Introduced in 1966 as a two-door coupe and revised in 1968 and 1971, the Dodge Charger quickly made a name for itself as one of the most important muscle cars ever built. The Charger nameplate started to fade as the oil crisis hit the United States in the early 1970s and disappeared completely in 1977. A fifth-generation model resurrected the brand in 1982, but the Charger was axed for the second time in 1987. The iconic name was revived yet again in 2006, when the Charger became the vehicle we all know today: a four-door sedan. The sixth-generation model was built until 2010, when a brand-new, evolutionary iteration was unveiled. For the 2015 model year, the Charger received yet another overhaul, this time receiving brand new front and rear fascias and a revamped interior. As we’re moving toward 2015, the refreshed Charger had the outrageous Hellcat engine and its 707-horsepower glory dropped under its hood.
The amazing output figures that come with the supercharged HEMI V-8 place the Charger SRT Hellcat atop the four-door sedan segment in terms of horsepower and speed, while numerous exterior upgrades gives it proper, menacing looks. All told, the 2015 Charger SRT Hellcat plays in a league of its own. Read on to find out why.
Updated 01/29/2015: Dodge unveiled a new video showing its latest Charger Hellcat hitting a top speed of no less than 206.9 mph. Enjoy!
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.
-
2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
-
Year:2015
-
Make:
-
Model:
-
Engine:V8
-
Transmission:Eight-Speed Auto
-
Horsepower @ RPM:707
-
MPG(Hwy):20 (Est.)
-
Torque @ RPM:650
-
Displacement:6.2 L
-
0-60 time:3.7 sec.
-
Quarter Mile time:11 sec.
-
Top Speed:204 mph (Est.)
-
Price:63995 (Est.)
-
Price:
-
car segment:
-
body style:
Video
Exterior
Unique front and rear fascias, a brand-new hood and a rear spoiler turn the already sleek-looking 2015 Charger into a sinister machine
As expected, the Charger SRT Hellcat follows in the footsteps of the Challenger SRT Hellcat as far as styling is concerned. Unique front and rear fascias, a brand-new hood and a rear spoiler turn the already sleek-looking 2015 Charger into a sinister machine.
Although the headlamps remain unchanged, the grille between them is all-new. The piece ditches the familiar cross-hair seen on the average Dodge and adopts a honeycomb-like pattern and an SRT badge. The reshaped bumper carries a trapezoidal inlet featuring a similar grille and larger side intakes that no longer include LED daytime running lights. Down below, a integrated splitter optimizes airflow to the engine, while improving the sedan’s aerodynamics.
Gone is the standard hood, now replaced by a power-bulge aluminum hood with cold-air intake and dual air extractors for optimized removal of heat and reduced air turbulence in the engine compartment.
Around back, the Charger Hellcat stands out by with its trunk-lid spoiler, side bumper inlets, and four-inch, round exhaust tips. From the side, a "Supercharged" badge and a brand-new set of wheels will let onlookers know this is not a regular Charger. The lightweight, forged-aluminum, "Slingshot" wheels measure 19 inches and come in a split-seven spoke design. Wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires, the rims can be had in either standard Matte Black or optional Brass Monkey (dark bronze) finishes.
Interior
The Charger’s newly redesigned interior becomes sportier now that the folks over at SRT had the chance to meddle with it
The Charger’s newly redesigned interior becomes sportier now that the folks over at SRT had the chance to meddle with it. A flat bottom, SRT-branded steering wheel replaces the standard unit, The buttons to control the TFT display are larger and illuminated, while the the buttons for the Uconnect system have been moved along the bottom edge of the horizontal spokes. The new steering wheel also features a 360-degree heat element.
The seats are also new, having been redesigned for improved cushioning and comfort. The high-performance front seats come with standard heating and ventilation, while the rear seats are only heated. An all-new electronic shifter with a T-handle is also included in the SRT Hellcat package, as is the premium, 900-watt, 18-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Yes, it’s loud enough to cover the supercharged 6.2-liter revving under the hood, but we’d recommend against using it. Nothing beats a HEMI soundtrack.
Drivetrain
Making the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat the fastest, most powerful, and quickest sedan on the market is the same supercharged, 6.2-liter, HEMI V-8 engine introduced on the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat
Making the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat the fastest, most powerful, and quickest sedan on the market is the same supercharged, 6.2-liter, HEMI V-8 engine introduced in the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat. This devilish mill sends 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, enabling the Charger to return some staggering performance figures. For instance, the sedan needs only 3.7 seconds to roar from 0 to 60 mph, making it a half-second faster than the current BMW M5. The extreme Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model is the only sedan that matches its 0-to-60 mph acceleration, but we’re talking about a vehicle that costs more than $100,000.
The Charger Hellcat is equally impressive on the drag strip, where it will blast through the quarter-mile in 11 seconds with ease — 0.2 seconds faster than the Challenger Hellcat. What’s more, that figure is NHRA-certified and is with street tires, meaning the Hellcat will be quicker on drag radials. Corvette Stingray who? Things become frightening in the top speed department, as the sedan maxes out at 204 mph. That’s more than most German high-performance vehicles and most sports cars can achieve. Heck, not even the Shelby GT500, the first factory-built muscle car to step into 200-mph territory, can’t match that benchmark. All these numbers are also courtesy of the standard TorqueFlite, eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Challenger Hellcat, the Charger Hellcat doesn’t get a six-speed manual.
Five driving modes are available. The "Eco" function maximizes fuel economy with revised shifting, pedal map and second-gear starts. The "Default" mode activates automatically when the vehicle is started, while the "Custom" mode allows the driver to personalize the car’s performance. The "Sport" function delivers increased performance when compared to the "Default" mode, while the "Track" mode enables the Charger Hellcat to work at its full potential. The latter mode is suitable for smooth, dry surfaces.
Just like the Challenger Hellcat, the Charger Hellcat benefits from two standard key fobs. The red fob is attached to the only key that can unlock the 707 horsepower of the sedan, while the black key limits engine revs to 4,000 rpm, reduces output to 500 ponies and disables the first gear. Launch control and drive mode functions are also disabled, while ESC is turned to full-on.
| Type | 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 707 HP |
| Torque | 650 LB-FT |
| Quarter mile time | 11.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 204 mph |
| 0-100-0 mph | under 13 seconds |
Prices
The new 2015 Charger SRT Hellcat is priced from $63,995, including $1,700 gas-guzzler tax.
Competitors
Chevrolet SS
Since the Charger’s traditional U.S. rivals, the Ford Taurus and the Chevrolet Impala, will be no match for the Hellcat, we have to dig a little deeper into V-8 territory for the proper rigs. The closest four-door muscle car that comes to mind is the Australian-designed Chevrolet SS. Based on the brand-new Holden Commodore, the SS carries a massive 6.2-liter V-8 that delivers 415 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive sedan charges from naught to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Sure, these figures are nowhere near those of a Charger Hellcat SRT, but the SS is quite affordable compared to the supercharged Mopar. Priced from $45,770, the Chevy SS is cheaper than the current Charger SRT8 and fetches a lot less than the Hellcat will.
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model
Those looking for more power will have to start looking for Mercedes-Benz dealerships and the E-Class sitting at the top of its range: the E63 AMG S-Model. Powered by a bi-turbo, 5.5-liter V-8 engine, this stylish and luxurious sedan leaves rubber marks on the pavement by means of 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Although it lacks exactly 130 ponies when compared to the Charger Hellcat, the E63 AMG fights back with superior dynamics and luxury features.
Still, the German sedan is quite the fast machine from 0 to 60 mph, achieving the sprint in only 3.6 seconds thanks to its 4MATIC, all-wheel-drive configuration. Pricing-wise, the E63 AMG S-Model costs $99,770 before options, making it about $40,000 more expensive than the Charger Hellcat SRT.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The twin brother, shorter and meaner!
Conclusion
It was 1966 when Dodge introduced the 426 HEMI engine to the public, enabling the newly launched Charger to become one of the most powerful and fastest midsize vehicles of its era. It took Chrysler nearly 50 years to bring the Charger back into the spotlight with a spectacular engine under its hood, and boy what an achievement this is. More power than any high-performance German brand has to offer, blistering-quick acceleration and quarter-mile times, and a relatively affordable price tag. There was a time when I used to hate Dodge for reviving the Charger nameplate for a four-door sedan. Well, not anymore!
Update History
Updated 08/01/2014; New reports suggest that the new Charger Hellcat will be unveiled on August 16, 2014 at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. Stay tuned! (Autoguide)
Updated 08/13/2014: Chrysler has just announced that a brand-new Dodge will be unveiled on August 13th at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The manufacturer also released a teaser photo (after the jump) showing a sedan hidden underneath a red cover. Judging by the wheels and the way the cover wraps around the hood, the said sedan is none other than the Dodge Charger Hellcat! There is a live reveal coming up too, and we have the video feed above. Remember, it kicks off at 10:30 a.m. EST sharp! Check after the jump for live updates from the reveal in the "Reveal Notes" section.
Updated 8/13/2014: We have fully updated our review of the Charger Hellcat to show you all of the patest information on the model now that it’ all official. See more after the jump.
Updated 8/14/2014: If you wanted to know how the V-8 engine sounds in the new Charger Hellcat, check out after the jump. Also, Dodge unveiled a new promo video for its latest Charger Hellcat. Enjoy!
Updated 10/3/2014: A report from TorqueNews claims that the Charger SRT Hellcat hit 60 mph in only 2.9 seconds with crag radials during a small gathering at Chrysler’s headquarters. That’s a good bit faster than Chrysler’s estimated 3.7 seconds that it announced during the Hellcat’s unveiling.
Updated 10/20/2014: Dodge announced prices for the 2015 Charger SRT Hellcat, which, according to the company "is ready to take America’s roadways by storm." The model is priced from $63,995 including $1,700 gas-guzzler tax. For the MSRP, customers will also get one day of driving at the SRT Driving Experience designed for owners to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track.
Reveal Notes
You can watch a replay of the reveal HERE
- Fastest, most powerful, and quickest sedan
- 707 horsepower 650 pound-feet of torque
- 6.2-liter HEMI V-8
- 204-mph top speed
- 3.7 seconds to 60 mph
- 11-second quarter mile w/ street tires
- Eight-speed auto transmission
- 15.4-inch front rotors w/ aluminum hub
- Six-piston Brembo front calipers
- Valet mode limits to launching in 2nd gear and limit revs to 4,000 rpm
- Not limited in production
- Pricing revealed in a few months
- Q1 2015 release
- 4,560-pound curb weight
- 54/46 weight distribution
- Shooting for 20 mpg on the highway
Press Release
Dodge is upping its high-performance game again with the unveiling of the new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.
The new Charger SRT Hellcat will feature the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine that produces 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque – making it the quickest, fastest, most powerful production sedan in the world, as well as the most capable and technologically advanced four-door muscle car in America.
“For the last eight years, a large part of the Dodge Charger’s successful formula has been its many personalities. It’s a muscle car, a performance sedan, a family capable sedan; its success is that it can be any or all of those things, depending on how the customer chooses to equip their car,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO — Dodge and SRT Brands. “And now, with a NHRA-certified quarter mile time of 11.0 seconds and a 204 mph top speed, the new 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat redefines itself again, as the quickest, fastest, most powerful sedan in the world!”
The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat will be built at the Brampton (Ont.) Assembly plant. Production is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2015.
Awe-inspiring powertrain; largest brakes ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle
The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is powered by the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Its 707 horsepower matches the highest rating of any V-8 engine in Chrysler Group’s celebrated history – that of the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
The all-new supercharged V-8 engine is mated to the beefy new TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission.
This new Hellcat engine is Dodge and SRT’s first application of V-8 supercharger technology, featuring a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The result is a crank so well-engineered it can withstand firing pressures of 110 bar (1,595 psi) – the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every two revolutions. And its unique, specially tuned crank damper has been tested to 13,000 rpm.
High-strength, forged-alloy pistons, developed using advanced telemetry measurement, are coupled to powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like-carbon-coated piston pins.
The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 has premium-grade, heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads, which are optimized for superior thermal conductivity. And its die-cast aluminum rocker covers are HEMI Orange.
Standard on the Charger SRT Hellcat is the largest front-brake package ever offered in a Chrysler Group vehicle, which were first introduced on the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat, featuring all-new 390-mm (15.4-inch) Brembo two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers for outstanding heat management and thermal capacity and longevity.
The unrivaled four-door performance numbers tell an impressive story with the quarter mile in 11.0 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in under 13 seconds, and a top speed of 204 mile per hour (mph).
All-new Drive Modes tailor the driving experience to each individual driver
Whether its on-road or on-track, Charger SRT Hellcat owners can personalize their drive experience, via the all-new Drive Modes feature. Drive Modes tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, paddle shifters, traction and suspension. Drive Modes are pre-configured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings.
Custom — Allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance
Sport — Delivers increased vehicle performance capability over the Default Mode
Track — Delivers maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces
Default — Activates automatically when starting the vehicle
Eco — Maximizes fuel economy with a revised shift schedule, pedal map and second-gear starts
The Drive Modes feature is controlled through the Uconnect system and may be accessed by performing any of the following:
Pushing the SRT button on the instrument panel switch bank
Selecting “Drive Modes” from the “SRT & Apps” menu
Selecting “Drive Modes” from within the Performance Pages menu
Unlocking the power
The all-new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat comes standard with two key fobs – red and black. The red key fob is the only key that can unlock the full horsepower and torque potential of the SRT Hellcat engine; while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output.
When Valet Mode is activated, the following vehicle configurations are enabled:
Engine is remapped to significantly reduce horsepower and torque; limited to 4,000 rpm
Transmission locks out access to first gear and upshifts earlier than normal
Transmission will treat the manual shifter position the same as the drive position
Traction, steering and suspension are set to their “Street” settings
Steering-wheel paddle shifters are disabled
Drive Mode functions are disabled
Electronic stability control (ESC) is enabled to Full-on
Launch Control is disabled
The driver can activate and deactivate Valet Mode with a four-digit PIN code they create.
Sinister, functional exterior design
Inspired by its performance-enthusiast roots when Charger first launched more than 45 years ago, the new Charger successfully pays homage to past muscle cars while offering distinctly modern all-new exterior and interior appointments.
The Dodge and SRT design team builds upon the 2015 Dodge Charger’s new modern four-door fastback coupe’s already iconic exterior styling by adding a sinister-looking, unique front fascia, hood, rear fascia and spoiler.
The new exterior of the 2015 Dodge Charger is spiritually inspired by the iconic second-generation Charger from the late 1960s, and for 2015, specifically draws its cues from the 1969 model. With its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform and proven power, the Charger’s modern take on old-school muscle is sure to resonate with today’s enthusiasts.
Up front, the Charger SRT Hellcat receives the larger, power-bulge aluminum hood, which features a dedicated “cold-air” intake – a visual styling cue from the first Viper coupe built in 1996 – and dual air extractors to ensure effective removal of heat and reduced air turbulence in the engine compartment.
The redesigned front fascia and grille use unique, blacked out upper and lower textures to produce the menacing look that is sure to make onlookers notice the ultimate performance sedan.
An integrated front splitter optimizes airflow to the cooling modules without compromising vehicle balance.
Filling the wheel wells are “Slingshot” split-seven spoke 20 x 9.5-inch, lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with either standard Matte Black or available Brass Monkey/dark bronze finishes.
Two new 275/40ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tires provide performance for all seasons. Both Pirelli P Zero Nero and P Zero tires are Y-Plus rated to handle the extreme speeds the Charger SRT Hellcat is capable of producing.
At the rear, a single piece decked spoiler is painted in body color while the unique fascia and valence showcase the 4-inch round exhaust tips.
The Dodge Charger SRT’s signature “racetrack” LED tail lamps take on the same continuous glowing ribbon of light that debuted on the new 2014 Dodge Durango.
The center high-mounted stop lamp is relocated from the top of the deck lid to the roofline inside the back glass, allowing centering of the Charger SRT’s backup camera.
The rear styling makeover begins at the touchdown point of the C-pillar, which is moved rearward to create an even more pronounced fastback appearance combined with a shorter rear overhang.
High-performance driver-oriented interior
The 2015 Charger SRT Hellcat’s restyled driver-focused interior features premium, soft-touch materials, a new 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable digital instrument gauge cluster and a new instrument panel center stack with the latest generation 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen media center.
New for 2015, drivers can select one of the many offered backgrounds to connect the digital look and feel with their chosen interior package. In addition, the Charger SRT Hellcat comes standard with a premium 900 watt, 18-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.
An all-new and class-exclusive electronic shifter with an all-new driver-oriented T-handle provides the driver with intuitive gear selection and offers an Auto Stick selector gate for added control.
A redesigned SRT-branded heated steering wheel features a flat bottom and thick rim for the high-performance driver. Standard paddle shifters are located on the back of the upper spokes. The buttons to control the driver-configurable, full-color thin-film transistor (TFT) display are large and illuminated. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access now reside along the bottom edge of the horizontal spokes. Optional adaptive cruise control is configured by buttons that are symmetrically opposite on the right-hand side of the wheel. As before, the highly praised audio controls are still found on the back of the upper spokes. This new power tilt-telescoping steering wheel also has a 360-degree heat element.
The new 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat features redesigned seats with improved cushioning and more comfortable contours. For improved comfort and convenience, the SRT Hellcat includes standard heated and ventilated front high-performance seats and heated rear seats.
Charger continues to grow its market share
The 2015 Dodge Charger competes in the U.S. full-size car market, but stands alone in a class by itself as the only American-bred four-door muscle car. In March of 2014, the Dodge brand reached a significant milestone, with Challenger and Charger sales combining to sell a total of more than 1 million units in the United States.
The Charger’s combination of aggressive and youthful image, full-size functionality and world-class engineering and quality resonates with young and affluent buyers. Charger’s purchasers on average are 15 years younger than its competitors’ buyers within the segment, with more than half identifying themselves as millennials or Generation Xers.
The Charger’s appeal is attracting a high number of conquest buyers, helping drive a 62 percent increase in sales since 2009 – double the growth of the standard full-size car segment. In 2013, Charger posted its best sales year since 2007, further fueling a 3.2 percentage point gain in market share since 2009.
