I’ve always been captivated by the Charger lineup. From the Scat Pack to the formidable Hellcat, and even the Daytona and Brass Monkey trims, each iteration holds a special appeal. The design language strikes a perfect balance between classic and contemporary, offering a comfortable yet undeniably cool interior. And the driving experience? Well, it’s raw American muscle, exactly as one might expect. However, it’s time to recalibrate those expectations, because the Widebody Charger has arrived, and it redefines what American muscle can achieve on the road.
Frankly, I was fortunate enough to spend a few days putting the Hellcat Charger Widebody through its paces in Sonoma, California. This included exhilarating sessions at the renowned Sonoma Raceway and drives along the breathtaking scenic routes of the region. It was a tough assignment, but someone had to do it.
Hellcat Charger Widebody at Sonoma Raceway
Me and the Hellcat Charger Widebody ready for action at Sonoma Raceway
During the vehicle’s presentation, the design team articulated their vision succinctly: “Our goal was to create a vehicle that was unequivocally badass. We aimed for a design that was modern, undeniably cool, and perhaps even a little audacious.” These words resonated deeply, perfectly capturing the essence of what a performance vehicle should embody.
Chris Piscitelli, the Manager of Dodge//SRT Exterior Design, encapsulated the design philosophy, yet my past experiences with the standard Hellcat models left me somewhat skeptical about whether this new Dodge could truly deliver a transformative driving experience.
Then, the engineering team took the stage and unveiled the technical enhancements that underpin the Widebody Charger. They highlighted wider Pirelli 305/35ZR20 tires, a competition-tuned suspension system featuring Bilstein adaptive damping, and enhanced electric power steering (EPS). For those less familiar with automotive jargon, let’s break this down. Wider tires mean a significantly larger contact patch with the road, translating to superior grip—akin to the difference between navigating in heels versus high-performance sneakers. An upgraded suspension system provides enhanced control and responsiveness, much like the improved handling of a mountain bike compared to a basic wagon. And enhanced steering delivers sharper, more precise vehicle control, a benefit universally appreciated by driving enthusiasts. With these substantial upgrades detailed, my initial skepticism began to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of anticipation. Perhaps, this wouldn’t be just another drive; maybe it would be something truly exceptional.
Driver in Hellcat Charger Widebody with helmet hair
Post-track session – helmet hair and a grin are the best indicators of a great drive.
And exceptional it was. The Hellcat Charger Widebody completely exceeded expectations, delivering a driving experience that was nothing short of phenomenal. The transformation was so profound, it’s hard to believe it’s the same platform.
The Hellcat Charger Widebody: Decoding the Driving Dynamics
The Good: Performance, Value, and Presence
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Unmatched Performance Value: The Hellcat Charger Widebody delivers an astonishing 707 horsepower for a price point just under $70,000. To put this into perspective, the 2020 BMW M5, producing 600 horsepower, comes with a price tag exceeding $102,000. This stark contrast underscores the exceptional value proposition of the Hellcat, offering supercar-level power at a significantly more accessible price.
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Unexpected Handling and Agility: This isn’t your typical American sedan. The Widebody Charger exhibits a level of responsiveness and agility rarely associated with vehicles of this size and heritage. Body roll is minimal, even during aggressive cornering, inspiring confidence and enabling surprisingly nimble handling. The upgraded suspension and wider tires work in perfect harmony to deliver a driving experience that feels both planted and exhilarating.
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Visually Striking with a Nod to Heritage: The new color palettes available for the Widebody Charger introduce fresh, modern tones while subtly referencing Dodge’s rich automotive history. Combined with the aggressive stance of the widebody enhancements, this Charger makes a bold visual statement. It’s the first American muscle car that doesn’t just dominate in a straight line; it’s equally capable carving through canyon roads and tackling challenging corners with poise and precision.
The Bad: Minor Refinements Desired
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Exterior Design Evolution: While the design remains true to the iconic Charger silhouette, a more significant step towards refinement and differentiation would be welcome. The Widebody treatment adds aggression, but further subtle enhancements could elevate the exterior aesthetics to match the vehicle’s advanced performance capabilities.
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Seat Dimensions for a Widebody World: The generously proportioned seats, while comfortable, might feel a bit too wide for drivers who aren’t themselves “wide-bodied.” In spirited driving, this can lead to a slight lack of lateral support for slimmer occupants. (Yes, the pun was intended).
The WTF: SRT Performance Pages Interface
- Infotainment Overload: The SRT Performance Pages interface within the infotainment system presents a bewildering array of data and customization options. While some tech enthusiasts might revel in the depth of information available, it can feel overwhelmingly complex and distracting for drivers who prefer a more streamlined and intuitive user experience. A simpler, more focused approach, perhaps akin to BMW’s M button concept, could enhance usability without sacrificing functionality.
Overall Verdict: The Apex of American Performance Sedans
The Hellcat Charger Widebody unequivocally stands as the best American performance sedan currently available. In a segment with limited direct competitors, it carves out a dominant position, offering an unparalleled blend of power, handling, and value. Furthermore, its sibling, the Scat Pack Widebody, priced around $45,000, is poised to become a ubiquitous presence in performance car circles, offering a similar widebody aesthetic and potent performance at an even more accessible price point. Dodge has truly raised the bar. Well done indeed.
