Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat debuts with more than 600 hp

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Published May 20, 2014

High Gear Media

 

Following the debut of the updated 2015 Challenger lineup at the 2014 New York Auto Show last month, Dodge has now dropped the first details on the high-performance variant developed by the brand’s in-house tuner SRT: the 2015 Challenger SRT. We can confirm that the car will come in two flavors, one of which is nicknamed the Hellcat and powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8. The other comes with the previous Challenger SRT's 392 6.4-liter HEMI V-8.
ALSO SEE: New High-Performance 2015 Ford Mustang Spied: Possible SVO?

The 2015 Challenger SRT 392 makes do with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, while the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat is said to deliver more than 600 horsepower, making the latter the most powerful V-8-powered car ever launched by a Chrysler brand. Looking past the addition of its blower, the supercharged engine also benefits from strengthened internals and special materials optimized for superior thermal conductivity. It also gets a bright orange finish for its aluminum rocker covers. Final specifications will be announced closer to the market launch later this year.
Drive for both Challenger SRT variants is channeled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or available TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters, plus a new limited-slip differential. As part of the 2015 Challenger update, the SRT variants also gain a new Drive Modes feature. This allows the driver to tailor the driving experience by controlling horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering (Challenger SRT only), paddle shifter response (automatic transmission only), traction and suspension. The driver can also choose from pre-configured modes including Sport, Track and a Default setting. Interestingly, the Challenger SRT Hellcat gets two individual keys: One in black for reduced output and another red one to unleash the full 600-plus-horsepower output. These is even a PIN-activated Valet mode for both variants that, among other things, limits power and access to the first gear.

The Challenger SRT duo also share the same visual updates as the regular 2015 Challenger, including front-end styling inspired by the iconic 1971 Challenger, such as the split grille. As a special touch, the aluminum hood gets an intake inspired by hood on the Viper launched in 1996. Other SRT-specific elements include the 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with available Pirelli P Zero tires, Brembo brakes, lowered suspension and the large splitter. The brakes are the biggest ever fitted to an SRT vehicle and feature two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers up front.

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Inside, owners will be treated with a driver-focused cabin and a few additional 1971 Challenger-inspired elements. Modern touches include the configurable 7-inch display in the main instrument cluster and 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen in the center console. A new, trapezoidal shaped stamped aluminum center console provides the Challenger SRT’s interior with a fresh look, and is joined by leather-wrapped surfaces and a new media hub with an SD card slot, USB outlet and audio jack.

The Challenger SRT models also offer performance seats with large side bolsters for maximum lateral support in hard cornering. The seats can be covered in Nappa leather and Alcantara, and come with embroidered SRT logos. Finally, a redesigned SRT-branded heated steering wheel with a flat-bottom design is fitted.

Look for the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT duo to join the rest of the 2015 Challenger lineup in showrooms in the second half of the year. Production will take place at the same Brampton Assembly plant in Canada where all Challengers are currently built.

Talk to Lithia Klamath Falls about the new Dodge Challenger! www.lithiaklamathfalls.com/

 

Human Transformer - NOLATron

By  Jeremy Korzeniewski RSS feed Google+

Posted May 17th 2014 7:11PM

 

We're sure this human-size Transformer would say that he does it for the kids, but somehow we think there's just as much adult-spec geeking out for anyone so in love with Transformers that they would be willing to build a costume and walk around wearing it in public. And, if we're honest, we ourselves are just geeky enough that we'd probably do it, too. For the kids, of course.

Check out this real-life Transformer street performer from Ann Arbor, Michigan convert from a walking and talking robot into a bright yellow Hummer/Cadillac thing that's actually capable of moving under its own power in the video below. After all, it's significantly more entertaining than the last couple Transformers films you probably saw in theaters...

Silverstone Classic 'Bullitt' homage

 



Because we love the Mustang - even the fastback - here's another Bullitt posting:



The famous car chase from the movie Bullitt is
memorable for being exciting to watch, yet raw and believable at the
same time. It didn’t have any of that Fast and Furious excessive shifting malarkey that was really embarrassing and showed whoever made the movie was a) unprofessional, b) not a car person and c) thought the entire audience consisted of halfwits.

That's
why you won't see anybody decades from now using a reenacted F&F
chase to commemorate an important event, like it happened with the
Bullitt chase and the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang (that will take place at the Silverstone Classic event).

In
the movie, a ’67 fastback gives chase to Dodge Charger, through the
pronounced uphill and downhill roads of San Francisco, yet here these
were replaced with the grounds of and the track at Silverstone. The same
kind of atmosphere as the movie is retained, and cues are placed all
throughout for those who’ve seen the original one – it’s actually quite
well made; a proper tribute to a proper chase!

Escape the Minivan Mom Rut! Top 10 Cars for Moms....on Mother's Day

Minivans are popular with moms, and for very good reason. It's hard to beat these versatile haulers if you're looking for spacious, family-friendly transportation.
But there's also a very vocal contingent of moms out there who are most definitely not on the minivan bandwagon. "Too generically suburban," they groan.
These women would rather get behind the wheel of a vehicle that goes about its family-friendly work in a way that's perhaps less obvious. For them, it's important that their choice of vehicle reflect their personality, in addition to handling all the chores that come with parenting.
If this sounds like you (or someone you love), you're in luck. Here are 10 vehicles, listed in alphabetical order, geared toward 10 very different types of moms. And there's not a single minivan in the bunch.

 1. BMW X3
With the BMW X3, driving-enthusiast moms get a compact crossover that boasts a truly sporting experience while offering enough spaciousness and all the amenities needed to accommodate offspring. Its handling is crisp and its reflexes are sharp, making it a delight on the road. And the X3's handsome, well-appointed cabin is a pleasure to experience, with rear legroom that's among the most generous in the segment.

2. Ford Escape

Ford's Escape is the Type-A overachiever of the compact crossover segment. While rivals like the Honda CR-V offer just one engine, the Escape allows buyers to choose from several engines. Also on tap are two attributes valued in suburbia and beyond: strong fuel efficiency and a wide complement of tech features. It's the perfect choice for the hard-working mom who's constantly multitasking.

3. Ford Flex

The Flex's distinctively boxy profile has an alternative bent that may make it appealing to hipster moms who still like to rock out to Alt Nation on Sirius/XM. It's got more than just striking sheet metal in its favor, though. Its roomy cabin seats up to seven passengers in comfort, and its lengthy list of optional features includes an automated parking system that offers guidance in parallel-parking situations.

4. GMC Acadia

Whether it's organizing a family road trip or planning a quick trek to Sam's Club, some moms are skilled in the art of tackling all challenges without breaking a sweat. The GMC Acadia boasts similar credentials. This large crossover delivers a smooth ride that makes it an agreeable companion both around town and on long road trips. It seats up to eight passengers and features a massive cargo area tailor-made for Ikea excursions.

5. Kia Optima

The Kia Optima brings something to the table that many family sedans don't have: genuine sex appeal. Its assertive sheet metal turns heads, and makes it a great choice for moms who like being in the spotlight. But there's more to this car than its bold good looks. With brisk acceleration, it's a pleasure to drive. It offers lots of high-end amenities (such as a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats) that aren't available on some rivals. When you consider its long list of standard features and modest price tag, it's clear that this sedan is a smart value.

6. Kia Soul

The words that best describe the Soul are youthful and spunky, and as such, it's well-suited for a youthful, spunky sort of mom. Angular lines give its sheet metal a look that's a refreshing contrast to the rounded curves that dominate today's automotive landscape. Its cabin is spacious, and it comes with standard features that include satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Available for less than $15,000, the Soul's price tag may be low, but it never feels cheap.

7. Porsche Cayenne

Porsche's Cayenne is what well-heeled 911 drivers move on to when faced with the responsibilities of parenthood. It offers the spectacular driving dynamics you would expect from a Porsche, along with no-holds-barred luxury that makes its spectacularly decked-out cabin a feast for all the senses. If you're the sort of mom who wants a vehicle that makes it clear you can afford the very best, the superlative Cayenne is the pick for you.

8. Subaru Outback

For moms who frequently like to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for more rustic pursuits, the Subaru Outback is a must-have. Measuring in at a towering 8.7 inches, ground clearance is ample. Combine this with standard all-wheel drive and it's clear that the Outback is purpose-built for off-road adventures, whether on sand or snow. Another plus is its cavernous cargo hold, which is spacious enough to accommodate the accoutrements of an outdoorsy lifestyle.

9. Toyota Prius V

The Prius V is a great fit for hypermiling moms who like the idea of saving gas while doing their bit for the environment. The V's hybrid powertrain helps it manage a stellar 42 mpg combined (44 mpg city/40 mpg highway), making it a top pick in its class for fuel economy. Its backseat slides fore and aft to allow palatial rear legroom, and cargo capacity in this wagon is generous enough to rival that of a small crossover SUV.

10. Volvo XC60

All moms value safety, but for the mom who's more safety-conscious than most, there's the Volvo XC60. It earned a perfect five stars in government crash tests, and offers a seemingly endless list of safety features. Included are Volvo's low-speed collision avoidance system, pedestrian detection and a driver-attention monitor that issues a warning if the driver appears to be drowsy at the wheel.