Challenger SRT Hellcat

Make
Dodge
Segment
Coupe

There's something you need to know about the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the subject of our latest unboxing review, which not everyone may be aware of. The guy in charge of developing its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 didn't tell his bosses that 707 hp was the ultimate goal. In fact, only his inner circle of fellow engineers knew the secret. Originally, Dodge wanted an engine that could make 600 hp, but that was scratched when it became known Ford was developing the 600 hp Mustang Shelby GT500.

The new goal for the Hellcat engine? 650 hp. The suits at Dodge and SRT still needed to make sure fuel economy goals would be met, and so they figured 650 ponies was as good as it could get. Clearly they were wrong.

Oh, and they still weren't told about that 707 goal. So when the Challenger Hellcat reveal finally came, it wasn't only car enthusiasts who were shocked. Fiat Chrysler and Dodge executives were told of that official output not long before. Dodge powertrain engineers are awesome. Special thanks to San Leandro Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram for letting us film the car.