They say the journey is just as important as the destination, and when your ride is a Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody, every mile becomes an adventure. The annual Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, a legendary gathering for Dodge and Mopar enthusiasts, served as the perfect destination for an unforgettable road trip in this high-performance sedan. For decades, the sprawling Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania have been a magnet for Chrysler aficionados. The show is a vibrant tapestry of classic Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars interwoven with the raw power of modern Challengers and Chargers, creating a unique intergenerational Mopar community that draws thousands of car lovers from across the nation.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody on the road
Having been a regular at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals for over 30 years, the opportunity to pilot a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody from Detroit to Carlisle was irresistible. This wasn’t just a drive; it was a pilgrimage in a 707-horsepower chariot. The journey, a 1,100-mile round trip, would take me through the flat stretches of the Ohio Turnpike and then onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a serpentine route that carves through the Allegheny Mountains, punctuated by tunnels that added an extra layer of intrigue to the drive. The PA Turnpike, a vital artery across Pennsylvania, promised a driving experience as dynamic as the car itself. Adding to the excitement was the recent recognition Dodge received from J.D. Power, achieving the coveted No. 1 ranking in initial quality among domestic brands. This accolade, after 34 years of the study, solidified what many already knew: Dodge is at the pinnacle of performance and quality. The brand’s impressive leap from seventh place to the top spot underscored their commitment to excellence.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody on the road
The J.D. Power award isn’t a mystery to anyone who has experienced the Charger Hellcat Widebody. It’s not just a performance car; it’s the world’s most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan, a testament to American muscle and engineering prowess. This car embodies duality, capable of refined cruising one moment and unleashing ferocious power the next. Devouring miles on the turnpike was effortless for the Hellcat, reminiscent of Pacman on a power pellet binge. The supercharger’s whine, a symphony of power, became addictive, especially when dipping into the throttle. Inside, the cabin offered a sanctuary of comfort with heated and cooled leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and advanced safety features like Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, ensuring peace of mind even with the immense power at your fingertips.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody interior
The Pitch Black exterior of the Charger Hellcat exuded menace, a modern echo of the iconic 1968 Charger from Bullitt. However, unlike its movie star predecessor with a 440 Magnum and skinny tires, the 2020 Charger Hellcat Widebody wields a 6.2L supercharged HEMI® engine eager to vaporize its massive 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires. The HEMI’s monstrous 650 lb.-ft. of torque is the culprit behind this tire-shredding capability. While the classic movie Charger lost wheel covers in its chase scenes, the modern Hellcat boasts imposing 20-inch-by-11-inch split-five spoke wheels in Low-gloss Carbon Black, punctuated by red Brembo brake calipers. The TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission anticipated every gear change, seamlessly downshifting and upshifting through the Pennsylvania hills. Navigating the varied terrain, the engine and transmission worked in perfect harmony. Six-piston Brembo brakes provided confident stopping power, while the competition suspension with Bilstein adaptive damping kept the car planted and composed.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody engine
The 2020 Charger Hellcat Widebody is a force of nature, a 4,400-pound missile delivering speed and exhilaration while adhering to social distancing – purely by virtue of its blistering pace. Driving it is an immersive experience, demanding focus and rewarding with visceral thrills. The Hellcat’s bipolar nature is part of its charm. It can purr calmly in city traffic, even in sweltering heat, but with a press of the SRT button and engaging “TRACK” mode, it transforms. The car sharpens dramatically as the Bilstein shocks recalibrate and the transmission shifts become brutally firm, delivering a physical jolt with each upshift at full throttle, a reminder of the raw power being unleashed.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody on display
Arriving at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, the Charger Hellcat Widebody was proudly displayed in the Dodge exhibit among other J.D. Power award-winning vehicles from the Brotherhood of Muscle. Enthusiasts flocked to admire the car, many experiencing the thrill of the Challenger and Charger Hellcats firsthand at the Dodge Thrill Rides on Carlisle’s Autocross Track. They experienced the same sensations of power, speed, safety, and comfort that defined the road trip. Dodge’s number one ranking in the J.D. Power Initial Quality survey is no fluke, and with future models on the horizon, their reign at the top seems secure. This Charger Hellcat road trip to Carlisle was more than just a drive; it was a powerful affirmation of Dodge’s commitment to performance and quality, experienced mile after exhilarating mile.
