City Rides: Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody

FACT straps in and experiences the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world.

If you’ve seen F9, the latest movie in the Fast & Furious franchise, you likely noticed the screen debut of the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody. The American muscle car is driven with gusto by Hollywood actor Vin Diesel during one of the films many jaw-dropping action sequences. As the car careers over the rough, muddy terrain of an unspecified location in Mexico, it makes a gravity-defying jump across a ravine, and at that moment, we knew we had to drive it.

While the E11 highway that connects Dubai to Abu Dhabi is not quite one of the exotic destinations seen in the movie, it provides us ample opportunity to put the car to the test.

Dodge expands its high-performance Charger model lineup, adding a Widebody exterior to America’s only four-door muscle car. Staring at the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody head-on, we were immediately impressed by the aggressive appearance of the front end. The newly designed front fascia includes a new mail-slot grille, providing the most direct route for cool air to travel into the radiator and maintain ideal operating temperature even in the hottest conditions, which is more than ideal for the Dubai summer.

Powerful proportions accentuate the powerful capabilities of this sedan, as do the prominent headlamps. The Widebody’s integrated fender flares add 3.5 inches of body width, making room for new 20-inch-by-11-inch Carbon Black forged wheels riding on wider, stickier Pirelli 305/35ZR20 tires. New side sills connect the front and rear fascias to help amplify the integrated design, while a new rear spoiler is designed to create aerodynamic balance with the new front-end design. The robustly contoured exterior immediately commands your attention and the demonic red colour of the vehicle we test drive is undoubtedly striking. 

Dodge Charger offers the best-in-class 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V-8 on the Charger SRT Hellcat, providing the car with the title of the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world. It certainly shows, offering drivers the ultimate in high-performance, comfort and road-ready confidence. The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat delivers a top speed of 195 kilometres per hour and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds!

The new competition suspension tuning with Bilstein three-mode adaptive damping produces even more grip, delivering improved performance on the street, strip and road course, making this the quickest and best-handling production Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat ever. In addition, the 15.4-inch Brembo two-piece brake rotors with six-piston front callipers allow improved stopping power, heat management and longevity, producing 60 to 0 mph stops in 107 feet.

In terms of performance, the Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody features electric power steering for the first time. Thus, providing drivers with a better steering feel and making it easier to turn at speed, allowing you to emulate the driving skills of Vin Diesel, Tyrese Gibson or Michelle Rodriguez as if you’re a member of the Fast & Furious cast. 

Inside the cabin, the leather seats are exceptionally comfortable and are electrically adjustable. The interior receives plenty of natural light thanks to the windows and sunroof, illuminating the quality materials, fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. There are plenty of storage compartments and USB ports throughout as well as ample head, shoulder and legroom for all passengers.

The exciting new car offers more than 80 safety and security features, including Full-speed Forward Collision Warning–Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control–Plus with Full Stop and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist.

The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody is a car that roars into action, is a pleasure to drive and leaves you feeling like you’re a stunt driver in a Hollywood action movie.

GO: Visit www.mideast.dodge.com for more information.