Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Roars Over 600HP

Dodge has outed its new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, billed as the most powerful V8 Chrysler has ever offered, mustering over 600 HP, sitting atop of a new Challenger range. Set to go into production in Q3 2014, the Challenger SRT Hellcat gets a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed auto gearboxes, and a "danger" key to unlock the maximum power.

For those who don't quite need – or can't quite afford – 600+ HP, there's the Challenger SRT. That gets a 392 HEMI V8, with 485 HP and 475 lb-ft of torque. It too has the same choice of auto or manual transmissions.

Both versions have Dodge's new Drive Modes system, which includes four different settings that adjust horsepower, shift speed, paddle shifter performance, traction, suspension, and – in the case of the Challenger SRT – steering reaction. As well as the Default mode, there are Track and Sport, in addition to a Custom memory slot in which the driver can save their own choice of settings.

Since you might not want everyone to get access to 600 HP, the Challenger SRT Hellcat comes with two keys. The regular black key trims the maximum power down, while the red key allows the maximum torque and power to sing free.

There's also a Valet Mode which "significantly" cuts horsepower and torque, limits engine speed to 4,000 rpm, forces the auto gearbox to upshift more readily, sets the electronic stability to its most nannying, disables the Drive Mode and paddle-shifters, and – perhaps most importantly – cuts out Launch Control. It takes a four-digit PIN to unlock Valet Mode.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of stylistic cues to help the SRT cars stand apart. The Hellcat gets split-rim seven-spoke 20 x 9.5-inch forged-aluminum rims in matte black, with 15.4-inch Brembo two-piece rotor brakes fitted with six-piston calipers. The brakes can also be optionally fitted to the regular SRT model, which has 20-inch eight-spoke black wheels as standard.

There's also a new vertical-split grille, power-bulge in the hood, a dedicated cold-air intake, and – on the Hellcat – a set of dual air extractors and an Air Catcher inlet port.

Inside, the dash gets a stamped aluminum bezel around a 7-inch driver display and analog speedo and tachometer gages, while an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen is in the center console. Climate and audio get dedicated controls as well as a touchscreen UI, and there's a media hub – with SD card slot, USB, and aux-in – under the center armrest.

Pricing for the new Challenger SRT and SRT Hellcat has not been announced at this stage.