Wider, meaner and faster, the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody ups the big cat’s already astronomical performance credentials.
The widebody Hellcat pilfers the fender flares first seen on the Challenger SRT Demon that add 3.5 inches of girth and oodles of grip. Dodge claims the Hellcat Widebody is 2 seconds per lap quicker than a regular Hellcat around the 1.7-mile road course at FCA’s Chelsea Proving Grounds.
According to Dodge, the Hellcat Widebody was always planned to launch after the Demon, offering a high-performance alternative to those who miss out on the limited-run Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
But it’s not just a wider track that helps the Hellcat hustle harder, new 20-inch “Devil’s Rim” split-five-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped in 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero performance rubbers (much wider than the base car’s 275s) are partially responsible for the 0.04g increase in lateral grip, along with a 0.1 reduction in zero-to-60 time. It will be the 0.3-second ET reduction down the quarter mile that’s most important to the Hellcat community, however.
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the 2018 Dodge Demon
In addition to the dimension change, the widebodied car also brings a new standard electronic power steering system, a first for the model. The EPS is hooked into the adjustable drive mode settings available through the SRT Performance Pages displayed on the 8.4-inch touchscreen, together, they allow drivers to fiddle with horsepower settings, shift speeds, traction, steering feel and suspension changes.
Visually, the SRT Hellcat Widebody adds the Demon’s massive front splitter but keeps the Hellcat’s standard hood with the center intake and twin heat extractors, which are aided by the Air-Catcher headlamps. There’s also six-piston Brembo brakes with 15.4-inch calipers, a new grille, Hellcat fender badges and raised Hellcat badge on the spoiler.
The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8’s output remains unchanged at 707 horsepower and the motor can still be paired with either a Tremec six-speed manual or a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic.
Shoppers will be offered the choice of 15 exterior colors, but B5 Blue, F8 Green, Plum Crazy, and IndiGo Blue will be late arrivals.
A 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody will set you back $72,590 after destination, which includes a full-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High-performance Driving in Chandler, Arizona. Interested parties can begin placing orders in July, with the car scheduled to arrive at dealers sometime during the third quarter.
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