2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat Most Powerful Yet
Following the spectacular debut of the 2015 Challenger lineup last month during the New York Auto Show, Dodge has released new details concerning the brand’s high-performance model, the 2015 Challenger SRT. The brand new SRT will come in two separate models: The Challenger SRT, which comes with the previous generation’s 392 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine, and the Challenger SRT Hellcat, which is equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8. A key element of the new engine is its forged steel crankshaft with induction hardened bearing surfaces. The engine has been completely re-mapped to be able to control and withstand the huge amount of power the car is capable of. To give you an idea, the unit can withstand firing pressures of up to 1595psi, which is the equivalent of 5 family sedans standing on each piston!
The 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat is said to be able to muster more than 600 horsepower, making it the most powerful V-8-powered car ever put together by Dodge. Compared to the Challenger SRT, the supercharged Hellcat benefits from special materials optimized for superior thermal conductivity and a strengthened interior.
Gorgeous inside and out
Simply put: the Hellcat is a stunning vehicle that will no doubt please car aficionados as well as anyone interested in auto careers or receiving auto mechanic training. Its aluminum rocker covers come with a gorgeous bright orange finish, and its front end is inspired by the iconic 1971 Challenger, with features like a split grille. The aluminum hood was also revised, gaining an intake inspired by an old model of the Viper dating from 1996. The car also comes with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, lowered suspension and Brembo brakes, which are the biggest to ever be fitted inside a SRT vehicle. They feature impressive two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers up front.
Additional 1971 Challenger-inspired elements are also part of the vehicle’s interior, giving the Hellcat a fresh look. The brand new Hellcat features a driver-focused cabin and slick modern gadgets like a8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen in the center console or a new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and audio jack.
See it in action here:
Driving upgrades
As part of the 2015 Challenger overhaul, Dodge’s engineers added a new Drive Modes feature to the Challenger SRT Hellcat, allowing the driver to customize the driving experience by controlling horsepower, traction, suspension, transmission shift speeds, steering and more. There are multiple pre-set modes that the driver can choose from, including Track, Sport and Default.
Another cool feature: the Challenger SRT Hellcat comes with two individual keys. The first is black, for reduced output. The second is red, unleashing the engine’s full 600-plus-horsepower. The Hellcat also offers performance seats with large side bolsters for maximum lateral support in hard cornering. The seats are embroidered SRT logos and can be covered in Nappa leather and Alcantara.
Both the 2015 Challenger SRT and the Challenger SRT Hellcat will start appearing in showrooms in the second half of this year. Production will take place at the Brampton Assembly plant in Ontario.
Students of automechanic courses, what do you think of the spectacular new Challenger SRT Hellcat?
