'16/'17 Dodge SRT Hellcat Models

The Dodge SRT Hellcat. By name alone, people know it’s a true muscle-car. The SRT Hellcat is a trim on two Dodge vehicles, the Dodge Charger and the Dodge Challenger. “SRT” stands for “Street & Racing Technology,” which is a special engineering group within the Dodge company.  That means the performance parts going into this car blend the same tech on the streets that is used on the track.

If you’re looking for the perfect blend between modern-day technology and performance, you will find it in a Dodge with a Hellcat engine. The engine is superior to other auto brands who have tried to claim the name of fastest muscle car. Since it was introduced in 2015, the Dodge Charger and Challenger models that are equipped with the SRT Hellcat engine keep their title as the fastest four-door and two-door (respectively) muscle cars.

If you want to have a muscle car experience, then a Dodge Charger or Challenger with the  SRT Hellcat engine is the right choice. And the best news is, both models just keep getting better. For  the 2017 model year, both Hellcat models will receive two throwback models that are a blast from the past. With all of the new style and noise, it’s going to be impossible to mistake it for anything else.

Engine Specs

Both the Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcat models have the same engine under the hood. This engine is a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 SRT Hellcat engine, and this baby puts out 707-horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. Controlled by a 6-speed manual TREMEC transmission (standard on the Challenger), or an AutoStick TorqueFlite 8-speed auto transmission (standard on the Charger), true muscle-car enthusiasts foam at the mouth when driving it.

Track Times

As noted, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has a top speed of 199 mph. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 3.7 seconds. The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) certified it with a quarter mile elapsed time of 11.2 seconds. The Dodge Charger is right up there, hitting a top speed of 204 mph and going a small fraction faster than the Challenger on the track.

Brakes and Suspension

In the inner-workings of the Hellcat, only the best components will keep it riding smooth. SRT tuned Bilstein 3-mode competition suspension gives drivers complete control of the car. Brembo 6-piston high performance brakes with ABS can stop the car on a dime in nearly any driving condition.

Four-Door Charger

Both the Charger and the Challenger have a classic muscle-car look. The Charger is a four-door sedan, riding on 20-inch SRT matte black forged wheels. Its black grille complements any paint job, and looks great sitting under the Hellcat performance hood. Around the vehicle are various badges, and dual carbon stripes, although optional, they are highly recommended.

The Challenger is a true muscle-car, available with only two doors, also riding in on 20-inch SRT matte black forged wheels. SRT Hellcat badges and the official “SRT” badge can be found along the exterior of the Challenger. Two options that only enhance the look are dual carbon stripes and a satin black aluminum hood with functional vents. Drivers can always install a cold air intake and other performance parts to really add to the engine’s already insane performance.

New for 2017

In 2017, Hellcat models are going to get a few changes. The standard wheel design is being replaced by a low gloss black 20-inch lightweight 5Deep aluminum set. They share similarity with the old 5-spoke wheel on the Dodge Viper, and they weigh four pounds less; 16 pounds less cumulatively. A little less weight at each corner adds a little more performance. Plus, Dodge noticed how many drivers would outfit their Hellcat with aftermarket badges and Hellcat head logos, so they’re responding in kind by adding a bunch of them to the 2017 model. The 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger will also be be offered in 13 exterior HIP legacy colors, including Go Mango and TorRed.

Charger SRT Hellcat

The interior of the Hellcat shines even further, with the seats covered in leather trim, although the desire to upgrade to Alcantara Suede or Nappa Leather SRT is truly powerful. On the inside are plenty of pieces of tech for the Charger, including a 7-inch configurable instrument cluster display, integrated voice command with Bluetooth, and of course, the SRT performance pages. The Uconnect infotainment system is a nice feature too..

Challenger SRT Hellcat

In the Challenger, many of the same features can be found. It is a Hellcat after all. It has heated leather seating, with the option to upgrade, but the premium Laguna leather SRT seats do the trick just as well. A SRT design instrument panel bezel can be found on the dashboard, along with the 7-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster display. An 8.4-inch touchscreen display is also installed to control the Uconnect 8.4 system and navigation..

New for 2017

The 2017 Hellcat will have these features and more. To start off, Dodge is placing a backlit SRT badge on the steering wheel that glows red while the automobile is on. Next Gen Uconnect will be featured in both, the Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat models. The 4th generation will work smoothly with modern smartphone technology, and will all be accessible through an 8.4-inch screen. Plus, a new infotainment will be integrated by its release date.

Safety

As always with Dodge vehicles, drivers can check off nearly every safety feature on the map. All that’s missing is forward collision warning on the Challenger, and lane departure warning on the Charger - both of which are unnecessary since you will be so far ahead of everyone else on the road! They do however come with ParkSense assistance systems with a rear back-up camera display. Sentry Key theft deterrent systems are also installed for added security.

Warranty and Pricing

The starting MSRP for the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is $64,195.

The starting MSRP for the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is $67,645.

There is no definite price for the 2017 Dodge Challenger or Charger Hellcat, but estimates are at a starting MSRP of $62,495. Both models will be covered by Dodge’s usual warranties - a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, roadside assistance for 5 years or 100,000 miles, and rust-through coverage for 5 years/100,000 miles.