The new Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, which pays homage to the muscle cars of old, is a 707bhp supercharged saloon that's claimed capable of 204mph.
Dodge proudly labels its new car as "the quickest, fastest, most powerful production saloon in the world, as well as the most capable and technologically advanced four-door muscle car in America."
Official pricing has yet to be announced but it's likely the Dodge will cost around $62,000, approximately £37,179. No UK sales are planned but, if you wanted to import one personally, expect to pay in the region of £52,000.
Under the bonnet you'll find a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 that produces 707bhp and 650lb ft, making it the most powerful production V8 that Chrysler has ever produced.
It features a host of high-performance components, including a forged steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces, a specially tuned crank damper that's been tested to 13,000rpm and forged aluminium pistons.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a torque-convertor based eight-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission. The '8HP90' gearbox, badged TorqueFlite like all of Chrysler's automatics, is reputed to be capable of shifting gears in 160ms.
For comparison, Porsche's PDK – a dual-clutch transmission – can shift gears in under 100ms. The TorqueFlite gearbox also serves up a rev matching facility, further helping maximise the engine's performance. The rear end and propshaft has been strengthened too, while a standard limited-slip differential serves to maximise traction.
Predictably, with 707bhp on offer, the SRT Hellcat delivers some impressive performance figures. The 0-60mph sprint is reputed to be dispatched in 3.7sec and Dodge quotes a standing quarter mile time of 11.0sec – a Ferrari 458 Italia takes in the region of 11.5sec.
More notably, it's claimed to get from 0-100-0 in 13.0sec. While not quite enough to eclipse the likes of the McLaren F1, which takes 11.5sec, it's a remarkable achievement for a 2068kg four-door saloon.
A top speed of 204mph is claimed, making the Dodge the fastest production four-door saloon currently available. Even the likes of the maniacal Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG are reputed, derestricted, to hit 'just' 200mph.
Dodge has also worked to improve the Charger's handling. Forged 9.5Jx20 wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero performance tyres help boost available traction and grip, while adaptive three-mode sports suspension works to bolster the car's cornering abilities.
Additionally, it sports the largest brakes ever offered by the Chrysler corporation, with 15.4-inch floating Brembo discs at the front and six-piston calipers
Helping differentiate the SRT Hellcat further from the standard Charger on which it is based are a host of cosmetic changes. Dodge has tweaked virtually every panel on the car, adding bonnet vents, unique front and rear ends and LED lighting both front and rear.
Styling cues taken from other models include a cold-air intake that echoes the original Viper coupé and creases in the flanks that imitate the look of the 1969 Charger. The aerodynamics of the Charger have been revised slightly too, with new additions including a rear spoiler and an integrated front splitter.
Inside you'll find a revamped interior with a 7-inch customisable digital instrument cluster, a new central stack and an 8.4-inch display for the media system. Dodge says high-quality materials have been used throughout and that the leather and suede seats have been redesigned for improved support and comfort. A T-handle shifter is fitted, again a nod to the car's classic forebears.
An 18-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system is standard, as is an electrically adjustable heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot and climate control. A Drive Mode function also means that owners can customise the car's responses by tailoring the suspension, shift speeds, traction control modes and engine output.
Like the C4 generation of Corvette ZR1, the Dodge also features a 'valet' mode. Two keys are provided, one which unlocks the full output and the other which limits the car's performance. When the valet key is used a host of features are engaged, including the stability control systems being locked on, the engine switching to a less powerful map, the gearbox shifting earlier and a 4000rpm limiter being instated.
Tim Kuniskis, president and CEO of the Dodge and SRT Brands, said: “For the last eight years, a large part of the Dodge Charger’s successful formula has been its many personalities.
"It’s a muscle car, a performance sedan, a family capable sedan; its success is that it can be any or all of those things, depending on how the customer chooses to equip their car.
“And now, with a NHRA-certified quarter mile time of 11.0 seconds and a 204 mph top speed, the new 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat redefines itself again, as the quickest, fastest, most powerful sedan in the world.”
Production of the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, which will be built at the Brampton assembly plant in Ontario, will being in the first quarter of 2015.
Four-door alternatives to the Charger SRT Hellcat include the BMW M5, Jaguar XFR and Vauxhall VXR8 GTS.
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