Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat revealed

The new Dodge Charger SRT Hellcatis a 707bhp supercharged sedan capable of a claimed 328kph. It pays homage to the bygone muscle cars. Dodge describes its new car as “the quickest, fastest, most powerful production sedan in the world”.

Under the bonnet is a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 that produces 707bhp and 90kgm, making it the most powerful production V8 that Chrysler has ever produced.The engine features a forged steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces, a specially tuned crank damper that's been tested to 13,000rpm and forged aluminium pistons.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a heavy-duty, torque-convertor-based eight-speed automatic transmission. The '8HP90' gearbox, badged TorqueFlite, is reputed to be capable of shifting gears in 160ms.For comparison, Porsche's PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission can shift gears in under 100ms. The TorqueFlite gearbox also features a rev-matching facility, further helping maximise the engine's performance. The rear end and propshaft has been strengthened, too, while a standard limited-slip differential helps to maximise traction.

The SRT Hellcat delivers some impressive performance figures. The 0-100kph sprint is dispatched in 3.8sec, approximately 0.4sec faster than aBMW M5 Competition Pack.More notably, the Dodge is said to get from 0-160-0 in 13.0sec. While not quite enough to eclipse the likes of the McLaren F1, which takes 11.5sec, it's a remarkable achievement for a 2068kg four-door sedan. A top speed of 328kph makes the Dodge the fastest production four-door currently available. Even the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG are stated to hit just 322kph when derestricted.

Dodge has also worked to improve the Charger's handling. Forged 9.5Jx20 wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero performance tyres, while adaptive three-mode sports suspension helps bolster the car's cornering abilities.Additionally, it sports the largest brakes ever offered by the Chrysler corporation, with 15.4-inch floating Brembo discs at the front and six-piston calipers.

Helping differentiate the SRT Hellcat further from the standard Charger on which it is based are a host of cosmetic changes. Dodge has tweaked virtually every panel on the car and added bonnet vents, unique front and rear bumpers and LED lighting both front and rear.Styling cues taken from other models include a cold air intake that echoes that of the original Viper coupé and creases in the flanks that imitate the look of the 1969 Charger. The aerodynamics of the Charger have been revised slightly, too, with new additions including a rear spoiler and an integrated front splitter.

Inside you'll find a revamped interior with a 7-inch customisable digital instrument cluster, a new central stack and an 8.4-inch display for the media system. Dodge says high-quality materials have been used throughout and the leather and suede seats have been redesigned for improved support and comfort. A T-handle shifter is fitted, again a nod to the car's classic forebears.An 18-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system is standard, as is an electrically adjustable heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot and climate control. A Drive Mode function also means that owners can customise the car's responses by tailoring the suspension, shift speeds, traction control modes and engine output.

Like the C4 generation of Corvette ZR1, the Dodge also features a 'valet' mode. Two keys are provided, one which unlocks the full output and the other which limits the car's performance. When the valet key is used a host of features are engaged, including the stability control systems being locked on, the engine switching to a less powerful map, the gearbox shifting earlier and a 4000rpm limiter being instated.

Tim Kuniskis, president and CEO of the Dodge and SRT Brands, said, “It’s a muscle car, a performance sedan, a family-capable sedan. Its success is that it can be any or all of those things, depending on how the customer chooses to equip their car.”