Today is a great day for Gearheads! Especially Mopar gearheads! Since waaaay back in 2012 there have been rumors circling about a new supercharged HEMI coming out. Chrysler vehicles typically get big horsepower numbers using NA setups (NA stands for naturally aspirated, for the uninitiated). This means that no turbocharger or supercharger are used to force air into the combustion chamber.
The idea is that NA engines last longer than forced induction engines, causing less stress on the engine components and structure. The upside of forced induction is that you can achieve absolutely massive horsepower increases using turbos and supers. So it's only natural for any gearhead to wonder "What happens if I take a hugely powerful NA engine and slap a Supercharger on it?"
Well wonder no longer! Today it was officially announced that the Challenger Hellcat will be produced for the 2015 model year. Check out the reveal trailer below:
Ok, now pick your jaw up off the floor. And stop drooling. I'm not judging, but it's a little gross.
Anyway, Chrysler has not released any horsepower numbers, only progressively tighter ranges. They are "still completing final calibration on the HEMI" and say that hp numbers will be up soon. All we have now is bhp in excess of 600 and torque numbers over 575 lbs-ft. It will be the first EVER forced induction HEMI produced AND the single most powerful V8 Chrysler has ever built.
The Hellcat will feature a new front fascia and unique spoiler, developed from extensive wind tunnel testing. The hood is unique to the Hellcat as well, reminiscent of the Viper with its multi-duct design with center scoop. They even went so far as to replace one of the front headlamps with a ram-air intake, a feature that is seen most often in drag racers.
Exterior Video:
Check out this CGI video displaying the car as well:
You're drooling again.
On the interior, you can see that the Hellcat shares in the long-awaited interior makeover provided by the 2015 model year of the Challenger. I am personally very happy to see the Laguna leather with Sepia color option carry over from the Viper.
You can see that the award winning 8.4" UConnect display is present complete with an absolutely absurd amount of information in the performance pages.
You can see more on the interior here:
As far as the performance, we will really have to wait and see. Chris Cowland, the Advanced and SRT Powertrain director stated it simply: "Bloody fast."
The rest of us will have to wait and see. The 2015 Challenger Hellcat begins production in the third quarter of 2014.
