The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, the Halo Car

Dodge brought on a much needed halo car in the early 1990’s.  While the Dodge Viper was a concept car in 1989, much of the design was retained when the vehicle went for sale.

But, when people think of Dodge, what do they think?

What comes to mind is the Grand Caravan.  While driving experience and fun aren’t usually associated with the Grand Caravan, it is a very practical vehicle with lots of utility.  It’s not uncommon to see them on the road, and personally, I think the picnic table arrangement in the back of the van is pretty cool.

Dodge needed reveal another strength outside of practicality.  The brand needed to associate with words such as “driving experience” and “fun.”

They released the Dodge Charger Hellcat.

The latest SRT Viper hasn’t been selling well as projected.  Out in the nicer areas of Southern California, it’s tough to find one on the road.

I don’t think Dodge expected the Charger Hellcat to be the halo car, but it can be one for the brand.  It is everything the Dodge Grand Caravan isn’t.  Gas mileage is an afterthought.  Speed and acceleration are priorities.

How cool is that?  How about acceleration times around 3 seconds to get to 60 miles per hour?  Is 707 horsepower enough?

That should change minds quickly.  Domestic brands are excellent at bringing a lot of horsepower per dollar.  The Dodge.com website has not yet released a manufactured suggested retail price, but it can’t be far off from the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, which is listed at $59,995.  The SRT Viper is listed at $84,995.  The Charger Hellcat can’t be more than $69,995 starting MSRP, can it?

In any case, 707 horsepower is nothing to scoff about.  It’s in the same stratosphere as a Pagani Huayra (720bhp) and a Ferrari F12 (731bhp).

The best feature about the Dodge Charger Hellcat isn’t just the horsepower.  It is the fact that you can bring your friends along for the ride.

That idea alone, makes for a different type of halo car altogether; a very fun one.