Across the spectrum of “everyday” to “out of this world”, our most recent Quick Spin ranks as one of the most insane first drives we’ve been on; so pack an extra set of tires, and maybe pants, as we check out the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat!

While not the most extreme name, the Hellcat is indeed an extreme piece of automotive engineering. A 6.2 liter supercharged HEMI V8, screaming out a ridiculous 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque sits underhood. The exhaust note is deafening, but highly addicting.

Transmissions choices are six speed manual, or believe it or not, an eight speed automatic with paddles.

Over a Challenger SRT, which is already extreme, the Hellcat dons thicker front and rear stabilizer bars, different manual trans gearing, and hydraulic power assist steering, just for starters.

Twenty inch wheels house 15.4 inch brake rotors and six piston calipers up front. The rear twenties house slightly small rotors, and 4 piston calipers. You’ll need all the stopping power you can get if you intend to tease the Hellcat’s limits.

GREG CARLOSS: In all honesty, this thing is ridiculous. Take it to the drag strip, it rips it up. It’s a ten second car with the right tires on it. You do have to be careful though. This thing will step out on you so easy. There’s so much throttle response and there’s so much power that it’s really ready to smoke up the tires. But if you’re into smoking up tires, then this is probably the car for you.

JOHN DAVIS: Inside, the Hellcat is a little more domesticated… a large UConnect screen, digital readouts, and comfortable seats tame the edge. But scroll through the various drive mode settings and output displays, and you’ll be reminded of just how serious this Hellcat really is.

Luckily, it doesn’t come at too high a cost: $61,000. Now, that’s not a small number but neither is the amount of performance this pet brings home.

Specifications

  • Engine: 6.2 liter
  • Horsepower: 707
  • Price: $61,000