Despite the best efforts of the Mercedes S65 AMG, the World’s Most Powerful Sedan title has been claimed by the 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. And here are the title belt-winning numbers: 527 kW and 881 N.m from a supercharged 6,2-litre V8, a 0-100km in “the mid threes” and a top speed of 328 km/h.
Unveiled at the 2014 Woodward Dream Cruise muscle car fest in Detroit, this Charger lays down those horses to the rear wheels via either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual borrowed from the Viper supercar.
Borrowing a trick from the Europeans, the SRT Hellcat has a Drive Modes feature that offers Sport, Track and Default settings that control horsepower, transmission shift speeds, paddle shifters, traction and suspension damping.
Not being a car that most South Africans will be to familiar with, you should know that aside from that engine, there’s also been a styling makeover with a number of styling tweaks that include a more aggressive front bumper to aid downforce and a central scoop and pair of vents mimicking the Viper. At the rear of the car the new bumper features a vertical vent at either side above a diffuser that integrates a circular exhaust tips.
Inside the Nappa leather and Alcantara suede trimmed interior, there’s a slew of new high-tech features that include Chrysler’s Uconnect Access connectivity and 21 cm touchscreen interface with features like roadside assistance, theft-alarm notification, voice texting, Wi-Fi hotspot and new 3D navigation.
In the US the Charger SRT Hellcat should sell for $60k which, in that market, is considered a bit of a bargain. There’s no use doing the SA Rands conversion math (and the import tax) though… it ain’t coming here partner. Sadly.
