized gunmetal paint, and chrome details. But while leathers and faux suede hint at a premium cabin, other materials are a bit of a letdown for a vehicle at this price point.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Charger SRT Hellcat comes with a 7.0-inch driver information display and and an 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen in the center stack. The fourth-generation UConnect infotainment system is new for 2017, with sharper resolution, faster processing speed, and pinch-and-swipe features for the optional navigation system. It includes Bluetooth Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
