The Dodge Challenger is an American export steeped in muscle car history, dating back to the first Dodge to carry the Challenger name in 1959. However, it wasn’t until 1970 that the first true Challenger muscle car made its debut, as Dodge’s answer to the already popular Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The first generation Challenger experienced huge success after its launch, some of which is still evident today among classic car enthusiasts or muscle car purists.
After a disastrous partnership with Mitsubishi in the late 70s, developing a lower powered, redesigned second generation Challenger, the project was scrapped. That is, until 2008 – when the Challenger was reborn under the Dodge brand as part of the Chrysler group umbrella. The third and latest generation of the Challenger has proven a big hit with muscle car fans, retaining the design and power which made the original so popular.
The Hellcat Is Born
The success of the latest Challenger clearly wasn’t enough of a ‘challenge’ for Dodge though. Earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, they unveiled the Hellcat edition of the Challenger SRT, promising a more powerful engine – and they weren’t kidding! The SRT Hellcat edition produces a monstrous 707 bhp from its supercharged 6.2 L V8 HEMI engine – officially cementing this machine as the most powerful production muscle car ever produced.
In fact, the Challenger SRT Hellcat is more powerful than both the top-of-the-range Chevrolet Corvette and Shelby Ford Mustang. In order to tame the beast for everyday driving, Dodge will supply the Hellcat edition with two keyfobs; one black and one red. The black keyfob limits the total power output to “just” 500 bhp, while more adventurous drivers can have a red key day when they feel like unleashing the beast.
In order to hit that magic 700 plus, Dodge have done some serious work on the V8 HEMI engine. The added supercharger drives the pressurised air and fuel mixture into the engine, providing the majority of the power boost, and Dodge have fitted two advanced intercoolers in order to keep it cool and running smoothly. In order to deal with all the extreme forces created by the extra power, the pistons, crankshaft and other force bearing components have been made from high grade forged steel. The Challenger will be offered with two gearboxes, in order to channel those 707 ponies to the wheels – an 8 speed auto or 6 speed manual.
The Challenger SRT Hellcat is so eagerly anticipated that the Chrysler Group have even made a blockbuster trailer for it – which you can watch here. The Hellcat is due to hit showrooms in Autumn later this year, and we imagine Dodge will limit its production run, meaning you’d better get in line if you fancy getting your hands on a true piece of American muscle.
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