What Kind of Car is the Dodge Hellcat? A Detailed Review - Car Guide Beast (2024)

by Car Guide Beast

In recent years, Dodge has made a huge splash in the muscle car wars with their outrageously powerful Hellcat models. Packing over 700+ supercharged horsepower, Hellcats like the Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat capture old-school muscle while offering modern levels of performance.

But what exactly makes a Hellcat a Hellcat? Let’s examine What Kind of Car is the Dodge Hellcat, the key features that define Dodge’s sinister Hellcat muscle machines.

Table of Contents

History of the Hellcat Models

Hellcat debuted in 2015 as the latest halo edition of Dodge’s Challenger coupe and Charger sedan. The supercharged Hellcat V8 produced an incredible 707 horsepower, transforming the big bruiser Dodge models into legitimate supercars stalking the streets.

Initially offered in standard Hellcat form, subsequent variations like the widebody Hellcat Redeye pushed power to 797 horsepower. Special edition Hellcats with customized details and appearnce packages followed.

The success of Hellcat forced rivals to respond; Ford Shelby Mustangs, Chevy Camaro ZLs and Cadillac sedans introduced more powerful performance models to try matching Hellcat’s ferocity. Dodge proudly claims king of the modern muscle cars.

Hellcat Powertrain Specs

The Hellcat’s monstrous horsepower comes courtesy of a specialized 6.2L supercharged V8 known as the Hellcrate engine:

  • 6.2L Hemi OHV Supercharged V8
  • Nearly 1400 cc supercharger pumping out 11.6 psi boost
  • 93 octane fuel and high capacity oil system
  • 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft torque (standard Hellcat)
  • 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft torque (Hellcat Redeye)
  • 0-60 mph in 3 seconds
  • Quarter mile in 10.8 seconds
  • Top speed of 199 mph

This beast easily makes a Hellcat one of the quickest and most powerful production cars ever built. Its capabilities demand respect and restraint behind the wheel.

Hellcat Exterior Styling

While Performance appearance packages add visual aggression, stock Hellcats exhibit surprisingly subtle exterior modifications:

  • Functional air intakes and outlets to feed the engine and brakes
  • Modified hood with twin vents to extract heat
  • Lower front fascia with enlarged intake
  • Small trunk lid spoiler on sedans for stability
  • Quad exhaust tips surrounded by black trim
  • 20-inch alloy wheels in dark Satin Vapor or Brass Monkey
  • Optional Widebody fender flares on some models

The expected Hellcat badges on the fenders are actually one of the few overt styling tweaks. Stealthy supercar power defines the Hellcat aesthetic.

Interior Treatments

Inside, Hellcat cabins feature unique touches and race-inspired details:

  • Embossed Hellcat logo on seats and badging
  • Laguna premium leather seats
  • Alcantara suede upholstery accents
  • Carbon fiber and Dark Brushed aluminum trims
  • Hellcat startup screen animation
  • 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen
  • Optional heated and ventilated front seats
  • Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel

While focused on comfort and tech, these special touches remind occupants that underneath lies a Hellish beast.

Suspension and Handling

Surprisingly, Hellcats utilize suspension tuning similar to standard Challenger and Charger models. Upgrades include:

  • Stiffer anti-roll bars to reduce body lean
  • Retuned shock absorbers for flatter cornering
  • Lower ride height for improved center of gravity
  • Larger Brembo brake discs with 6-piston front calipers
  • Wider 20-inch tires on some packages
  • Electric power steering calibrated for responsiveness

This helps domesticate the Hellcat’s brutal power while retaining everyday drivability. It remains planted and controlled during street commutes or track days.

Why the Hellcat Stands Out

In an era dominated by high-tech turbocharged engines, the Hellcat stands out for its old-school concept taken to the extreme limit:

  • Huge pushrod OHV V8 with massive displacement
  • Belt-driven supercharger creating huge boost – no turbos
  • Prioritizes big power over finesse and efficiency
  • Unapologetically loud and aggressive exhaust note
  • Optimized for straight-line acceleration and speed

The Hellcat formula embraces quintessential American muscle in a thoroughly modern execution. This throwback character combined with otherworldly power has made it a hit.

Future Collectability

As emissions regulations and electrification take hold, the Hellcat’s outrageous V8 seems destined for legend status:

  • Final incarnation of a massive, high-revving V8 in a street car
  • Significant horsepower milestones threatening to be eclipsed
  • Short lifespan as emissions and mpg requirements tighten
  • Limited production numbers ensuring exclusivity
  • Striking styling that pays homage to past Dodge greats

Much as the Hemi engine defined ’60s/’70s muscle, Hellcat and its 707+ horsepower V8 will mark the peak for unapologetic modern muscle.

Conclusion

The Hellcat name appropriately conjures up visions of a ferocious beast. By taking its already brawny Challenger coupe and Charger sedan to extreme levels of power, Dodge created instant icons. The Hellcat formula sticks to old-school muscle while pushing the limits of V8 performance.

This carefully engineered package of outrageous power encased in a surprisingly drivable chassis created one of the quirkiest modern performance cars. As Dodge transitions toward electrification, Hellcat represents the pinnacle of its pushrod V8 achievements.

What Kind of Car is the Dodge Hellcat? A Detailed Review - Car Guide Beast (2024)

FAQs

What type of car is a Hellcat? ›

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is where tires go to die. It's one of the last coupes with American-style V-8 thunder under its hood.

How much do Hellcats cost? ›

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: Starting price of $72,130 MSRP. 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody: Starting price of $78,530 MSRP. 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: Starting price of $80,735 MSRP.

What is so special about the Hellcat? ›

Introduced just a few months after the SRT Hellcat Challenger, the SRT Hellcat Charger with the supercharged 707-hp Hellcat Hemi became one of the world's quickest four-door production sedans at any price. With an initial base MSRP of $66,990, it was certainly the most powerful at its sticker price.

Is Dodge really paying someone to drive a Hellcat? ›

The project includes the hiring of a Chief Donut Maker who will be paid $150,000 for a year to drive a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and be an ambassador for the brand at select events scheduled around their day job.

Why are Hellcats so expensive? ›

The reasons had everything to do with price and capability; Hellcat engines offered more power for a lot less than you'd expect. At that time, exotics from brands like Ferrari and McLaren cost much more than vehicles with Hellcat engines but failed to match this powertrain's prodigious output.

How much does a Hellcat engine cost? ›

The Hellcat engine will cost a whopping $19,530, and the kit will run you another $2,195. Thankfully, Dodge at least offers a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty if you buy the two together. So if your build blows up after a few months, replacing it won't cost you another $21,725.

Is a Hellcat a good car? ›

Lows Plasticky interior materials, more horsepower than its tires can handle, imperceptible steering feel. Verdict The Charger SRT Hellcat is a riotous and rowdy, tire-smoking, laugh-riot of a four-door muscle car that drives even better than it needs to.

Which is faster the Hellcat or demon? ›

The Challenger Demon is slightly faster and more powerful, with a top speed of 211 mph, compared to 202 for the Hellcat. Both the Hellcat and Demon have an iconic design and deliver a thrilling experience behind the wheel.

Why are Hellcats stolen so much? ›

The Hellcat — which retails for between $90,000 and $150,000 depending on options — is sought after primarily because of its vast power reserves. It produces as much as 717 horsepower in the Hellcat and 797 in the Hellcat Redeye, thanks to a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. Thanks for signing up!

Why is Hellcat being discontinued? ›

Now, Dodge has decided to end the Hellcat's journey. They're doing this to bring in new kinds of cars that are better for the future. Dodge is thinking about our planet and how to make cars that are safer for the environment. So, they're working on new ideas, like electric cars, that are cool and good for the Earth.

Why do people drive Hellcats? ›

This is the car known around the country as the most desirable platform for “side shows,” rap concerts, and pulling up at the club, to the point that a lot of people outside the narrow band of dedicated automotive enthusiasm aren't even aware that the Challenger Hellcat exists.

What salary do you need to afford a Hellcat? ›

afford a brand new Dodge Charger Hellcat, you need an annual gross income around $200,000.

Why is Hellcat insurance so expensive? ›

Is a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Expensive to Insure? The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is an expensive car to insure due to its sports car status and relatively high theft rate. Sports cars are more costly to insure because drivers are statistically more likely to partake in risky behavior when driving these models.

How much does a Hellcat waste on gas? ›

Equipped with Chrysler Group's 707-horsepower 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V-8 – today named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines – the new Charger SRT Hellcat has earned a highway fuel-economy rating of 22 miles per gallon (mpg) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Why are Hellcats banned? ›

Why Dodge Is Discontinuing the Hellcat. Government regulations are becoming increasingly strict, making it difficult for automakers to produce cars like the Hellcat. Dodge is investing heavily in electrification to meet these regulations, which means the Hellcat will have to make way for a battery-powered Challenger.

What's better than a Hellcat? ›

The Demon 170. With the most power in the Dodge Challenger Demon vs. Hellcat battle, the Demon 170 is, quite obviously, the fastest model here.

How many miles will a Hellcat last? ›

Any motor today should do 200k easily with proper maintenance, including hellcats. If you run it hard, then maintain it hard (i.e. more frequently, more intensively).

Can I put a Hellcat engine in any car? ›

There are plenty of other cars you could swap a Hemi into, but fitment is going to require more research and likely fabrication, especially compared to the ultra-popular LS swap. On the plus side, fitment should be easier than with the super wide heads of Ford's overhead cam modular V8s.

Is the Hellcat a reliable engine? ›

Overall, Hellcats have an excellent reliability record, with a J.D. Power rating of 85 out of 100 for quality and 88 of 100 for reliability.

What is replacing the Hellcat engine? ›

What's Replacing the Hellcat Engine? The reported replacement for the Hellcat engine from an all-electric-powered performance perspective is what's being called the Banshee powertrain, an 800-volt, all-wheel-drive EV system reserved for the most powerful future models.

Is the Hellcat a sports car? ›

But what makes the Challenger SRT Hellcat a supercar is how it delivers its performance and the emotional response it provokes.

Is a Hellcat a Charger or Challenger? ›

There's only a slight power difference between Dodge Charger vs. Challenger Hellcat models; Charger Hellcat and Challenger Hellcat trims both use a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V-8 with 717 horsepower, but the Challenger Hellcat makes 656 pound-feet of torque, while the Charger Hellcat makes 650 pound-feet.

Is the Dodge Hellcat a SUV? ›

More importantly, the Durango SRT Hellcat has the performance to match its personality. With 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, this SUV will sprint to 60 in 3.5 seconds, according to Dodge.

Is a Hellcat a muscle car? ›

In 2015, Dodge debuted the Hellcat engine in the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT coupe, and the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 made a huge splash. The American brand called this muscle car "the most powerful muscle car ever” and it was no joke with 707 horsepower that knocked your socks off.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 5321

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.