The 600bhp+ Challenger SRT Hellcat Is Dodge's Muscular Middle Finger To Ford And Chevy

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the kind of car we like. Dodge's brief was pretty much to make the fastest, most powerful muscle car it could. It's unashamedly big, brash and bloody loud, turning the 'standard' SRT model up to 11 and taking the muscle car war straight to the Ford Mustang GT500 and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Dodge says this car is for those that believe the standard SRT's 478bhp isn't quite enough. So its engineers have taken the 6.2-litre V8 and upgraded 90 per cent of components within it. For starters, this is the first time Dodge has offered a factory supercharged HEMI, and that helps it produce upwards of 600bhp - Dodge hasn't released official figures, but expect it to sit above the ZL1 and below the GT500 in the power stakes.

The extreme SRT has been through extensive wind tunnel testing to make sure all its vents and aero are as effective as possible. As part of this process it has a ram air intake installed into the headlight which ensures its hardcore status, while a Hellcat-specific rear spoiler and 1971-inspired rear lights differentiate it from its softer brother.

There is an optional eight-speed auto 'box, but the great news is that you can also spec the Viper's six-speed manual transmission, which was selected for its ability to handle the extra horses and organ-rearranging torque. You'll also get massive 15.4-inch six-piston Brembo brakes up front, adjustable suspension, new springs and new sway bars.

There's a hell of a lot of power on tap, and it sounds like Dodge has sorted the Challenger for track abuse. It'll be interesting to see if all that grunt and noise translates into real-life pace. The early signs are promising.