Muscle car news: reports are now widespread that the 2015 Dodge SRT Challenger muscle car may include a supercharged hemi option code-named “Hellcat” and we are psyched to see Dodge stepping up to the plate in the modern muscle car wars!
2013 SRT8 392 Hemi V8 (470 horsepower): Dodge SRT Challenger hemi may soon see a supercharged engine option on a variant of the engine pictured above.
Chrysler’s SRT division had previously rumored a high performance Dodge Challenger would be released in response to cars like Chevrolet’s Z/28 Camaro, the ZL1 Camaro, and Ford’s GT500 Mustang and the new “Hellcat” hemi may be part of that solution.
The supercharged 2015 Dodge SRT Challenger “Hellcat” V8 engine is expected to put out an easy 600 hp. Their new 5th generation naturally aspirated V10 SRT Viper is putting out 640 hp. The non-supercharged Camaro LS7 engine in the Z/28 puts out 500 hp but is lightweight and helps the vehicle handle like a race car. The supercharged ZL1 Camaro puts out 580 hp and handles very well with its advanced traction control systems. Then there is the supercharged Cadillac CTS-V that is putting out 550+ hp. Last but not least, the 2013-2014 supercharged GT500 Shelby Mustang puts out over 660 hp and runs like a scalded dog basically out-muscling its way towards great performance numbers!
It is also likely we’ll see a version of the supercharged SRT hemi V8 offered in the Charger and 300 for the sports sedan segment as well. Lastly, there is the much-anticipated Barracuda that could benefit from a high output engine such as the supercharged hemi were it to be competitive in today’s sports car market.
The supercharged Challenger engine will likely be part of a 2015 package similar to the Dodge Challenger T/A’s of yesteryear.
It will be very interesting to learn about how SRT (Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology) will offset the extra couple-of-hundred pounds of front end weight that comes along with well designed supercharger packages in relationship to making traction on the street, strip and especially at the track. We’ll have a full report on the supercharged SRT Challenger’s weight & balance, traction, handling, and specs when they let this monster out of the cage. Two thumbs up to SRT for making the Challenger a contender in the American manufacturer’s muscle car revival!
Visit The Speed Wars website where we cover only the newest and highest performing sports cars & muscle cars.
###
