Watch the Hellcat Challenger Dash to 60 in Under 4 Seconds

I have had multiple opportunities to drive the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, including the media launch at Portland International Raceway and on the track at the Chrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds, but when I took delivery of the 707hp Mopar muscle car at my house, I had my first chance to drive the car on the roads that I know best. In addition to cruising around my local roads in the 707hp Hellcat Challenger, I was able to see how the beast handled public roads. Sure, I was able to pull great 0-60 times on the tracks in Portland and Chelsea, but how would all of that power translate into street use?

Well, it turns out that the Hellcat Challenger can lay down impressive times to 60 even on loose road surfaces.

Hellcat Challenger –vs- Real World Roads
When the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat was first introduced with 707 horsepower and 650lb-ft of torque, the naysayers were quick to question the big coupe’s ability to use that power. After all, a car that can only use 500 or its 707 horsepower in the real world really isn’t any better off than a stock 500hp car. Fortunately, the NHRA certified quarter mile times of 11.2 with the stock tires and real-world track times in the 10-second range have made it very clear that the Hellcat Challenger can put the power to the ground in the right situations – but what about on the road?

Sure, we don’t want to condone street racing, but there is no question that many muscle car owners eventually flex their motor muscles on the road, so I wanted to see how well the 3-season performance tires of the Hellcat Challenger would grip the dusty, dirty Michigan roads.

At first, I left the adjustable drive mode system in full default, meaning that the suspension, throttle response, transmission shift pattern and traction control were all set to their most comfortable option. Without using any of the electronics to my advantage, I found that I was able to pull mid 4-second 0-60 times very consistently, with the occasional 4.2. However, when I began changing the settings to those which offers improved performance, those average numbers dipped into the low 4-second range with the best times breaking into the high 3s.

Once I saw that a high 3-second 0-60 time was capable on the street with the 3-season tires, my goal was to see how far into the 3s I could get. I switched the suspension system to street mode, which provides the least cornering support, but it also allows the best weight transfer. I also disabled traction control altogether so that only my right foot decided when the throttle needed to be a little lighter. With everything set to Track except for the suspension and traction control systems, I was able to reel off repeated high 3-second 0-60s. These 3.8 and 3.9 second runs became the norm with this setup and my best times had me hitting 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds.

That is a factory stock 4,500lb muscle car – one that will comfortably seat four adults and get better than 25mpg on the highway - ripping from a stop to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds on normal street tires in normal street conditions.

A couple of these 3-second 0-60 runs are available below, showing the Hellcat Challenger rocketing to 60 (and maybe a little beyond) from a variety of different angles – proving that the supercharged Mopar muscle car can most certainly use that power. Oh, and it sounds pretty incredible while in action, so crank up your speakers and enjoy!