The first is the noise. This car is loud. It’s a good loud but it is loud. When accelerating it just screams with a deep baritone, when letting up it holds the gear and rumbles and pops its way lower, and when goosing the throttle again it immediately responds again with another bellow. Kids on the lawn next to the road at a summer camp all turned their heads in unison as I accelerated away from a light at a fairly normal pace, no kidding.
Babies started crying, small animals fled, large animals dropped and played dead…you get the idea. The little kid with a crew cut in the back seat of the well-worn beige Dodge Aries K with Kansas plates stopped next to me at a light looked over, slowly took in the car, made eye contact with me, gave me the thumbs up and did the trucker hand pull motion, so I obliged him with an, ahem, enthusiastic launch. I presume he has something to tell his buddies back home now, they were just starting their rollout as I finished crossing the intersection.
But on the freeway it’s also very composed, relatively speaking. When just lightly on the throttle to maintain pace with the engine loafing along at under 1500rpm or so at 75mph there’s a slight burble from the tailpipes. Let off completely to coast and it’s almost silent, normal conversation inside is absolutely possible when just cruising along.
But put the foot down a bit and it gets loud again and really give it the boot and it gets gloriously loud. Nobody buying this car will mind that, in fact it’s half the fun and much of the point. But if you live next to a church, don’t leave the house on Sunday mornings for a run to the bagel store, it’d be seriously impolite.
Second is the engine and the power itself. I’ve driven some powerful cars in my time, but this, on the public roads, takes the cake. It takes all the cakes. And then it takes whatever spare ingredients are left in the pantry and sends you out to fetch more. This is so stupendously fast it’s kind of beyond belief, it’s more like a very fast motorcycle than a car. By the way, that cone filter clearly visible in the engine bay above isn’t just like the one in your neighbor kid’s hopped-up Jetta, this one is far larger, more akin to a 2-gallon bucket.
Zero to 60mph is in the three and a half second range although I couldn’t (wouldn’t, read on for explanation) do it faster than the high-ish fours per the data logger in the car and that wasn’t with me actively trying for a time, just taking some safe opportunities as they presented themselves and letting the computer log them.
On the freeway from a steady cruise at 60mph the available acceleration is more fierce than the vast majority of (or is that all?) cars off the line or at any other point in their rev range when floored. Coupled with rear wheel drive and very large as well as wide but in this case the All-Season version of the Pirelli P-Zero tire, it’s a constant worry (especially at lower speeds) that the rear end will just start to spin the tires or if not perfectly straight start to go sideways if at maximum throttle on even a quite smooth surface as the traction control is extremely permissive. Way too many visions of musclecars leaving various Cars&Coffee events to ill effect flashed through my head for me to try something completely stupid on anything resembling a public road with anyone nearby.
The SRT team was very smart to limit this car’s visit to 48hours, that’s just enough time to become basically familiar with the car, have it inspire awe and a little bit (ok, lot bit) of healthy fear, but nowhere near the actual confidence to attempt something more stupid than heroic. At least for me, I mean.
I consider myself a good driver able to handle a powerful car but the roads around here are filled with too many cyclists and other drivers around too many blind corners to get anywhere near the limits of this particular car. I’d love a few days at a track with it and would encourage anyone who gets one of these to do the same, I don’t believe the car can be fully explored or enjoyed otherwise. Not that it isn’t immensely enjoyable even at 4 or 5/10’s but even that shows that the car has seriously deep capabilities.
Driving around the lake road up here showed that the car is definitely heavy, at almost 4500 pounds without an occupant it’s no Miata but the wide tires make turning a breeze, sure the weight is felt but it isn’t pushing wide or anything, just pure ground hugging weight here. Turns can be taken faster, flatter, and with far less drama than anticipated assuming very judicious use of the throttle and once around the turn, even with some power on, once the coast is verified to be clear ahead, a stab of the throttle just catapults it forward again. The ride, while understandably quite stiff, is remarkably well composed over anything but the worst roads, not coming across harsh (just stiff).
The brakes haul it back down faster than it seems possible and no fade was observed, but of course I was nowhere near the actual limits. And I’m happy to admit that without any shame, the car while immensely fun and enjoyable to drive, is probably more demanding of respect and some healthy fear than pretty much anything else sold today with only two driven wheels.
The manual shift paddles transform the car yet again and change the way the supercharger is heard and felt as compared to letting the transmission do it by itself also, extremely user friendly and easy to get used to I’d question the need for an actual manual transmission here, especially if the car is to be used for general everyday purposes and not just as a pleasure car on special occasional use, then the manual might be more of a desired piece.
Around town and the multi-lane highways between towns here it just loafs along, with brawn to spare and a menacing look and sound. Of course it’s also very familiar as Challengers in general are quite common, but other Challengers of the bigger-engined varieties repeatedly got close to check it out, as did a kid in a Charger with a Hennessey badge on it as well as various Mustangs and Camaros, often kind of hanging back a bit like sucker fish on a shark in the ocean.
And on the freeway the same thing was observed. The widebody look is distinctive and serves to give notice that this one is a bit more special than the rest of them.
Surprisingly over my time with it that spanned approximately 245 miles, the trip computer indicated that it returned just over 15mpg. Seeing as it is rated at 13City, 21Highway, with a 15Average that I suppose is in the ballpark of my usage. I drove about 50 miles on the freeway, another 75 or so on highways with around a 55mph limit and the balance around town and the curvy roads in the hills with some idling periods mixed in. While I wasn’t a nut in public I certainly did “enjoy” myself when appropriate so this wasn’t all any kind of an economy run.
All in all, it’s a better average than I ever would have imagined, of course the freeway and highway even at higher speeds still have the engine at fairly low rpm in a high gear much of the time no matter the actual speed.
Earlier I mentioned that the Challenger lineup starts under $29,000, this one as seen here is a little more than three times that. Yes you read that correctly. That’s a massive range and yet somehow Dodge can pull it off. The interior is nicer but not really that different, the “Laguna Leather” is supple, smells fantastic, the headliner and pillar material is suede, the carbon fiber bezels look great, the knobs and buttons feel quite good and work well, the stitching on the still all-vinyl dashboard looks good and somehow all fits in with this overall package.
Material quality comes across as excellent and perfectly acceptable here whereas some of the same items on some higher starting-priced but lower final bottom-lined vehicles would be more criticized, it’s weird, specifically the injection molded dash and maybe some of the knobs on the dashboard as examples. But there’s no actual need for extra expense there. Fit and finish were excellent and overall it left nothing on the table as compared to other vehicles with supposedly more “prestigious” badges. In the end I think it’s a tremendous value if, or rather capital IF, the engine, power, and overall package are what appeals to you.
It can’t really be beaten by anything at a lower price and it even carries the same 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty as any other gasoline powered FCA vehicle in the United States. And if the price is a little high there are certainly ways to be more picky with the options list and reduce it quite a bit. Or give up some power and performance for a lower rung on the ladder with the knowledge that much of it isn’t regularly enjoyable anyway. But when it is, it’s certainly all worthwhile!
To examine what exactly comprises that price tag, the starting price of the SRT Hellcat (not Redeye or Widebody) is $58,995. That gets you the Competition Adaptive Suspension, Line Lock feature, Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle (which lets pleeeennnnty of wheelspin occur), Launch control with launch assist, Dual hood scoops, Cone air intake, After run chiller, Active exhaust, SRT Configurable Drive Modes and Performance Pages, the 6-piston Brembos, Tire inflator kit, (no spare), and an invite to the SRT Track Experience which really should be done before taking delivery…
It also includes all the usual safety gear, Premium sound, Heated front seats, and various other items.
Options start with the biggie at $17,600 which transforms it into a Redeye Widebody. So that’s the flares, larger wheels and tires, the SRT Power Chiller for the engine, a specific Widebody version of the Competition Suspension, the 220mph speedo, and Redeye badging which I think is little tiny red eyes in the Hellcat logo as there wasn’t any other badge, Ventilated front seats (you know I love that!), Premium stitched dash and door panels, and a Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
$1,595 covers the Carbon bits on the dash (excellent quality with real depth), and the Suede overhead. $1,295 for the Driver Convenience Group takes care of the Blind Spot System (required here in my opinion with that C-pillar), HID headlights and foldaway power mirrors, and $995 lets them send this out with the SRT Performance rear spoiler.
At $1,795 the Harman Kardon Audio Group is a stupendously excellent sounding audio package that makes a very good effort to actually drown out the exhaust and engine. 18 speakers, a large amp, and trunk mounted subwoofers (under the floor) combine to be one of the best premium systems I’ve enjoyed to date, not that I even used it all that much since I was enjoying the other soundtrack.
Another $1,795 brings the Laguna Leather Package on board which according to the sticker includes the embossed seats and matching door panels, and another $795 takes care of the UConnect 8.4NAV (as opposed to no NAV if I am not mistaken).
And then there is a $1,295 charge for the 20″ x 11″ Warp Speed Granite Wheels and last but not least $595 for gunmetal colored brake calipers. And of course the Gas Guzzler Tax of $2,100 which although it’s listed in the “options” column, really isn’t optional…Oh, and the destination charge of $1,495. But that’s all. Really.
Grand total is therefore $92,445 and I’d venture that the typical buyer already has at least one other Challenger in his stable, this isn’t really the starter kit if you catch my drift. It’s an amazing car and for what it provides it really is a good value (comparatively speaking and not just due to the raw power).
I won’t proselytize as to the societal wisdom of letting really just anyone with the funds to do so buy one and drive off in it and hope you don’t either in the commentary; however I’m amazed that Dodge can keep this platform alive, popular, and profitable year after year as well as continually coming up with ideas to keep it evergreen.
I suppose the longevity has something to do with Dodge’s recent J.D. Power award ranking it tops in initial quality, following on from a Consumer Reports high reliability rating last year; build something long enough and it becomes more and more refined and if the customer base is happy with what’s on offer, so much the better. I’m not sure how they can top this but that’s what I thought about the regular Hellcat a few years back so I guess I’ll stay tuned.
A huge thank you to Dodge and the SRT team at FCA for giving us the opportunity to sample this magnificent beast along with the fuel to keep the party going.
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These cars are produced just a few blocks from where I work. I regularly see car carriers full of Challengers heading west, presumably to enter the States at the Ambassador Bridge.
I would factor in a good chunk of change before purchasing one of these for insurance, because it ain’t going to be cheap!
I think this is one of those cars where you’d phone up your insurance guy before setting off and again when you arrive. i don’t think you’d want to leave it with the insurance running!
For reasons that aren’t important here, this is the least relevant new vehicle to me. Yet I devoured every word, Jim, and that’s a testament to your writing. Well done!
+1.
If only I had the money….
Interesting that the car in the photos doesn’t have the yellow front air dam shipping protectors that are, evidently, a thing on these cars now.
Every time I see those I want to ask the owner if they keep the clear plastic wrap on the steering wheel too. Luckily I’m polite and keep those thoughts in my head, as proponents of them seem to get really defensive about it!
I have them on my Scat Pack just to mess with people’s heads. The bagger at my usual Kroger store just about melts down every time he sees me, “You gotta take those F*(&^&( things off!”. Nope.
I absolutely adore these things, and love that FCA is cranking out increasingly insane editions as well as various special editions/new colors/etc. Who cares that it’s an “old” platform? It works.
Ford/GM: “We’re mobility companies, check out this electric bicycle”
FCA: “We got another 100hp, wider tires and a cool new color on the Challenger”
I keep trying to pitch a Challenger (a relatively mild and plebian R/T) to my wife as her next car (replacing her Camry). We’ve got two other kid-hauling+all weather capable vehicles, a sporty RWD coupe with daily driver comfort isn’t THAT crazy of an idea. a Charger R/T is of course an even more reasonable option, but just doesn’t have the LOOK.
FCA has already announced that this is essentially the end of the road for them too, before their EVs come online. So get ’em while you can; the IC is having a glorious final blowout.
Jim, I will continue to live my automotive life precariously through you.
Disclaimer: I knew Jim had this car but have refrained from reading what he had to say until now. His excitement in this essay is obvious and it was quite infectious when he texted me upon receiving it. You could almost hear him giggling with excitement.
This Challenger is such the opposite of the one from yesterday’s COAL. Well, maybe both were loud. However, I think Sergio M’s vision has happened – Dodge is a performance brand. Could any other “American” car (whatever this is anymore) so successfully pull off a car like this? No. Dodge is the only one that can.
FCAs merger with PSA for the new Stellantis will be interesting to see, particularly the role Dodge will play. Part of me sees Dodge becoming even more performance oriented yet another part of me is concerned as volume is what counts and does Dodge have the volume it needs to justify itself?
Regardless, this Challenger sounds like a monumental car to have experienced.
I am so not ready for Stellantis. Who comes up with these names? Even worse, who actually gets paid to come up with these names?
…ask your doctor if Stellantis is right for you.
I don’t know, but whoever came up with “Redeye” deserves a bonus. That’s the best new-car model name I’ve heard in a long time. And perfectly suits the car, too.
And in my opinion, instead of Stellantis, they should have just called the new Chrysler/Fiat/PSA/etc parent-conglomerate company “Jeep”.
Stell/\ntis (yes, that’s how it’s supposed to be spelled) will be interesting for former FCA products, considering how I’ve read that PSA’s chairman Carlos Tavares isn’t particularly enthralled with alternate-power (read: electric) vehicles, especially since the whole rationale behind Chrysler’s EV program is compliance, i.e., to offset the gas-guzzling ways of high-performance (but low fuel mileage) SRT vehicles (Hellcat, Redeye, Demon, etc.).
IOW, if they kill off the high fuel mileage vehicles, will they also kill off the low fuel mileage ones, as well? That doesn’t exactly leave a lot of ‘halo’ vehicles to get customers into showrooms.
“Stell/\ntis”? LOLnope, not in the auto industry publication I edit. I’ll file that with companies who think their name should be SHOUTED in all-caps: No, in this publication we write like grownups, so your company name will get one uppercase letter—the first one, not some random middle or final one—and the name will be spelled correctly with actual letters; random punctuation marks will not be substituted, as we are not 12-year-olds sending texts in class.
The only car company I can think of that wants all caps is MINI. Are there others.
Conversely, there was good ole smart, who wanted their name in all lower case.
Stell/\ /\rtois, cheers!
PSA’s current and near-future EV situation:
https://www.groupe-psa.com/en/automotive-group/innovation/groupe-psa-lelectrification-en-marche/
It looks like the linked article is three years old. They may have had a change of heart since then.
That may be the case, but the four full-EV car models as pictured (1x DS, 2x Peugeot and 1x Opel) are already in the showroom. The same applies to PSA’s compact and mid-size vans.
Stell/\ntis makes me question my long time ragging on of acronyms
> the name will be spelled correctly with actual letters; random punctuation marks will not be substituted, as we are not 12-year-olds sending texts in class.
Yes, this. Remember Th!nk? (sorry I reminded you). Also the trim levels on the Kia Soul a few years back included the Soul! and Soul+.
Stellantis sounds if “A Streetcar Named Desire” were set in an underwater city. “Hey, Stella!” meets Atlantis.
Out on the freeway yesterday, I had a short conversation with my wife about the Challenger’s continued sales success and the Camaro’s apparent sales slide over the last few years. We both wondered if the Camaro would still be selling well if they just continued the 2010 car with incremental updates for 10 years, but I doubt it. For some reason, the Challenger doesn’t seem to age, which really says that they got it right the first time (or the second time if you look at it that way).
It shows how wrong they got the Camaro in 2010, and then made it worse in 2016 when they updated it(made it even uglier). The looks and questions both my Challengers (2010 R/T, and 2018 R/T Scat Pack) got and still get (I spent about 15 minutes talking to two guys in the Findlay Ohio Kroger parking lot on Sunday) make it clear that they nailed the looks of the Challenger, both times. I have the big brakes, the H/K stereo, leather seats, and most of the toys the car above has, except mine is a “narrowbody”(I think the WB looks tacked on). I am very happy with only 485 HP. Only mods are a catch can and a Hellcat airbox and filter. I also opened up the left headlight intake duct. I have two future automotive paths, depending on what happens to these cars. If they make a next gen that looks good, and has similar power(Please, no turbos), I will buy one it’s second year. If they screw it up, and I fear they will, or they discontinue it, I will buy one of the last ones. That will take me past age 70 at least.
just sublime
Wow. This is one that I’d readily describe as not for me. Despite my own assessment of my driving skills as better-than-average, it’s just too much car for me. This is a vehicle I’d quite happily ride in as a passenger with a different sort of driver from myself at the helm. It is certainly pretty inside and out.
I think it’s great that these are out there, and obviously there’s a market for them, but it’d be dangerous in my hands. I came of driving age in the early 80’s when performance meant a 130hp car that didn’t stall at traffic lights. My driving skills were thus learned on vehicles that required a lot of throttle and high revs to get anywhere with any expedience. I don’t think I could adjust to something like this. I’d liken it to the time I was given the keys to a friend’s ’67 Corvette with 427 and 4-speed. It was an experience I’m glad I had, but it was also tremendously anxiety-inducing. Perhaps I’m afraid I don’t have the restraint and good judgement required to handle something like this. It sure does look like fun though.
Disclaimer for my earlier comment: No proselytizing intended. The opinions expressed in this post do not represent my opinions about what anyone else with the cash and urge should be allowed to enjoy. If ya got it and ya can handle it, have at it!
Then get an R/T Scat Pack, or even just an R/T. I know people who went from 6 cyl. cars to Scat Packs and had no problems adjusting, and another friend who went from a 6 cylinder Grand Cherokee to a 2010 Challenger SRT with a blown stroked 440 CI monster that could eat the Redeye for breakfast, and he never wrecked it in the almost 3 years he had it after it was all completed. All it takes is a little right foot control. Now he owns a near stock ’19 SP and is happy with it.
Good point about the trunk space, but I think that and the back seat sell quite a few Challengers over Mustangs and Camaros. The latter two are 2+2 coupes, the Challenger really is the last two-door sedan.
Stylewise, it shows a beneficial side effect of retro design; it’s aged well, with just enough 1970 influence to come across as its’ own thing and not scream mid-’00s at you in the same way similarly aged Nissan offerings do.
Thanks for this review Jim.
Although this would likely be the last car I would ever buy new I appreciate living in a world where this exists.
+1 – my views exactly.
Testing and buying a Tesla and a Hellcat Redeye all within a couple of weeks: the ying and yang of autodom. Thanks for taking us along for the ride; I can tell it was a blast.
My garage is a very big tent; this was quite the experience though, thank you!
It is very impressive what Dodge has wrought here, while ostensibly an “SRT” product, they seem to be much more low-key about that aspect as compared to most other makers with a similar performance department which is refreshing while developing products that most others simply can’t (or won’t) match. They certainly know their market.
Jim’s giddy enthusiasm for this car is palpable throughout this review, even as he maintains the same thorough and objective eye used to evaluate something as prosaic as the Nissan Sentra a couple weeks ago. While I would never entertain spending $92k on a car and really would not want all the attention this Hellcat Challenger attracts, I am glad they exist for those who want them. I wouldn’t mind a ride in one, though.
The Challenger remains my favorite of the retro muscle cars and turns my head every time I see one in traffic. In these late stages of the lifespan of the Detroit Three car lines, Chrysler seems to be the only one to craft a distinctly American style capable of evoking a strong, enduring attachment among its fans, while Ford featured more international influences in the last of its car lines, and GM muddles along with undistinguished blobby shapes and overwrought detailing.
Must be a hell of an ROI for FCA on these 2008 cars…
This is from five years ago, but I’ll leave it here anyway. I like 2:58 best.
Exposing those clowns now that they’ve had five years of reality slapping them in face with their unjustified sense of intellect is just mean. Very few sporty cars in history have been able to maintain their desirability and impact as long as the Hellcats have. What was the sporty Ford or Chevrolet from 2015? Or BMW? Or Mercedes-Benz? Or Audi? Or VW? What cars were those brands using to justify magazine covers two years ago? Maybe their fans know, but nobody else old enough to actually drive does.
You’re mistaken; I didn’t post it to “expose” anyone, I posted it because I think it’s funny because true.
YMMV, of course.
How many years of contradictory evidence to you ignore before abandoning something as being true? They expressed opinions about who would buy Hellcats and how fast they would lose interest. I don’t know anyone who fits their description of a Hellcat buyer who is a Hellcat owner, and we are years past when they said the Hellcat window of desirability would pass yet here we are all reading a review of a Hellcat in 2020.
…YMMV, of course.
(Psst: they said a lot of things in that vid. Some of them are funny. Some of them are true. This isn’t a court of law, uh, counsellor, so pouncing on something they said and triumphantly declaring it as the smoking gun that sinks their whole case is sort of…well, I guess if you’re having fun, that’s what matters.)
The Hellcat aged better than that channel did. I can only take so many despondent hipster car reviews with a first person view before mashing the unsubscribe button to get them out of my recommended videos.
If you go back and read some of the original 2009 Challenger R/T reviews, it’s amazing to me that they are writing about basically the same car made today. They predicted “failure”, “A 5 year at best run”, etc. When I saw the concept in 2006, I knew if they put it into production, I would own one. I’m on my second one now. Every single time I drive it I smile. I love the thing. From it’s looks to it’s power, to the amazing 8 speed auto, and the super upgraded brakes. The only negative is I still get questions about it. Even all these years later, it’s like a magnet, older guys especially, but people of all ages are drawn to it like moths to a flame. Two guys grilled me about it on Sunday afternoon as I came out of the grocery store. They were about 30. Before that, a 17 year old asked me all about it as I came out of the podiatrist’s office. At least it’s not at the level it was when I bought my first Challenger in Nov ’10, I got asked questions almost daily, had people yell things at me about it at lights, etc. Only one negative comment, “It must not get very good mileage!”. I wanted to smack that punk!
I like how that video is exactly 7:07 in length…
Well, didn’t you win the autojourno lottery? But some of us are disappointed that we didn’t get to read about a thrill ride well into the upper half of the speedo. What, there aren’t long straight deserted roads in Colorado? I’m sure that CC’s bail bond program would have come to your rescue had things gone awry. Or maybe I’m thinking of the funeral benefit. Whatever, we have total faith in you.
I will echo others at being impressed at what pre-Stellantis Chrysler/FCA has done with this car. From your description the interior quality is really impressive, something that has not been a tradition Chrysler strength in a long, long time.
Maybe you will get another one when they have it up to an even 1000 horsepower.
There are plenty of straight roads and also everyone around here seems to suddenly drive a black Ford Explorer for some reason. Some things are best discussed at the next meetup… 🙂
So are you saying it needs to be reasonably close to Ft. Collins as all potential attendees may no longer have a driver’s license?
I can always take the Bustang down to Denver….
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/bus-stop-classic/bus-stop-classic-riding-the-bustang-to-denver/
Haha, no, my license is perfectly intact, it gets checked every week before keys get handed over…You seeing reviews means my license is valid!
I do have to say that it is surprising that the lawyers let them sell these and even more surprising that they let a journalist have one for a couple of days with a warning e-mail and not a 17 page hold harmless release signed by you and your next of kin.
However it sounds like a fun 48 hrs.
Did the wife have call and ask if you were ever coming home, because it shouldn’t take you 4 hours to make a run to Home Depot for some screws.
It is surprising that the subwoofer is held down at least partially by the hold down for a spare tire. I also have to wonder how much the cover dances if you really crank it up.
That’s one fat hell of a cat! Very brutal, and another great JK review.
Once in a while, one can spot the more plebeian Challenger and Charger versions on our roads. Mustangs are thicker on the ground, but these are offered through the Ford dealerships. I have yet to come across a late model Camaro.
As the owner of a 45k mile ’74 Challenger, I really appreciated the retro version of the new Challenger (unlike the 4 DOOR Charger!). Even though it’s larger than the original, they got the look right. As the horsepower ratings increased, I kept thinking, Why? you can’t legally use it, so what’s the point? Reading Jim’s descriptions of the sights/sounds/reactions/etc. were like a cold drink on a scorching day! At $92k, one of these is NOT in my future (even though I LOVE the color!), and my driving skills could be satisfied with a less potent version…..BUT I CAN DREAM!!! 🙂
Did the ’74 Challenger meet 5-mph impact bumper requirements with the use of those over-riders? If so, why didn’t Detroit stick with them? They look so much lighter and more attractive than most addenda added to 1973 designs to comply with the insurance companies’ bought regulators.
The bumpers themselves are also extended further outward, which you can see with the filler panels between them and the fenders
I can’t count how many times I’ve bashed my knees on the bumper pads when walking around the car! The ’73 versions are about 2″ shorter, as the requirement was only 2.5 mph IIRC. 🙂
Apparently Chrysler was able to get an exemption, as the ’74 ‘E’ bodies were the last of their kind. 🙂
I find it funny how these crazy supercharged versions thoroughly overshadow the 392 NA models, even those have more horsepower than anyone ever will need. Ever the contrarian I am those are what I’ve been eying, I just like the visuals and handling/braking upgrades, and I can actually put the pedal fully to the floor occasionally. And this widebody thing is just a little much for my taste, I think it works better visually on the Charger.
It’s a rather tortured analogy but the Challenger reminds me a lot of the SN95 Mustang in its market position and evolution, both were relatively practical coupes and the tiers of packages more or less lined up. V6 = SXT, GT = R/T, SRT = NA Cobras, Mach 1 = scat pack, 03/04 “terminator” = Hellcat. The latter really gave me that epiphany, even the widebody flares look like New Edge Mustang fenders, there are a few other visual elements that echo. Plus SRT, SVT…
I know I shouldn’t and it wouldn’t fit or suit our roads or my current vehicle usage in any way, but I want one. In blue, with a tan interior. Don’t care about delivery mileage.
I never expected to sat that about an evolution of a 12 year old Dodge.
Jim, I’m incredibly jealous of you these days… Alfas, RAMs and now Hellcats.
When I dream about modern ponycars these days, this is the car I dream of. FWIW, I think FCA has schooled the other two here in the US about how to keep an older platform fresh. Up until the last several years, I got the underlying feeling that the rest of the automotive world was trying to be more like Toyota. FCA saw their lineup, saw their options and went with: Screw that! They’ve gotten more mileage out of a 6.2L supercharged V8 than I ever could have imagined.
I remember when the first Hellcat Challengers were released, I thought to myself: Who are they kidding? No one in their right mind needs 700HP for the street. It’ll be expensive to buy, own and run. This will be a flop… Just like personal computers and the internet (to name two) things I thought were stupid, actual events have proven to me that my predictive powers are fairly useless. In fact, I WOULD like to have a 700 HP car, but only in a dream world. But a 485 HP car, that could happen… Hello Scat Pack…
Great review, Jim.
I’d never do it justice, but would enjoy something like 48 hours—though preferabky on wide-open western roads where I’d be a danger only to myself.
Some especially entertaining comments as well, today—I enjoyed every word!
I hate modern cars. I don’t like the styling, I don’t like the modern computery air they are filled with, I don’t like the ever increasing reliance on modules to do everything, I dislike the very idea of electric cars, and I dislike touch screens on dashboards. I think the 03-11 Town Car was peak automobile for normal use. That said, if someone forced me at gunpoint to drive\own a modern car, the only choice would be Challenger. Probably not this one, cause I don’t need 800 net hp, but one of the midrange versions.
That was a great review. For my needs if I were looking for a brand new car, it would be the most basic stripped down V6 Challenger and I would be quite happy. 300 horsepower is a good bit more than either of my 318s and my 3.5 and plenty enough for me.
While I work on my own ancient fleet of Mopars myself, by the time we get to a car like this, I would hope that if I bought such a vehicle, my budget would include paying others for repairs because I would own it long enough for that to be a consideration, and the complexity of the Challenger would be way beyond anything I currently have as the newest thing I drive is a 2002 Concorde Lxi.