Cheer up, America: The 707 HP Dodge SRT Hellcat is more fun than soccer, anyway

By Nick Jaynes Published July 10, 2014

If the World Cup has you down, let me cheer you up: Dodge has officially rated the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat at 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. That makes it the most powerful Dodge – and muscle car – ever.

To put that into perspective, it’s more powerful than the V10-powered Viper, the Ford Mustang GT500, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and Corvette Z06 … and the Lamborghini Aventador.

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat — Image used with permission by copyright holder

What on earth makes so much muscle? None other than the SRT-tuned, supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, which is mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. What’re the 0 to 60 times? Forget about it. You won’t be able to get to 60; at full throttle, you’ll just burn rubber … and I’m OK with that.

If you’re worried you’d never be able to really use a muscle car with 707 ponies, fear not. The Hellcat will come with two key fobs from the factory: a black one and a red one. The red one, as you might have well guessed, unleashes all 707 thunderous horses. With the black key fob, the driver is privy to just 500 horsepower. You know, for sensible daily driving.

Keen to know what it’s like to drive? So am I. Luckily for us both, DT will be behind the wheel of the Hellcat in two weeks time. So be sure to check back soon for both a first drive video and report.

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Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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