2015 Hellcat makes 707HP

True, the Shelby is quite the car as well-no hype with either car, IMO. I might need to consider ordering one as well. It might very well be one of the high points of what would be considered a classic musclecar. I can't imaging this new horsepower war can continue much longer in the form of massive engines. Cars will still be fast, but in a far different form.

 

Hardly. A large, FI engine does not need that many gears unless it is a very close ratio that creates an advantage on a road course. Besides, they will offer a paddle shifted 8 speed for those so inclined.

 

Apples to Oranges comparison & not even applicable. An FI motor has the ability to rev to 18,000 rpms+++, thus proving an additional 12,000 rpm power-band over the Dodge's approximate 6,000-6,500 rpm redline.

 

I think he meant Forced Induction, not Formula 1.

 

Depends on the gearing. My 2010 ZR1 has plenty of torque, but 6th gear is a true top speed gear, similar to most European cars, as opposed to other Corvettes with a sky high 0.50:1 6th. The C7 has the tight gearing in 1-6, with a tall 7th. Despite having a big V8, it can get 30+ mpg, whereas the C6 ZR1 can barely manage 20 mpg.

I suspect Dodge will utilize a tall 6th in deference to fuel economy. The only downside will be acceleration in the 140+ mph range.....academic, unless you are running the Texas Mile.

 

I postulated the same thing at the end of this article I wrote about my then new 661 HP V12 SL65 Black Series.

Review: 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series | The Truth About Cars

Never would have imagined that 5 years later, there would be GT500s and Challengers running around with even more power. Unbelievable how big bore motors have managed to continue to thrive in this political climate.

 

I find the "Political climate" statement, counter-intuitive. How would it figure for the current administration to bail out the Big 3 Auto Makers, then limit their potential sales/purchasing audience by limiting horsepower of their collective vehicles?! Being the "High Horsepower" models such as Corvette, Camaro, GT500s, Various Hemi cars, account for a tremendous revenue stream for the Big 3.

You're bear hunting & your dogs are barking up at an empty tree.

 

percentage wise, both revenue and profits of the high performance cars are pretty small. Dodge Rams, Caravans and Jeeps are where the $$$ is made.

I applaud Chrysler for making this car, it's a real beast. I'll have to get my hands on one someday

 

They didn't "bail out" Ford. And other than some offensive elements of the BK, I really didn't have an issue with saving our domestic auto industry as EVERY other car producing country on the planet has assisted their industry in both overt and covert fashion-but, that's a discussion for another forum.
There are already many elements in place that could cause this incredible power war to vanish-CAFE regs, public perception(right or wrong) that finds such vehicles offensive, a buyer segment that prefers smaller Hybrid hot rods that achieve comparable or better performance that doesn't follow a traditional formula(that many already have no loyalty towards), insurance(one of the biggest factors in the demise of the original musclecars) and
a very limited market as the costs of these domestic musclecars rise-and one that creates a pushback from some buyers(I believe unjustified) to paying that much for a "lowly" domestic vehicle.

 

correct.

Good points, although I think those issues may be addressed with the auto.

Agreed, and yes I hope to drive one soon, as well. I lived through the original HP wars and remember how many of the extreme editions were not fully appreciated until years later. I believe cars like this Challenger will be considered end of an era icons in years to come.

 

I'm extremely curious about the dependability of the new 8 speed automatic.
700+HP going through a new design 8 speed, propelling a car weighing 4,300 lbs (estimated) that must assuredly is going to be Abused, will quickly bring into light any & all flaw designs.

 

this is the ZF 8HP90 gearbox also found in the Bentley Mulsanne, rated to 900 ft/lbs of torque...I think it will be just fine

 

Should be a brute. The auto will help sell quite a few more cars, IMO. Will there be a limit on production?

 

Hello Chas; I've Loong respected your demeanor, opinions, & your "Good Natured Attitude", Many could learn from your approach. Well enough with the "Kissey Face".

Where did you obtain the spec info in regards to the Dodge using the ZF transmission/s?

ZF are famous for being "Bullet-proof" have one in my DeTomaso Pantera.

Be interested in knowing if Dodge goes the extra mile, And adds a transmission cooler to the ZF.

 

it was on their website 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | driveSRT

that site is a bit of a mess (all pics, hard to find details) but the important stuff is there if you look. you have to scroll down to the transmission options and click on the automatic for the details. I don't see a mention of a trans cooler but you'd certainly expect one.

btw it doesn't come in Plum Crazy; mistake IMO.

 

The LS7 Corvette using Titanium connecting rods, I wonder what material the Hellcat connecting rods are made out of?!

I completely Agree in regards to the omission of the Plum Crazy body color, there is so much retro late 60s-early 70s inspired features that could have been utilized in the 2015 model.

Does the link you posted mention anything about a 4 link rear suspension or adjustable coil-over shocks?

I wonder if the 6 speed manual has a lock-out reverse?

Always baffled why the designers don't poll the motorhead public for their inputs & suggestions, I believe I could have improved upon the design/features!

This Front Page Quote on their website made me LAUGH....."The driver's side parking lamp was deleted to enable an Air Catcher cold-air intake, helping the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® deliver 'class-by-itself' horsepower and torque"
- Mark Trostle, Head of Design for SRT, Mopar and Motorsports

REALLY???!!!....Well do Please tell inquiring minds....How MUCH Exactly was that cold air intake WORTH in Horsepower???!!

That kind of Senseless hyperbole Really Bothers Me!!!....BACK UP your statement with some actual testing FACTS!!!

Does the engine have piston oil squirters to help cool the pistons due to increased heat from Super-Charging?!
Is the oil pan baffled & have trap door & windage tray?!
If Dodge's intention is to market this "High Horsepower" motor to Gearheads?!...How about going into minute details of the engine's internals?!

PISS-POOR promotion of their "Hellcat" in this 1 Gearhead's opinion!!!

 

Buh-bye Mark.

 

who was that? very odd.

 

He got banned for that (seemingly innocuous . . . e.g. no curse words) rant or safe to assume that there was something more to it?

 

His most famous incarnation was Red Head Seeker. But there have been about a half dozen reappearances with other names.

 

thank you
while he has every right to voice his opinions, the gent he quoted is a close friend of mine & I wanted to remind the poster to keep it professional & not personal

 

Doesn't hurt to add that he had no idea what he was talking about. He's obviously very unfamiliar with high hp cars.

 

Agreed. That's a very tactful way to put it.

 

Numbers are in:

11.2 on street tires
10.8 on street legal drag radials

Now, I am impressed