Skip to main content

Watch the Challenger SRT Hellcat take on an F-16 jet fighter in a quarter mile drag race

Dodge’s 707-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat has been coming up lately, mostly because people have been using that power spinning the tires, racing every car under the sun, or just smacking them into roadside trees. In this video on the /Drive youtube channel, the challenger lives up to its name taking on its toughest adversary yet: an F-16 fighter jet.

Screen Shot 2015-01-06 at 2.04.33 PM
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Yes, the 6.2-liter turbocharged HEMI V8 is powerful, but 707 hp and 645 pound-feet of torque are in no way able to best the fighting falcon’s 32,500 pounds of thrust. The question is if the Hellcat can beat the falcon off the line.

The driver of the Challenger, Road & Track Editor-in-Chief Larry Webster, takes the Dodge to a rainy runway in Miami, Florida, where the rainy weather offers him and the car no advantage. Even so, could the Challenger beat the jet to a quarter mile?

As badly as we car fans we car fans wanted to see the muscle car claim some screed of victory, the Challenger SRT Hellcat just wasn’t going to win this one, especially with the weather conditions working against it. By the time the fighter jet reached the end of the runway, it was traveling at over 500 mph, and the Hellcat wouldn’t be able to even come close to half of that.

Screen Shot 2015-01-06 at 2.05.17 PM
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Still, We’ll take any chance to see either a Hellcat or an F-16 scream down a runway at high speeds, whether they’re racing or not.

Alexander Kalogianni
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Alex K is an automotive writer based in New York. When not at his keyboard or behind the wheel of a car, Alex spends a lot of…
Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?
Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Read more
The 6 best remote car starters in 2024
Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Read more
The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024
The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.

Read more