By Anthony Sovinsky + Vaughn Lowery
A genetic freak has spawned in the automotive industry and is instantly becoming a deity among car enthusiasts. No matter what type of vehicles you fancy, this candy-coated hot wheel will demand your respect. FCA- North America is making a statement with their newest addition by producing the most powerful muscle car ever built in history for distribution to the public. How powerful could a “stock” muscle car really be you ask? 600hp to stay competitive with your entry level European sports vehicles? Not enough. How about enough power to embarrass a super car? How about a hell yes! That’s right, the 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has an astonishing power output of 707hp with 650lb-ft torque! This cat doesn’t meow, it roars like the king of the jungle.
2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (photos: Vaughn Lowery – featured image: Anthony Sovinsky)
Rolling off the lot powered by a 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 SRT hellcat engine, this cat comes stacked. Featuring a functional air catcher head lamp (a modification mostly seen on track ready vehicles for optimal air flow) this hellraiser is tuned to raise the heart rate and maybe some gravel off the road. The 20″ x 9.5″ brass monkey SRT forged wheels ($995 option) encased in Pirelli 275/40ZR20 PZero summer tires ($695 option) will fight for traction as more than 8,000lb-ft of torque are sent to the rear wheels in first gear, flinging you from 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds. Not only are the tires screeching with the supercharger howling like a wolf during a full moon, but the computer-controlled butterfly valves fully open during WOT (wide open throttle) to let you hear the sweet symphony of combustion gasses being forcefully pushed out to propel you forward. No need to text when you’re outside, they have already heard you coming long before your arrival.
With great power comes great responsibility and where better to transfer that responsibility to than the suspension and braking systems? The SRT Tuned Blistein 3-mode competition suspension with electronic roll mitigation, electronic stability control, all speed traction control, and Brembo 6 piston high-performance front brakes will make this aggressive two-door more than a straight line star, but a canyon cruiser for the more experienced driver. Dodge even went a step further with the responsibility factor and included two keys. A red one, which allows access to all 700+ horses, and a black one, which limits the power to a much tamer 485hp (equal to the base SRT model).
Interior design includes two leather SRT racing bucket seats up front and room for two average sized adults in the back. The driver is spoiled by a power six-way driver seat with power four-way driver lumbar adjust that cools/heats as needed. Paddle shifters are located behind the leather flat bottom sport steering wheel, allowing you to control the TourqueFlite 8 speed/ AutoStick automatic transmission ($2,995 option). With your left hand on the wheel, your right hand is free to navigate the 8.4 inch Uconnect in dash display which is compatible with both Apple Car Play and google Android. Here you can choose your favorite song to play through the 18 speaker premium audio system with Harmon Kardon Green Edge amplifier system, respond to a text, look up your next destination, or choose the driving mode of your liking (sport, track and eco mode) with the SRT button. If you happen to have this car in sunny California, you might want the luxury of a sun roof. Add another $1,995 for your tanning pleasure.
If all that is not enough, this hellcat also draws a crowd. At every gas station, restaurant, grocery store parking lot and even in traffic, you’ll get sighted and praised for the superior capabilities and engineering. Last but definitely not least, you don’t have to break the bank to afford this monster. Base price coming in at $62,495 (with optional equipment totaling $71,970), the valet will be just as happy to see you as they would any other supercar of a respectable stature. Now that you have all that extra cash and probably the fastest car on the street, feel free to flex wherever you go!
