MIAS 2017: Dodge unleashes 707-hp Challenger SRT Hellcat

Auto Nation Group, Inc. (ANG), the official distributor of Dodge vehicles in the Philippines, opens the highway from hell as they bring in the Challenger SRT Hellcat at the 2017 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). If you think that’s an overstatement, read along.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is claimed to be the quickest and most powerful muscle car ever. Why, you ask? It’s powered by a 707-hp 6.2L supercharged HEMI Hellcat V8 engine with 881 Nm of torque, capable of charging from 0 to 97 km/h in 3.6 seconds. With its maximum speed of 320 km/h and our country’s speed limit, your next problem is to find a place to burn some rubber.

It’s also the first in its class (as Dodge also claims) to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Although, if you ask us, a 6-speed manual tranny sounds more badass. Sorry, MT fans.

With all the steep figures mentioned, the Hellcat comes with performance parts to support the power that it holds. It has launch control and 3-mode electronic stability control with “full off” mode – just in case you want to go wild with it. It’s also equipped with Brembo brakes, which is a world-class brand, enough to keep you alive.

As for its looks, the Challenger SRT Hellcat is not far from the current model. However, it has details that are reminiscent of the muscle car’s good ol’ days. The split-grille and taillights will remind you of the 1971 Challenger with a modern twist. 

The Challenger SRT Hellcat is also fitted with 20-inch low-gloss black forged wheels to complete that devilish look.

The fusion of heritage-themed styling and modern cues continue inside the Hellcat. The gauge clusters are analog, while the driver-focused cockpit houses a flat-bottom steering wheel with a screaming SRT logo. The presence of an 8.4-inch touchscreen headunit with Uconnect system cancels out the vintage look, along with a number of buttons that are necessary for a road-focused drive.

It’s also important to note that the 8.4-inch Uconnect system also houses the driving menus for the car. These include increasing engine and throttle responsiveness, adjust launch and ESC settings, firming up the steering wheel, and reducing shift times up to 250 milliseconds.

You can also select drive modes through the Uconnect system, which are Default, Sport, Track, and Custom. Yes, Custom, because you can customize the way your cat from hell behaves.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is now available in Dodge showrooms nationwide.