It's been just a month since order books for the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat opened, and the muscle car->ke507 is already a big hit. That's the word coming from Dodge->ke28 CEO Tim Kuniskis, who said that more than 5,000 orders have been placed for the beefed-up Challenger as of 10/31/2014. Far from surprising really, considering the Hellcat cranks out a massive 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque for a sticker of only $60,990 including destination.
However, the huge amount of orders came as a bit of surprise for Dodge, with many dealers being unable to meet demand, as all deliveries are booked until December 2014. According to a Dodge dealers quoted by Allpar, Challenger Hellcats are going for as much as $10,000 over sticker due to the low stock. That's up to $70,000 and it seems people are willing to pay that much to take a lightning-fast Hellcat home. It's not something prospective Hellcat buyers would like to hear right now, but at least production is not limited to 1,200 units annually as rumored earlier in 2014.
Click past the jump to read more about the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
Why it matters
The fact that the Challenger SRT Hellcat is a sales hit is excellent news for Dodge. On the other hand, a lot of customers are about to get cranky over the next few months for not having the much-anticipated, 707-horsepower muscle car delivered for Christmas. The solution appears to be simple, at least in theory. Dodge needs to increase Hellcat production ASAP. in order to avoid huge waiting lists and ludicrous, unapproved premiums at the dealership. In practice, loading more Hellcats on the assembly line might not be that simple, but we'll be back to report on the matter as soon as Dodge makes a decision.
Issues aside, it's great to see the Hellcat has spawned so much interest. The automotive industry may be headed toward a green, electrified future, but it seems there are plenty of gearheads willing to pay in excess of $60K for gas-guzzling, tire-shredding muscle car. Enthusiasts are tripping over themselves for a chance to own a beefed-up pony and that's a thing Ford->ke31 and Chevrolet->ke199 should try to exploit as well. We need supercharged Mustangs, and we needed them five minutes ago!
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
With 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque on tap, the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the most powerful, factory-built muscle car ever created. The newest member of the Challenger lineup is also the quickest muscle car ever built, at least in a straight line.
The massive amount of power the supercharged, 6.2-liter, HEMI V-8 sends to the rear wheels enables the Hellcat to run the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds with standard Pirelli tires and in only 10.8 seconds with drag radials. That makes the Challenger Hellcat quicker than a host of supercars at the drag strip, including the Nissan GT-R Track Pack.
Distinguished by numerous details inside and out, including a unique front fascia design, larger wheels and huge Brembo brakes, the 2015 Challenger Hellcat SRT retails from $60,990, including destination and gas-guzzler tax. When there's no supply shortage, that is!