2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Evaluation, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the place tires go to die. It’s one of many final coupes with American-style V-8 thunder below its hood. The Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup’s most reserved mannequin spews 717 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine. However there’s a lot extra: output from the Hellcat Redeye mannequin’s model of this engine jumps to 797 horsepower. And the meanest, nastiest Hellcat Redeye, the Widebody Jailbreak version, deploys 807 horsepower. All Challenger SRT Hellcats show you how to towards a suspended license with a hard-working eight-speed computerized transmission and rear-wheel-drive—a configuration that’s at all times able to deploy billows of smoke from every of its large, 12-inch-wide rear tires. Whereas souped-up rivals such because the Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 are extra road-course pleasant, the SRT Hellcat has surface-prepared drag strip vitality. And numerous it. The extra on a regular basis all-wheel drive, V-6, and smaller V-8 geared up Challenger are reviewed individually.

What’s New for 2023?

Dodge is gearing up for the ultimate mannequin yr for the present era Challenger SRT Hellcat by making the 807-hp Jailbreak bundle out there on each the Redeye and non-Redeye fashions. All 2023 Challengers will include a particular “Final Name” plaque below the hood to commemorate the ultimate manufacturing run earlier than Dodge switches to a brand new era of efficiency automobiles that includes electrified powertrains.

Pricing and Which One to Purchase

Base

$69,000 (est)

Jailbreak

$73,000 (est)

Widebody

$75,000 (est)

Redeye

$80,000 (est)

Redeye Widebody

$85,000 (est)

SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak

$86,000 (est)

Tremendous Inventory

$88,000 (est)

The Widebody version appears to be like cooler with its flared fenders and handles higher, thanks largely to wider wheels and tires, so that is the one we would select. Even though the SRT Hellcat is all about extra, we would not go for the Redeye mannequin that will increase energy to almost 800 horses. In reality, throughout our testing, the Redeye wasn’t faster than the usual Hellcat as a result of its tires merely could not put the additional grunt to the bottom.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

The mad scientists at Dodge’s SRT laboratory pulled a Samuel L. Jackson and went all Outdated Testomony with the almighty Hellcat engine. The usual setup makes “solely” 717 horsepower, and the model within the Redeye pumps out 797 horses. The 807-hp Super Stock model options devoted gear for drag racing. Paired with an eight-speed computerized transmission, the final Challenger SRT Redeye Widebody we examined roared to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and accomplished the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 125 mph. We have pushed a number of Hellcats and—as anticipated—by no means bought bored with tapping into the infinite energy provide. Nevertheless, launching the unruly beast straight and true is an train in excessive automobile management. Each mannequin had an insidious growl at startup that builds to a hellish howl below heavy throttle. The Hellcat’s distinct supercharger whine will ship shivers down your backbone from both concern or pleasure—almost certainly each. These high-performance Challengers won’t be the last word instruments for a track-attack occasion, however they’re fast as hell in a straight line and deal with properly sufficient to hustle down twisty again roads—offered your heavy proper foot is aware of when to let up.

Gas Financial system and Actual-World MPG

The Challenger SRT Hellcat does not power-slam fuel like a aggressive drinker—at the least, no more than its competitors. Its rated at 13 mpg within the metropolis and as much as 22 mpg on the freeway. The Camaro ZL1 and Shelby GT500 prime out at 14/21 mpg metropolis/freeway and 12/18 mpg metropolis/freeway, respectively. The final Hellcat Challenger we ran on our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy route, which is a part of our extensive testing regimen, wasn’t far off its 22-mpg EPA estimate. For extra details about the Challenger’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s website.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

The Challenger inside was redesigned for the 2015 mannequin yr with a driver-centric format, easy switchgear, and higher supplies. The SRT twins have commonplace leather-based finery, distinctive badging and gauge colours, and heated and ventilated entrance seats. Regardless of its roomy cabin, the plastics nonetheless look low-cost, and visibility to the rear is poor. The Dodge held six carry-ons in its trunk and a formidable 15 complete with the rear seat stowed. Not one of the automobiles we examined had been significantly adept at storing small gadgets, however the Challenger at the least has an enormous center-console bin, and there is a helpful slot to stay a smartphone.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Each fashions boast a Uconnect infotainment system that’s easy to make use of and crammed with options. These embrace navigation, a bumpin’ stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The usual 8.4-inch touchscreen is usefully massive and options icons that may be simply chosen with a finger. There are quantity and tuning knobs for fast audio-system changes. Whereas the navigation responds rapidly to inputs with a big onscreen keyboard, the map graphics look dated and cartoony.

Security and Driver-Help Options

The massive-bodied coupe is offered with a number of driver-assistance technologies. Each fashions have commonplace rear parking sensors, however most different security gear prices further and never all of it’s out there on the Redeye. For extra details about the Challenger’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

• Out there blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Out there forward-collision warning
• Out there adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

The Challenger’s protection aligns with home rivals. Nevertheless, the Camaro comes with at the least a bit of little bit of complimentary upkeep.

• Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled upkeep

More Features and Specs