Dodge adds widebody variant to Challenger Hellcat
Following the release of the limited-edition Dodge Challenger SRT Demon (see JUST CARS #256), Dodge has confirmed that elements of that model will be applied to the Challenger SRT Hellcat for the 2018 model year.
While it carries no power upgrades over the existing 527kW Hellcat, the upcoming model does add the Demon’s wider 20x11-inch “Devil’s Rim” wheels and complementary 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. The wider wheelarch flares to suit this wheel and tyre package adds 3.5 inches (8.89cm) to the car’s overall width.
Additional to this, a new electric power steering (EPS) system is added, which includes SRT Drive Modes that add new selectable steering tuning to a Hellcat for the first time. This, Dodge says, can work in high-performance applications as well as at carpark speeds.
With EPS and SRT Drive Modes combined, the new Hellcat’s engine output, shift times, suspension, steering and traction control can be tailored by the driver to suit the road and conditions.
With wider tyres comes greater grip, which in turn improves cornering performance and reduces lap times. Dodge claims lap times on a 1.7-mile road course are cut by around 2 seconds with the widebody additions. Quarter mile elapsed times on the drag strip are improved by a claimed 0.3 seconds, while 0-60mph time is improved by 0.1 second.
Styling for the MY18 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody incorporates the front side marker lights into the flares themselves, with other changes including a power-bulge aluminium bonnet with central intake scoop and dual heat extractors, illuminated ‘Air-Catcher’ headlights, the front splitter from the Demon, a carryover Hellcat rear spoiler, as well as a new grille and front guard badging.
The Hellcat’s 6.2lt supercharged HEMI V8 carries over from the current model, but features additional cooling measures, including two air/coolant heat exchangers incorporated into the supercharger housing.
Interior features are largely carryover, too, including the SRT performance steering wheel and seats, driver-focussed instrument panel and 8.4-inch touchscreen display media centre (with faster start-up time and more processing power), but there’s a new red Hellcat instrument panel badge.
“Our brand, engineering and design teams poured a ton of effort into making the new SRT Demon the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America.
“Now we’re leveraging that know-how, and some of those vital elements and transferring them to the new Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody for improved performance on the street and a bolder, more aggressive new look.”
Due for US release in Q3, 2017, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody is priced at US$71,495 (MSRP), which includes a day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving.
