2018 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Overview

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is the outrageous 707-hp contemporary iteration of the monster Mopar muscle cars of 1968-71. Thanks to fat, sticky tires and modern suspension geometry, the Charger Hellcat is a big-bore monster with ride and handling that, say, a classic Plymouth Roadrunner or Dodge Charger Daytona couldn’t begin to match. The Charger SRT Hellcat became the world’s most powerful production sedan when it launched in the 2015 model year, with none of the subtlety or agility of a BMW M5 or a Mercedes-AMG E-Class. But if you’re looking for a comfortable, five-passenger four-door sedan you can take to your local track day, the Charger SRT Hellcat is a really good choice at maybe two-thirds the price of those German imports.

What's New for 2018?

The Charger SRT Hellcat gets a new grille design, fender badges, and Nano steel wheel finish for the 2018 model year. There are also new options, including black, orange, and gunmetal Brembo brake calipers, a dual gunmetal gray exterior stripe, and a new Demonic Red Laguna leather interior option.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Standard power for the Charger SRT 392 comes from a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that produces a healthy 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. For brute force, however, it's overshadowed by the SRT Hellcat and its 707-hp Hemi that generates 650 pound-feet of torque. The Charger Hellcat is about 136 pounds heavier than its two-door coupe counterpart, the Challenger SRT Hellcat, and yet it manages the zero-60 mph sprint just 0.1 seconds slower, at 3.7 seconds, according to C/D’s own stopwatch. As for ride and handling, Dodge SRT tuned the Charger Hellcat’s chassis, which has a longer wheelbase, to be friendlier and more approachable than the Challenger’s, with suspension aimed at street performance with softer springs and shocks, and smaller-diameter anti-roll bars. Add in numb steering, and it's obvious that Dodge has prioritized grand touring over track times for this model. Purists please note: While the Challenger Hellcat is available with manual or automatic transmissions, the Charger Hellcat only comes with an eight-speed automatic with manual controls.

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 generous 120.4-inch wheelbase, so there’s decent interior space for five, including good legroom, elbow space, and headroom for adults in the rear seat. The cabin features white SRT logos in the seats, carbon-fiber-look dashboard and door trim, and big red analog dials for the tachometer and speedometer. Leathers and faux suede hint at a premium cabin, but other materials are a bit of a letdown for a vehicle at this price point. The heavily bolstered, heated and ventilated leather front seats have grippy suede-like inserts designed to hold you in place. Considering this car’s power and cornering abilities, you’re going to need that.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Charger SRT uses Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch screen, featuring an array of apps. The Uconnect interface is a bit buggy, but what infotainment system isn’t these days? Standard tech includes navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. The optional premium sound system is a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

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.