Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars at FCA North America, made it clear: Dodge’s muscle-car lineup has never been stronger.
After wreaking havoc with the 707-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat and more recently with the insane (and partly illegal) 840-horsepower Challenger SRT Demon, the company is announcing the new Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody with even more grip. It will go on sale by the end of the summer starting at $87,995.
Widened by 3.5” (9 cm) thanks to Demon-derived fender flares, this model rides on new 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires sporting a unique tread pattern and wrapping 20”x11” “Devil’s Rim” split 5-spoke alloy wheels. Meanwhile, a new electric power steering system with SRT Drive Modes (Street, Sport, Track) adds selectable steering tuning for the first time on a Hellcat model.
Although the engine and transmission are the same (6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 with 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft torque, paired to either a 6-speed Tremec manual or 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic), the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody delivers improved lap times, lateral grip, acceleration and braking compared with the already ferocious performance numbers of the Hellcat, FCA claims.
2018 Dodge Durango SRT
In related news, we’ve learned that the equally new 2018 Dodge Durango SRT, unveiled in Chicago as the world’s fastest 3-row SUV, will arrive at Canadian dealerships this fall with a base MSRP of $72,495.
This might sound quite expensive for a Dodge, but consider you’ll be getting a 392 HEMI V8 engine that delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, allowing 0-60 mph (97 km/h) sprints in 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Don’t forget about its class-leading towing capacity (3,900 kg or 8,600 lbs), either.
The standard 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission has been specifically calibrated for the 2018 Dodge Durango SRT to optimize shift points and send maximum torque to all four wheels. Click on the link above to discover additional performance upgrades.
As for options, the list will include a trailer tow package, power sunroof, Demonic Red Laguna leather seating, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, suede-wrapped headliner and A-pillars, true carbon fibre accents and more.