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Overview
The 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a 707-hp sedan that's built to bully sports-car owners and shuttle adrenaline-junkie families. Based on the regular Dodge Charger, which can still be had with a stonking 485-hp Hemi V-8, the fire-breathing Hellcat version has aggressive bodywork. Its grille has dual air inlets that resemble devilish nostrils, and its sinewy hood features a prominent air scoop and heat extractors. An assortment of 20-inch wheels are available with sticky Pirelli P Zero summer tires for enhanced accelerating, braking, and cornering. All 2020 Charger SRT Hellcats will come in new "Widebody" form, with bulging fender flares that increase overall width by 3.5 inches and allow for wider tires and and improved suspension.
Engines, Ride, and Handling
Without a doubt, the Hellcat's main attraction is its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. If you haven't heard, it makes 707 horsepower along with 650 lb-ft of torque. The version in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat now makes 717 ponies—or 797 on the Redeye model. Still, the ultimate Charger will leave no one wanting for power, all of which is directed to the rear wheels through a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. A pair of responsive steering-wheel-mounted paddles lets the driver swap ratios at will. The last one we drove reminded us of its awesome acceleration times. These include a 3.4-second blast from zero to 60 mph, a 2.3-second trip from 50 to 70 mph, and a downright ridiculous quarter-mile run that took 11.4 seconds with a final velocity of 128 mph. Dodge says the supersedan tops out at 204 mph, but we didn't test that claim. Of course, its unreal performance doesn't come without a price. Drivers must carefully apply the gas pedal to maintain traction, and the ride quality suffers from a stiff suspension and large wheels. Its relaxed steering and heavy curb weight make it more of a drag-strip star than a racetrack warrior. Its standard Brembo brakes provide extraordinary stopping power, bringing our test car from 70 mph to zero in just 153 feet.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the SRT Hellcat shares the same design and passenger space as tamer Chargers. However, it has a slew of desirable standard features and some personalized options. Every Charger SRT Hellcat includes a 200-mph speedometer, heated and ventilated front seats wrapped in leather, and an excellent 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Want to rock out while doing massive burnouts? Dodge offers a thumping 19-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. Among the few optional driver assists are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors.
