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Inspired by a WWII fighter, the 805-hp Hellcat X makes the original look tame

Long before the Dodge Challenger Hellcat took the automotive world by storm, another Hellcat ruled the skies. In the later stages of WWII, the carrier-based Grumman F6F Hellcat was the Navy’s dominant fighter, using a combination of a 2000-horsepower engine and Browning machine guns to combat the legendary Mitsubishi Zero in the Pacific Theater.

An experimental prototype called the XF6F added even more speed to the aircraft, adding supercharger and turbocharger technology to the 18-cylinder powerplant for maximum power. The XF6F-6 was the fastest version of the Hellcat, and could top 417 mph under the right conditions.

A new muscle car has been revealed by an organization called Dream Giveaway, and it takes cues from that very flying machine. Starting with the base Challenger Hellcat, the company contracted Walsh Motorsports to add two turbochargers to the supercharged 6.2-liter V8, culminating in a total power output of 805 hp and 800 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the standard car — which already accomplishes the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds on stock tires — those are improvements of 98 hp and 150 lb-ft.

Dodge-Challenger-SRT-Hellcat-X-contest-2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why? Besides the obvious answer (why not?), the car is being raffled for charity. Dream Giveaway supports several organizations including New Beginning Children’s Homes, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Disabled American Veterans, and more, and tickets are just $3 each.

If your number is pulled from the proverbial bucket, you’ll win the tire-shredding beast shown above, but that’s just the start. You’ll also get a 1970 Challenger 440 R/T, complete with a 375-hp V8 and a pistol grip four-speed manual … for comparison purposes. Oh, and an extra $40,000.

Along with more forced induction than a B-17 Flying Fortress, the X also features some unique styling enhancements that differentiate it from the regular Hellcat. Aviation-inspired aluminum air extractors, a center hood scoop, an accented front grille surround, and a decklid spoiler are the highlights, but with this much power on board, making yourself known shouldn’t be a problem.

Enter to win a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat X here!

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
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