Dodge Sets 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat Price at $59,995
Dodge has confirmed the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat will start at $59,995 in the US, positioning the 707-horsepower coupe as the most powerful and expensive Challenger yet.
Dodge has officially announced the starting price for its most powerful production car to date, the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat. The supercharged V8 coupe will start at $59,995 in the United States, excluding destination and gas guzzler tax. This figure makes the Hellcat the range-topping Challenger, both in terms of price and performance.
Official Pricing for the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Engine and Performance Details
The SRT Hellcat is based on the facelifted Challenger platform and represents a significant leap for Dodge’s muscle car lineup. Under the bonnet, the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat boasts a 6.2-litre HEMI V8 engine fitted with a supercharger. This powerplant delivers an impressive 707 horsepower (527 kW) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, making it the most powerful engine ever fitted to a production Challenger at the time of its release. Buyers can choose between a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic transmission, catering to different driving preferences.
Dodge has not released a full set of acceleration figures, but the company has confirmed that the Hellcat can cover the quarter mile in 11.2 seconds on standard Pirelli P Zero tyres, reaching 125 mph (201 km/h) at the finish line. This performance places the Hellcat ahead of any previous Challenger and among the fastest production muscle cars from any American manufacturer at the time.
| Engine | 6.2-litre supercharged HEMI V8 |
|---|---|
| Power | 707 hp (527 kW) |
| Torque | 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) |
| Gearbox options | 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic |
| Quarter mile (manufacturer) | 11.2 seconds at 125 mph |
Pricing Compared to Rivals and Other Challengers
The Hellcat’s pricing places it above the standard Challenger SRT 392, reflecting the substantial increase in power and upgraded hardware. At $59,995, the Hellcat undercuts some European sports cars with similar power outputs, although buyers should be aware that this price does not include destination fees or the mandatory gas guzzler tax. For reference, the previous SRT Viper started at nearly $100,000, making the Hellcat a more accessible option for those seeking high performance without entering six-figure territory.
When compared to its American rivals, the Challenger SRT Hellcat’s price and performance stand out. At launch, neither the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 nor the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 matched the Hellcat’s 707 horsepower. This made the Hellcat the most powerful production muscle car available from a mainstream American manufacturer in 2015.
Market Availability and Export Policy
Dodge has confirmed that the Challenger SRT Hellcat will be available exclusively in North America. The company has stated that there are no plans to offer this model in Europe, citing regulatory and market factors as reasons for this decision. This means that enthusiasts outside North America will not have access to the Hellcat through official channels. For more information on Dodge’s export policies, the manufacturer has previously clarified its stance regarding the Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcat models and their availability outside the United States.
Significance in the Muscle Car Segment
The introduction of the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat marked a milestone for Dodge and the American muscle car segment. With its supercharged V8 producing 707 horsepower, the Hellcat set a new benchmark for power in a production muscle car from a major manufacturer. Its aggressive pricing strategy broadened the appeal of high-performance vehicles, making extreme horsepower more accessible to enthusiasts who might otherwise be priced out by more expensive sports cars.
The Hellcat’s arrival also sparked renewed competition among American automakers, encouraging rivals to develop even more powerful versions of their own muscle cars. This move contributed to a new era of high-performance vehicles in the United States, with Dodge’s offering leading the charge in terms of both output and value for money.
Summary
With the official announcement of its $59,995 starting price, the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat established itself as a dominant force in the muscle car market. Its combination of a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8, a choice of manual or automatic transmission, and a manufacturer-quoted quarter-mile time of 11.2 seconds made it a standout option for performance enthusiasts in North America. While it was not made available in Europe, the Hellcat’s legacy as the most powerful production muscle car from a mainstream American brand in 2015 remains significant.
