2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak

　　

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　Dodge revived the Challenger coupe way back in 2008, and though the retro-styled muscle car tribute has seen many upgrades over the years, it rides on one of the oldest vehicle platforms still sold as a "new" car. The current Challenger, along with its Charger sedan sibling, is due to be phased out by 2024, possibly replaced by the new all-electric performance car Dodge has teased. Whatever the brand has in store for the iconic nameplate, this generation is finally coming to an end, and the 2023 Dodge Challenger begins the process of winding things down.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$285/mo  for Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak

　　Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak

　　SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl S/C 8A) (Most Popular) - $76,590 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Though the 2023 Dodge Challenger is known for producing obscene amounts of horsepower from the most aggressive versions, the lineup starts with a still powerful but less conspicuous 303-horsepower V6 in the base SXT and GT. From there, things only get spicier as every other model gets a V8 engine. Near the top of the range is the 717-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat and its even more potent variants, the Hellcat Redeye, SRT Super Stock and new SRT Demon 170.

　　The SRT Demon 170 is part of a series of "Last Call" special editions released throughout the model year. Most of them just have cosmetic differences but the Demon 170 is truly special. It's effectively an updated version of the original Demon sold for 2018. This new 170 produces 880 horsepower on 91 octane pump gas. The numbers climb to 900 hp and 810 lb-ft of torque on E10 (pump fuel containing a 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol blend) before maxing out at 1,025 horsepower and 945 lb-ft of torque with 85% ethanol race fuel. And what does this get you? Oh, just 0-60 mph in a Dodge-claimed 1.66 seconds and an NHRA-certified quarter-mile time of 8.9 seconds at 151.1 mph.

　　It seems like a pretty great way to go out on top. While we're sad to see the Challenger go, we know it's time to move on. Read our Expert Rating below for our test team's full report on the final year of the Challenger.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Challenger SRT Hellcat drive? In Hellcat Redeye trim with the Widebody package, the Challenger produces relentless straight-line speed. Despite struggling for traction, our test vehicle hit 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds at 124 mph. Braking was similarly impressive for such a heavy vehicle — stops from 60 mph took only 103 feet. 

　　Like other Challengers, the Hellcat Redeye is on the heavy side. Although the Widebody setup does help a bit with handling — we recorded a respectable 0.99 of lateral g on our skidpad test — the Challenger is still a formidable beast and needs a lot of respect. Ludicrous amounts of power are available in an instant, making it downright tricky to drive in tighter situations.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Challenger SRT Hellcat? Despite its Herculean levels of horsepower and its insane straight-line speed, the Hellcat is impressively comfortable. The adaptive suspension is stiff but forgiving, ironing out all but the largest of bumps. Adding to the comfort is an easy-to-use climate control system capable of taming baking hot summer days with ease.

　　Seat comfort is commendable too, and a few hundred miles of driving brought no discomfort or complaints from a multitude of drivers. At a standstill, the Challenger's cabin is relatively quiet. But get on it and the supercharged V8 trumpets a heady mix of V8 rumble and supercharger whine.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below