2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Overview
One look at the 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and you know that this four-door sedan is something very different. The current-generation Charger debuted for the 2005 model year, and since then Dodge has strapped more and more powerful engines to its chassis. A supercharged V-8 engine is under the hood of the latest versions and it makes at least 717 horsepower. Opt for a Redeye model and horsepower is boosted to 797—and with the Jailbreak package that number is an even more insane 807 ponies. While the Charger SRT Hellcat is more at home at a drag strip than on a road course it actually holds its own in corners, something we proved years ago at our Lightning Lap event. Its monstrous acceleration puts it in league with high-dollar rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S and Porsche Panamera Turbo S, but the Hellcat’s down-market cabin isn’t anything like those luxury models’. Still, if you’re looking for a muscle car with room for the kiddies—and the performance to make them giggle and shout—the Hellcat is one guaranteed thrill ride.
What’s New for 2023?
Dodge is celebrating what will be the final model year for the current generation Charger SRT Hellcat by making the Jailbreak package available on both the Redeye and non-Redeye models. All 2023 Chargers will come with a special “Last Call” plaque under the hood to commemorate the final production run before Dodge switches to a new generation of performance cars featuring electrified powertrains.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
SRT Hellcat Widebody
$80,000 (est)
SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak
$85,000 (est)
SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody
$90,000 (est)
SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak
$95,000 (est)
If it were our money, we’d spend the extra cash and get the more powerful Redeye model. It comes with the same desirable standard features as well as some unique content of its own, such as a 220-mph red speedometer and a smattering of Redeye logos. We’d also upgrade the inside with the optional Carbon and Suede Interior package that covers the headliner in microsuede and various trim pieces with real carbon fiber.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Without a doubt, the Hellcat’s main attraction is its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. If you haven’t heard, it now makes 717 horsepower along with 650 pound-feet of torque. The Redeye model features an enhanced version of the Hellcat engine, which generates 797 horses and 707 pound-feet. With the aptly named Jailbreak package the Redeye gets a boost to 807 horsepower. These ultimate Chargers will leave no one wanting for power, all of which is directed to the rear wheels through a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The regular Hellcat we tested blasted to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds at 124 mph. The Hellcat Redeye we tested hit 60 mph in 3.5 ticks and covered the quarter in 11.5 seconds at 126 mph. Of course, this unreal performance doesn’t come without a price, and drivers must carefully apply the gas pedal to maintain traction. And those big rear tires are expensive to replace. The standard widebody setup that we drove helps improve the supersedan’s body control and cornering grip thanks to wider, stickier tires and stiffer chassis components. Still, the widebody Hellcat’s front tires don’t communicate as much to the steering wheel as we’d like.
More on the Charger SRT Hellcat Sedan
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Charger SRT Hellcat is rated at 12 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. That’s actually pretty impressive when you consider how much power this sedan has. Once we test the updated powertrain on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regime, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Charger’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the SRT Hellcat shares the same design and passenger space as tamer Chargers. However, it has a slew of desirable standard features and some personalized options. Every Charger SRT Hellcat includes a 200-mph speedometer, leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. There’s a Carbon & Suede package that adds real carbon-fiber interior trim and a faux-suede headliner for a sportier atmosphere. Interior cubby storage is highlighted by spots to store small items, and we managed to fit seven carry-on bags in the Charger’s sizable trunk.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Charger SRT Hellcat has an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Its large screen responded quickly to inputs and the physical knobs and buttons make the interface easy to use. Want to rock out while doing massive burnouts? Dodge offers a thumping 19-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While the high-powered sedan includes basic driver-assistance technology, more advanced assists such as adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking are unavailable. For more information about the Charger’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard blind-spot monitoring Standard rear cross-traffic alert Standard rear parking sensors
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Dodge covers the Charger SRT Hellcat with a competitive limited and powertrain warranty, but it doesn’t include any complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$90,060 (base price: $82,190)
ENGINE TYPE
supercharged and intercooled pushrod 16-valve V-8, iron block and aluminum heads, port fuel injection
Displacement
376 in3, 6166 cm3
Power
797 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque
707 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 15.7-in vented, grooved disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, 305/35R-20 (107Y)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 120.0 in
Length: 201.0 in
Width: 78.3 in
Height: 57.6 in
Passenger volume: 105 ft3
Cargo volume: 17 ft3
Curb weight: 4654 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.5 sec
100 mph: 7.5 sec
150 mph: 17.2 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 3.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.4 sec
1/4 mile: 11.5 sec @ 126 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 203 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 155 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 309 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 13 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 15/12/21 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
