The newly consolidated Dodge and SRT brands are launching out of the gate – introducing the new 600-plus horsepower 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine – the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT just one month after taking the wraps off the new Dodge Challenger 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker at the New York Auto Show.
Driven by the five SRT performance hallmarks, the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT and Challenger SRT with the Hellcat engine are re-designed and totally re-engineered with performance-enhancing technologies inside. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will feature the most powerful V8 engine ever produced by Chrysler Group – the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8.
“The new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the ultimate performance muscle car,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Dodge is the Mainstream Performance brand, and now combined with SRT, we are able to unleash a true GT car with an all-new driver-focused interior and the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission combined with the most powerful V8 Chrysler has ever produced. The Challenger Hellcat has been released!”
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT coupes will be built at the Brampton (Ont.) Assembly plant. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014.
The 6.2l HEMI V8
For 2015, the Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine is propelled by the new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. Its 600-plus horsepower rating will be the highest of any V8 engine in Chrysler Group’s history. The V8 engine can be mated with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission or a new TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic – the first such gearbox ever offered in the Dodge Challenger SRT’s segment.
This new HEMI Hellcat engine is Dodge and SRT’s first application of V8 supercharger technology.
The supercharged engine features a forged-steel crankshaft with induction-hardened bearing surfaces. The result is a crank that can withstand firing pressures of 110 bar. And its crank damper has been tested to 13,000 rpm.
High-strength, forged-alloy pistons – developed using telemetry measurement – are coupled to powder-forged connecting rods with high-load-capacity bushings and diamond-like-carbon-coated piston pins.
The new supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 has heat-treated aluminum-alloy cylinder heads that are optimized for superior thermal conductivity. And its die-cast aluminum rocker covers are HEMI Orange.
Sodium-cooled exhaust valves feature hollow-stem construction and special, steel-alloy heads that stand up to temperatures of 1,472 Fahrenheit (800 Celsius). Cam profiles afford 14.25-mm inlet and 14.0 mm of exhaust lift.
In addition to the supercharged HEMI V8 in the Challenger SRT Hellcat, the new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT model also gets a power boost with upgrades to the 392 HEMI V8. Horsepower climbs to 485 from 470, while peak torque jumps to 644 Nm from 637 Nm.
The 6.2l HEMI engine supercharger
The 2,380 cc/rev blower features integral charge coolers and an integrated electronic bypass valve to regulate boost pressure to a maximum of 80 kPa (11.6 psi). Its twin-screw rotors are specially coated with:
- a proprietary formula of polyimide and other resins
- nanometer-sized, wear-resistant particles
- solid lubricants, such as PTFE (Teflon)
The coating accommodates tighter tolerances between the rotors. This reduces internal air leakage and helps deliver improved compressor performance and higher efficiencies.
The new supercharger, sealed for life with premium synthetic oil, boasts a drive ratio of 2.36:1 and a maximum speed of 14,600 rpm. The drive system’s one-way clutch de-coupler improves refinement and fuel economy.
The supercharger gulps air through an Air Catcher inlet port, which replaces the driver’s-side inboard marker light and connects to a patented twin-inlet, eight-liter air box. The blower further benefits from a 92-mm throttle body – the largest ever used in a Chrysler Group vehicle.
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT models use 0W-40 synthetic oil, developed specifically for SRT vehicles by Pennzoil.
Additional cooling measures include a low-temperature circuit with two air/coolant heat exchangers integrated into the supercharger housing. This setup is designed to keep air temperatures below 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), under extreme ambient conditions, while enabling air flow of up to 30,000 liters per minute.
Drive Modes to tailor the driving experience
Whether its on-road or on-track, Challenger SRT owners can personalize their drive experience via the Drive Modes feature. Drive Modes tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering, paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), traction and suspension. Drive Modes are pre-configured for Sport, Track and Default settings, while the Custom setting lets the driver customize the drive experience to their favorite settings.
- Custom – Allows the driver to personalize the vehicle’s performance
- Sport – Delivers increased vehicle performance capability over the Default Mode
- Track – Delivers maximum vehicle performance capability on smooth, dry surfaces
- Default – Activates automatically when starting the vehicle
The Drive Mode feature is controlled through the Uconnect system and may be accessed by performing any of the following:
- Pushing the SRT button on the instrument panel switch bank
- Selecting “Drive Modes” from the “SRT & Apps” menu
- Selecting “Drive Modes” from within the Performance Pages menu
Power lock system
For the first time in Chrysler Group history, the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine comes standard with two key fobs – red and black. The red key fob is the only key that can unlock the full horsepower and torque potential of the Challenger SRT Hellcat engine; while the black key fob limits the driver to a reduced engine output.
Valet Mode is offered on both Challenger SRT and Challenger SRT with a Hellcat engine. When Valet Mode is activated, the following vehicle configurations are enabled:
- Engine is remapped to significantly reduce horsepower and torque; limited to 4,000 rpm
- Transmission locks out access to first gear and upshifts earlier than normal
- Transmission will treat the manual shifter position the same as the drive position
- Traction, steering and suspension are set to their “Street” settings
- Steering-wheel paddle shifters are disabled
- Drive Mode functions are disabled
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is enabled to Full-on
- Launch Control is disabled
The driver can activate and deactivate Valet Mode with a four-digit PIN code they create.
Source: Chrysler
Romain’s opinion:
This new engine aims at competing with the new Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette. Do you think that Chrysler will beat its two rivals with this new SRT8?
