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707Horsepower #SuperchargedHEMI #LudicrousSpeed #MuscleCars
Jason UdyWriter William WalkerPhotographer Dec 15, 2014
The arrival of the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat sent shockwaves through the automotive industry, establishing a new benchmark for performance in a production sedan. With a staggering 707 horsepower emerging from its supercharged Hemi V8, this machine redefined what was possible in a four-door American muscle car. Chrysler didn’t just create a fast sedan; they engineered a vehicle capable of achieving a claimed top speed of 204 mph, solidifying its status as the fastest production sedan ever made. This achievement, particularly in a full-size sedan, elevated the Charger Hellcat to a level of automotive lunacy previously reserved for its two-door Challenger sibling.
Unveiling the Mechanical Marvel
At the heart of the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat lies a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine, a powerhouse capable of unleashing 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This colossal output is channeled exclusively through an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. While the Challenger SRT Hellcat offered a six-speed manual option, the Charger’s transmission choice underscored its focus on accessible, brutal acceleration.
The engineering prowess of the Hellcat extends to its rolling stock. Forged 20-by-9.5-inch wheels are wrapped in 275/40R20 Pirelli P Zero tires, a setup that, on paper, seems modest for a car producing such prodigious power. This apparent mismatch between horsepower and tire width was a recurring theme, hinting at the challenges Dodge faced in translating raw power into optimal on-road performance. To put this into perspective, the tire dimensions were comparable to those found on high-performance pony cars from the late 1990s and early 2000s, cars that produced roughly half the Hellcat’s output. The sheer disparity in power levels made this comparison almost surreal, yet it underscored the technological leaps made in engine development.
Dragstrip Realities
Despite its imposing presence, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat’s 4,562-pound curb weight, combined with its relatively narrow tires, presented a significant hurdle at the dragstrip. The car managed to reach 60 mph in a brisk 3.7 seconds, completing the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at 124.3 mph. While these figures are undeniably impressive for a vehicle of its size, they fell short of the manufacturer’s claims. The lighter, two-door 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, tipping the scales at 113 pounds less, matched the Charger’s 0-60 mph time and edged out the sedan in the quarter mile by one-tenth of a second and 1.1 mph.
Dodge had projected a quarter-mile time of 11.0 seconds flat for the Charger Hellcat. While such a feat might be achievable on a specially prepared dragstrip, the realities of street-style testing painted a different picture. For comparative purposes, several Jaguar F-Type V8 S roadsters and coupes, equipped with supercharged V8 engines producing between 488 and 550 horsepower, demonstrated comparable acceleration figures. These Jaguar models, weighing significantly less (3,873-3,965 pounds) and riding on wider 295/35R20 tires, managed to hit 60 mph in 3.4-3.9 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 11.6-12.1 seconds at speeds of 120.2-122.3 mph. The Hellcat’s superior power was offset by its substantial weight and narrower tire contact patch, preventing it from reaching its full potential.
The true measure of the Hellcat’s performance was perhaps best reflected in its trap speed, which aligned more closely with that of the all-wheel-drive Nissan GT-R. The GT-R, with its 545-600 horsepower output, leveraged its AWD system and short transmission gearing to achieve 0-60 mph times of 2.7-2.9 seconds and quarter-mile times of 11.0-11.1 seconds at 124.8-125.3 mph. The Hellcat’s trap speed, while impressive, underscored the undeniable advantage conferred by all-wheel drive in straight-line acceleration.
Direct Competition: The Electric Contender
When the conversation turned to the title of “quickest sedan,” the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat faced a formidable challenger in the form of the Tesla Model S P85D. This electric sedan, equipped with a twin-motor setup delivering a combined 691 horsepower and 687 lb-ft of torque, emerged as the quickest production sedan tested. The P85D dispatched the 0-60 mph sprint in a staggering 3.1 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 115.2 mph. This placed the electric contender 0.2 seconds quicker than the Hellcat in the 0-60 mph dash, albeit at a 9.1 mph lower trap speed.
The Hellcat, however, maintained a clear advantage in top-end performance. The Tesla Model S P85D’s top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph, a figure dwarfed by the Charger’s potential 204 mph capability. Further complicating the competitive landscape was the Audi RS7, a 560-horsepower all-wheel-drive performance sedan. The RS7 matched the Model S P85D’s quarter-mile time while posting a slightly higher trap speed of 120.4 mph, despite reaching 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. This comparison highlighted the nuanced definition of “fast,” where electric acceleration, AWD grip, and traditional horsepower all played distinct roles.
Handling Prowess and Ride Quality
Beyond its straight-line capabilities, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat demonstrated surprising competence in the realm of handling. The sedan outperformed its lighter, two-door sibling in several key metrics. Both the Charger and Challenger Hellcats managed to pull 0.94g average around the skidpad, a testament to their chassis engineering. However, the Charger proved to be the more agile of the two, completing the figure-eight test in 24.5 seconds at a 0.91g average, compared to the Challenger’s 24.7-second lap at a 0.85g average.
Ride quality was another area where the Charger excelled. Despite its performance credentials, the sedan offered a surprisingly comfortable ride on paved roads, making it a more livable daily driver than many of its competitors. This balance was further evidenced by its braking performance. The Charger stopped from 60 mph in an impressive 104 feet, outperforming the Challenger by a full five feet. These figures were particularly remarkable for a full-size sedan, demonstrating that Dodge had successfully engineered a car that could handle as well as it accelerated.
On-Street Demeanor and Acoustic Identity
On public roads, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat presented a surprisingly understated profile. Despite the presence of a functional hood scoop and a pair of heat extractor vents, the car largely blended in with everyday traffic. It was often the drivers of other performance vehicles who seemed most attuned to the Hellcat’s special nature, though even they occasionally mistook it for a standard SRT model. This subtle presence was a refreshing departure from the flamboyant styling of some performance cars, allowing the Hellcat to remain relatively incognito until its true capabilities were unleashed.
When navigating the tedium of Los Angeles rush hour traffic, the Charger Hellcat proved to be as docile as a house cat, its ferocious power held in reserve. However, the moment the throttle was opened, the car underwent a dramatic transformation. The blown Hemi engine unleashed a sound that was unmistakably American muscle, a deep, guttural roar that commanded attention. While the Jaguar F-Type’s supercharged V8 offered an intoxicating auditory experience, the Charger’s exhaust note was a primal declaration of its brute force, a sound that resonated with the car’s aggressive character.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat’s starting price of $64,990, which included a $995 destination charge and a $1,700 gas guzzler tax, placed it in a unique position within the automotive market. Our test vehicle, finished in Billet Silver paint over a Black Nappa leather interior with Ruby Red Alcantara seat and door inserts, featured several optional extras. A $1,995 Harmon Kardon audio system, a $695 Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, and a $1,195 power moonroof brought the total cost to $69,070. The addition of $195 for summer tires rounded out the nearly $70,000 price tag.
While it was certainly possible to build a more powerful car for less money, the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat offered a compelling value proposition. It stood alone as the only 707-horsepower sedan available with a comprehensive five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Furthermore, the EPA-rated fuel
