Bad Kitty: 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
- November 02, 2020
Recalling the aggressively muscular styling of the ionic original 1970-74 Dodge Challenger and based on the 2006 Detroit Auto Show concept car that ignited a firestorm of public demand, the new-generation Challenger became a long-awaited production reality in 2008. Classically styled with a modern twist and bristling with today’s performance technologies, the new Challenger marked an unqualified design and engineering tour de force with excellent all-around performance. All first-year Challengers for 2008 were built to top-level SRT8 specification, equipped with a five-speed Autostick transmission mated to the fuel-injected 6.1L (370ci) HEMI V-8 engine rated at 425 horsepower – the same as the legendary Street Hemi of 1970. The entire U.S. production run of 6,400 Challengers were pre-sold to America’s premier collectors, and special editions by Hurst Performance and other renowned tuners quickly followed. Factory offerings would include the 350hp, 5.7L HEMI V8, the 392, and a V6 Challenger GT, plus the racing only Drag Pak.
In 2015, Chrysler’s SRT (Street and Racing Technology) division shocked everyone when it announced the release of the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat with 707hp and 650 pounds-feet of torque produced by its supercharged and intercooled 6.2L HEMI V8 engine. Cover articles, road tests, online videos, and word of mouth spread like wildfire, confirming the new Hellcat’s stunning performance, including 0-60 acceleration in 3.9 seconds, the ¼-mile in 11.9 seconds and a 199 mph top end. In addition to a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission or 8-speed automatic, the Hellcat upped the ante on the Challenger’s huge list of standard and optional features, with a special Satin Black aluminum hood with functional vents, the incredible Uconnect Infotainment system ($695), and 275/40SR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires. Delivering 500hp with the “Black Key” in use and a ludicrous 707hp with the “Red Key” engaged, the Hellcat still carries Chrysler’s 5 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
As they say, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and this 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat ups the ante with a highly upgraded engine throwing down 950hp at the rear wheels. Running on E85 pump gas, this 33k mile Hellcat has gone as fast as 145mph at the drags and the seller was in the process of organizing even more potential, but priorities have changed and it’s now up for sale with an additional set of Weld Racing wheels and tires included. Online photos look great and the car looks totally menacing and ready for more action with a brave or skilled new owner.
Hellcats were the wildest Mopar muscle cars until the arrival of the 840hp Challenger-based SRT Demon in 2018, capable of high-9 second quarter-mile times, making it the quickest factory-available American car ever offered to the public. Hagerty values the 2015 Hellcat from $40k-$70k, depending on condition, colors, and options, with a good #3 car worth $51k. While this one has indeed been modified for more go, its 33k miles are certainly not excessive, and the engine work was professionally done. Appearance-wise, it remains stock and reflects obvious care when not punishing the dragstrip or stirring up mayhem on the street. At the asking price, it stands ready to deliver an unforgettable experience that few other cars can match and represents strong value, leading us to declare this Hellcat fair market.
