Charger SRT Hellcat

Make
Dodge
Segment
Sedan

The fact that Dodge continues to build and sell a vehicle that dates back to 2007 is an anomaly in the auto industry. Same deal for its coupe sibling, the Challenger. The reality is that both vehicles are built on the LX platform whose origins date back to the old DaimlerChrysler days. Despite its age, the LX platform underpins two of Dodge's most essential models and the most recent reports indicate it isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Case in point: the 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody. Revealed late last month, this widened version of our favorite American muscle sedan looks spectacular and with 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque on tap, its performance capabilities match its badass styling. But what about the non-widebody variant? Does it still have a future spot in the Dodge lineup?

According to MuscleCarsandTrucks.com, the answer is 'no.' In other words, the widebody exterior is now standard on the Charger Hellcat. So why is Dodge dropping the standard Charger Hellcat body? Because the discontinuation of its main foe, the Cadillac CTS-V. You see, the non-widebody Charger Hellcat had a claimed top speed of 204 mph, whereas its thickened counterpart blasts to "just" 196 mph. The Caddie could also hit 200 mph but since it's now gone, Dodge figured it could spare a few mph and also simplify its lineup. Plus, the widebody treatment, thanks in part to different tires, allows for enhanced lateral grip and handling.

Above all, the Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody remains the fastest production sedan in the world. That's what matters most, doesn't it? And speaking of the Charger Hellcat Widebody's tires... those four fat suckers are Pirellis measuring 305/35ZR20 with 20-inch by 11-inch wheels. According to Dodge, the sedan can hold a 0.96 g on the skidpad. Mighty impressive.

We've also reached out to Dodge to confirm the standard Charger Hellcat's body discontinuation and we'll update this article accordingly if we hear back. The 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody hits the showrooms this fall, and pricing will be announced closer to that time.

UPDATE: Dodge has confirmed to CarBuzz the 2020 Challenger SRT Hellcat will be widebody only. The 2020 Charger Scat Pack, however, will be available in both standard and widebody.