Chelsea, MI - Somehow we knew this was coming. Such is the way SRT operates these days that they cram their powertrains into almost every product in FCA’s lineup. First we had the Challenger Hellcat, then came the Charger version. Next there was the SRT Grand Cherokee, followed up eventually by the Hellcat-powered Trackhawk version. Now Dodge reveals the Widebody SRT version of the Charger.
First the Charger received the 6.4L Hemi, then the Durango did and so it goes that we’re seeing the next evolution of the SRT brand. It comes in the form of a widebody version of the Charger, the sedan following in the footsteps of its two-door Challenger sibling. It adds 3.5 inches of overall width, while the front and rear tracks have both been given an extra 1.6 inches of width.
You can get the big, flared fenders and fat tires they contain with either the 707 hp 6.2L supercharged Hellcat motor, or in Scat Pack form, powered by the 485 hp 6.4L Hemi.
In order to keep all that in check, the Hellcat Widebody model adds 305-mm tires as well as Brembo 6-piston front calipers and two-piece front brake rotors. Suspension duties are handled by specially-tuned Bilstein three-mode adaptive dampers, 32% stiffer front springs and larger sway bars. The power and handling make the Challenger Hellcat widebody both the fastest Charger ever from 0-60 mph – a feat that takes 3.6 seconds – and one of the best-handling as it pulls .98 Gs on the skidpad.
The Scat Pack version is a little slower to 60, but the 4.3 seconds it does take would have been considered impressive on a bonafide sports car not too long ago. The upgraded brakes, meanwhile, provide the Scat Pack with a 60-0 mph stopping time of 107 feet, a three-foot savings over non-widebody models.
To further demonstrate the widebody Charger’s commitment to performance, a number of race-bred features come as standard. Race cooldown keeps the supercharger cool after the engine is shut off, line lock makes for easier burnouts by locking the front brakes for a time, launch control works pretty much as it sounds and launch assist helps reduce axle hop under hard acceleration.
Even Dodge’s Uconnect infotainment system can now be used to manually adjust the electronic power steering, a first for the Charger. It can be modified to three settings along with the engine, transmission, electronic systems and suspension: Street, Sport and Track. You can of course mix and match different settings thanks to the system’s custom mode.
Of course, you don’t have a monster powertrain and big flared wheel arches without the looks to back it up; there are three all-new wheel choices (one Hellcat-specific style is called “Brass Monkey” – no joke) and colours. The Hellcat version, meanwhile, gets a new grille for better cooling and rear spoiler.
Inside, a new carbon & suede treatment makes use of actual, real carbon fibre for the instrument panel and gauges, while the Hellcat gets an all-new black and red finish instrument panel.
Both models indicate that there are exciting times ahead for muscle car fans; look for the arrival of both the Hellcat and Scat Pack widebody models to arrive in Dodge dealers late this fall or in early 2020.
