2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA Media

For 2016 the Dodge Challenger and its SRT Hellcat with the 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8 powertrain, showcases the evolution of the performance brand while staying true to the muscle car’s heritage, with its roots harking back to the 1968-71 Challengers.

Exterior
Inspired by the iconic 1971 Challenger, the 2016 Challenger SRT Hellcat models take on a bold appearance that draws on the 1971 model’s split-grille and split tail-lamp cues, updated with four signature LED headlamp halo surrounds offset by piano black trim. Single projector-beam headlamps at each front corner light the road ahead.

In profile, Challenger’s signature muscle car proportions and large thruster rear-quarter panels stand out from the crowd, while fender and belt lines tie together at the front and rear of the car to create a sleeker appearance.

A split tail-lamp design continues the historic 1971 model’s inspiration. For a modern look, the Dodge brand’s signature LED treatment creates a single ribbon of light within each lamp. A redesigned rear valance gives the 2016 Challenger with a widened, more planted appearance, while fascia-mounted exhaust tips provide a high-performance finished look.

Interior
Inside the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is an enthusiast designed cockpit, featuring world-class materials, execution and technology.

The instrument panel features an aluminum-stamped driver’s bezel, which establishes the driver’s cockpit. For a high-tech look, an innovative 7-inch TFT instrument cluster screen extends through the driver’s bezel and provides a customizable display. The gauge cluster features an analog speedometer and tachometer that straddle the TFT customizable instrument cluster and provide a heritage-inspired “tic-toc-tach” look with throwback radial numbering and concave shape.

A trapezoidal shaped aluminum-stamped high-sill center console provides the interior with a fresh, asymmetric look, while the leather-wrapped surface and French-seamed accent stitching exudes craftsmanship and style. With its unique elevated design, the center console houses additional controls for the Uconnect touchscreen above with ergonomically located redundant button and knob controls for audio and climate functions. A media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and auxiliary audio input is neatly housed inside the center console’s armrest.

The SRT-branded, tilt-telescoping, heated steering wheel features a flat bottom for control through the tight handling corners. The paddle shifters are located on the back of the upper spokes. The buttons to control the full-color Driver Information Display cluster are large and illuminated. Buttons for Uconnect and phone access now reside along the bottom edge of the horizontal spokes.

Technology features
From its updated Uconnect Access interface, to the availability of Uconnect Access Services with roadside assistance, Keyless Enter ‘n Go, theft-alarm notification, voice texting and the ability to turn the Challenger into a Wi-Fi Hotspot to the Dodge Performance Pages, 3-D navigation and a mobile app that allows drivers to open or lock their car from a distance.

The Uconnect Access system leverages advanced embedded cellular technology, which enables direct, one-touch connections with emergency service providers, roadside assistance dispatchers and vehicle information specialists; New for 2016, Uconnect is introducing new features that include the all-new Drag and Drop menu bar, Siri Eyes Free and Do Not Disturb features that can be viewed via touchscreen.

Performance
The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat returns in 2016 as the quickest, fastest and most powerful muscle car ever. Propelled by the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8, its 707-horse power rating is highest of any V-8 engine in FCA US celebrated history. The supercharged HEMI engine can be mated with the six-speed manual transmission or the beefy TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic.

This breakthrough supercharged engine features a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The result is a crank so well-engineered it can withstand firing pressures of 110 bar – the equivalent of five family sedans standing on each piston, every two revolutions. And its unique, specially tuned crank damper has been tested to 13,000 rpm.

The TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission delivers precision and fuel efficiency, along with a new electronic shifter, Sport mode and paddle-shifting capabilities for more performance, as well as an improvement in fuel economy; The Challenger SRT Hellcat puts its power to the ground via the upgraded TorqueFlite 8HP90, which features maximum engine-torque capacity and 160 milliseconds shifts with rev-matching.

Whether its on-road or on-track, owners can personalize their drive experience via the Drive Modes feature. Drive Modes tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering, paddle shifters, traction and suspension. Drive Modes are preconfigured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings.

Summary
As the Dodge brand’s performance coupe, the chassis of the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is designed, engineered and fine-tuned to deliver world-class performance and efficiencies, thanks to its advanced technological solutions, Dodge is reaching back into its rich history and broad range of heritage colors. New again for the 2016 model year, Plum Crazy joins heritage and high-impact exterior colors range from B5 Blue to Tor-Red.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail base price starts at $62,495.00, the one I drove included the SRT Hellcat Supercharged HEMI Package 26R, (2.62 Rear Axle Ratio), TorqueFlite 8-Speed Automatic HP90 Transmission, Auto-Stick Automatic Transmission, Remote Start System, Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters, Dual Carbon Stripes, 275/40ZR20 P Zero Summer Tires and 20-Inch x 9.5 Inch Brass Monkey SRT Forged Wheels, and it came in at $70,770.00, including the Gas Guzzler Tax and destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 13 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Dodge.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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