Dodge have proudly proclaimed that their recently released Challenger SRT Hellcat is the “fastest muscle car ever” after the 707 horsepower coupe version completed a rather spectacular 11.2 second timed run of a quarter-mile.
Thanks to its supercharged 6.2 litre V8 engine the high performance flagship model managed to finish the quarter mile even quicker with a time 10.8 seconds Speed on the standard P275/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres ‘trapped’ at 125MPH (201km/h), and 126MPH (203km/h) on the drag radials. Click the link for more information on reliable tyre variants as drag racers are going to need something pretty sturdy to deal with the serious burnout capability of the Hellcat.
The video below demonstrates exactly what we’re talking about as Ralph Gilles, the President and CEO of the SRT Brand and Senior Vice President of Design at Chrysler Group LLC pulls a memorable burnout to the delight of a hugely excited crowd at the 2014 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, check out that smoke!
If you don’t believe the Hellcat’s track timing credentials then here’s some more proof for you. The following video features Tim Kuniskis, Dodge President and CEO Dodge, giving a potted history of the muscle car with an emphasis on its revival and newfound power. Shortly after you can see the new Challenger SRT take on a 426 and beat it by almost three whole seconds.
Tim Kuniskis is also quick to point out that despite being able to clear the quarter mile in record time, the Hellcat still remains a viably practical vehicle off the track as well:
“It wasn’t long ago that a 10-second car, was a full-on race car. The new 2015 Dodge Challenger raises the bar to a level some of us never thought we’d see,”
“With the new Challenger SRT Hellcat, we’re reaching deep into our history and bringing back the notion from the muscle car era of the street and strip dual-purpose car. Not only can Challenger run 10s on the drag strip, but you can also fit your family and drive cross country. This new 2015 Dodge Challenger is the ultimate GT muscle car.”
So hold onto your hats if you’re thinking of hopping behind the wheel of one of these bad boys. Whether you’re blitzing across the track or simply driving down to the store, it’s sure to give you one hell of a ride!
