Dodge let the cat out of the bag recently with the new Challenger, specifically its Hellcat variant. I thought I would write about it, since it, like the Expendables movies, has more American fun than you can throw a pie throwing contest to.
Beating the outgoing Shelby Mustang’s prancing 662 hp, the Hellcat crosses the 700-mark. Yes, 707 horsepower factory rated, and an equally unstoppable 650 pound feet of torque. When a regular Hemi isn’t enough...shake it up and add pressure, and boy, is this car ever pressurized like a slow cooker. Most notably is the car’s quarter mile times, which are pretty much on par with Ferraris and even beats a few Lamborghinis, all for $60k, gas guzzler tax included.
But, how does all this compare to the other hot sports car of the 1990s and 2000s, before CAFE laws existed? I’m talking about Fiat Chrysler’s other car, the Dodge SRT Viper. That was one of the most powerful cars in world, especially with no blower, a stick shift and 640 horsepower; enough for a race course. But my question is: Has Dodge’s SRT brand built something so hardcore, that it almost replaces the Viper, but with a retro name tag and looks? The answer to that is yes. Although its reportedly quiet on the inside, Dodge has crammed style, enough horsepower, unlimited top speed, and an exhaust that will probably break your sister’s favorite flower vase--all in one car, with the Viper’s manual gearbox, or an all new automatic. Yes, pretty much the only difference is no V10 here, at least not yet, and an automatic. Automobile magazine has already reported the Hellcat has a top speed of 199 mph, which, if true, will make it the fastest American car not to be a Corvette, Cadillac, or a Hennessy special.
The accolades go on, but my question remains: Has Dodge built something that will kill the Viper, its own long lasting icon?
The accolades go on, but my question remains: Has Dodge built something that will kill the Viper, its own long lasting icon?
