Dodge has adding 2018 Challenger Hellcat with a widebody option to the range. The same wide
fenders we first saw on the Demon, which add 3.5 inches to the vehicle’s
overall width and provide shelter for the new 20x11-inch ‘Devil’s Rim’ aluminum
wheels dressed with 305/35 Pirelli P-Zeros.
Dodge has also added a new electric power steering
system with SRT drive modes for the first time in a Hellcat, to help in
managing the increased grip. The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody
also features an aluminum hood with center intake and dual heat extractors,
exclusive illuminated Air-Catcher headlamps, a front splitter directly from the
Demon, a Hellcat-exclusive new grille and fender badges and a set of standard
Brembo brakes with two-piece 15.4-inch rotors and six-piston front calipers.
Power continues to come from the supercharged
6.2-litre Hemi V8 with 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque, with customers able to
choose between a six-speed Tremec manual or an eight-speed Torqflite automatic
transmission.
Dodge reckons that the new Widebody version of the
Hellcat is a much faster car around the track when compared to its regular
sibling, citing their own tests. On a 1.7-mile track, the Hellcat Widebody
managed to lap 2 seconds faster than the regular Hellcat. Dodge also claims a
0.3sec improvement on the quarter mile (10.9sec vs 11.2sec), as well as better
g forces on the lateral skid pad (0.97g over 0.93g of the standard model).
0-60 mph now comes in 3.4 seconds, versus the 3.5
seconds of the regular Hellcat, while top speed is rated at 195 mph. The new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Widebody has a starting price of US$ 72,590 MSRP, including a US$ 1,700 gas guzzler
tax and a US$ 1,095 destination fee.
