Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – two keys, one helluva engine

The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the supercharged top-of-the-line Challenger, will be the most powerful production muscle car when it goes on sale later this year. That’s because its supercharged 6.2 litre HEMI V8 engine manages to produce 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.

However Dodge understand that over 700 horsepower is going to test even the most experienced driver, so just to provided an additional level of security, the car comes with two different keys. The black key allows the engine to produce a slightly more reasonable 500 horsepower maximum output. While the red key unlocks the full 700. Either way, I’m willing to put money on the fact a good number of Challenger SRT Hellcats get some impromptu bodywork modifications thanks to drivers who overestimate their driving talents and ability to cope with supercar-worrying power in a heavier car with a less exotic and capable chassis.

Aside from upping the ante in terms of power. Dodge have also comprehensively re-engineered the Challenger’s chassis for 2015 to improve the car’s dynamics. In addition there is a new TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. The interior is also all-new, and inspired by the 1971 Challenger.

The 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat, and the regular Challenger models will be built in Ontario at the company’s Brampton assembly plant and start arriving in dealerships by the third quarter of 2014.