Dodge doesn’t even sell its cars here in India, but names like ‘SRT Charger Hellcat’ are too much for us to ignore. This time though they’ve added the ‘Widebody’ tag to the iconic Charger’s performance version.
Coming as standard on all 2020 Charger SRT Hellcats is Dodge’s Widebody kit. It adds new front and rear fascias complete with wide arches for ultimate lane-filling ability. It seems the term widebody is thrown around a little too liberally these days. However, a few extra millimeters in width isn’t what the Charger sees in this instance, but almost 89mm. Under the bulging arches sit new, wider 20inch wheels, wrapped in 305 section Pirelli tyres. The new front grille also allows for improved cooling, with the rear spoiler aiming to provide better aerodynamic balance.
Aside from the obvious visual modifications, the new Charger Hellcat sees the addition of adaptive Bilstein suspension, six piston Brembo brakes with 391mm discs for better-stopping power, an 8.4inch infotainment system, increased front spring rates, larger anti-roll bars, and re-tuned dampers. A feature called ‘Race Cooldown’ also now comes as standard. It allows the intercooler pump and radiator fan to run even after the engine has been shut down for cooling of the supercharger.
Under the bonnet sits the same 6.2-litre V8 found in the previous Charger Hellcat, producing 697bhp and 650Nm of torque. These might be the same figures as its predecessor, but it’s never been a slouch, with 0-96.5kmph coming in just 3.6secs and top speed at 315kmph, almost matching the limited-run Jaguar XE SV Project 8.
Also teased during the reveal was the creation of a Pikes Peak variant. As for details, the brand stayed tight-lipped. But based on what we’ve seen before it’d likely have even more width for added stability. Not to mention some increased stopping ability and perhaps even more power over the road-legal car.