American muscle cars have followed the same formula for decades: big engines and rear-wheel-drive, giving these machines unparalleled speed and performance in a straight line but not so much through the curves.

The 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is no exception. And while the modern-day Mopar Hellcat features state-of-the-art accessories and options such as driver assist, a full-featured touchscreen infotainment system, and a suspension system that handles the turns much better than its ancestors, the Dodge still has a classic muscle car feel.

Competition for the 2022 Challenger Hellcat comes from other muscle cars that evolved from 1960s origins: the Chevy Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and its brand sister, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

Here are the features that make the Challenger SRT Hellcat an excellent choice for the sheer power and acceleration enthusiast.

2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

9.20 / 10
Key Features
  • Massive power from a 6.2-liter Hemi SRT V-8 that delivers a massive 717 horsepower and 656 lb.-ft. of torque.
  • Jailbreak upgrade to 807 horsepower
  • Muscle car "look" from the 1960s and 1970s
Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI SRT V-8
  • Horsepower: 717 hp
  • Torque: 656 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
Pros
  • Almost unlimited power to match competitors in the segment
  • 6-speed manual available for the muscle car purist
  • Widebody trim gives it a menacing appearance and better handling
Cons
  • Cabin provides only a few storage spaces for small items
  • ome interior plastic components give it a budget appearance

The Challenger SRT Hellcat Offers Several Outrageous Power Options

White 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
via Dodge

Dodge equipped the "Standard" SRT Hellcat and the Widebody version with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi SRT V-8 that delivers a massive 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque. The overwhelming SRT Hellcat power output is remarkable when compared to the 1970 Challenger R/T with a 6.3-liter "Magnum" V-8 that produced an impressive, for the time, 335 hp.

Compared to the other cars in the modern-day muscle-car segment, the 2022 SRT Hellcat comes in behind the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 V-8, producing 760 horsepower, but it beats out the 2022 Chevy Camaro ZL1 equipped with a 650-hp supercharged V-8.

The Redeye version pumps out 797 horsepower and 707 ft-lb of torque, enough to awe even a veteran drag strip enthusiast. However, if the Redeye is still not exciting enough, the Hellcat SRT Super Stock and Jailbreak trims boast an astonishing 807 horsepower, the highest power output of any 2022 production car.

Related: Chevy Camaro ZL1 Vs Dodge Challenger Hellcat Drag Race: The One With More Muscle Wins

A 6-Speed Manual Transmission For The Feel Of A Classic Muscle Car

Grey 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
via Dodge

The SRT Hellcat sends power to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, Dodge also offers a 6-speed manual for the traditional muscle car fanatic who reminisces about the "old days" when shifting through the gears provided unparalleled satisfaction, and "automatic" was an unspoken word.

The Hellcat's competition adaptive-damping suspension helps maintain control of the car on a twisty mountain road. Still, it is no competition for the graceful ride and nimble road holding capability of a sports car such as the 2022 Subaru BRZ.

The Widebody version offers the same transmission options, but the widener body with flared fenders, 11-inch wide (20-inch-diameter) low-gloss-black alloy wheels, and the Pirelli P305/35YR20 performance tires improve handling.

Dodge offers the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody with the 8-Speed Automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive only. Drivers stuck in rush-hour traffic will be glad they don't need to pump the clutch under stop-and-go conditions.

Related: 10 American Muscle Cars Of The '60s Ranked Worst To Best

The Challenger SRT Hellcat Acceleration Has Few Rivals

Black 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Via: Dodge

While the 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat may have the appearance of a late '60s or early '70s muscle car, its performance benefits from half a century of technological development.

According to Automobile Catalog, Challenger's fifty-two-year ancestor, the 1970 Challenger R/T accelerated to 60 mph in a respectable (for the time) 5.7 seconds and reached the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds.

The best performing 2022 Challenger SRT Hellcat is the Redeye Widebody trim fitted with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission. The Mopar accelerates to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds and reaches the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds at 125 mph.

The Challenger's sibling Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye does 0-60 mph slightly quicker at 3.5 seconds and just covers the quarter mile in three-tenths of a second faster at 126 mph. Both the 2022 Chevy Camaro ZL1 and the 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 closely match the Challenger's acceleration time of 3.5 seconds and 3.4 seconds, respectively.

The Challenger Widebody trims offer better handling with an additional 3.5-inches of overall width, wider wheels, tires, and electric power steering. The widebody adaptive damping suspension improves cornering, and Brembo six-piston brakes give the car the stopping power needed after an exhilarating acceleration.

Related: Buyers Can "Jailbreak" Their New Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebodies

The Spacious Challenger SRT Hellcat Interior Has Room For Five

Purple 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Via Dodge

Dodge redesigned the Challenger's interior in 2015, giving it a driver-centric layout with upgraded materials and straightforward switchgear. Although the cabin is spacious, it provides only a few areas for storing small items, except for a big center-console bin and a smartphone slot.

Typical of large sedans, the Challenger has plenty of trunk space, holding six carry-on-sized bags and a remarkable 15 total with the rear seat stowed. Leather touches are plentiful, but the plastic components give an overall impression of a low-budget interior, and the rear visibility is poor.

Opening the driver's side door, the cabin is inviting, with the entire dashboard positioned to face the driver. The Uconnect infotainment system boasts multiple features, including a chest-pounding six-speaker sound system, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The standard 8.4-inch touchscreen is perhaps small by today's standards but has a friendly interface, and a single finger easily selects the function icons. The display is bright and responsive, showing abundant driver information and performance statistics.

The Widebody Trims Are Worth The Extra Money

Red 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
via Dodge

The 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat model prices vary with the Base model at $64,675, the Widebody costs $70,675, the Redeye goes for $76,275, the Redeye Widebody price is $82,675, the Superstock sells for $85,675, and the Jailbreak option is $995 (starting). Besides boosting output to a remarkable 807 horsepower, the Challenger Jailbreak models include Hammerhead Grey leather seats, satin chrome and red exterior badging finishes, leather steering wheel options, yellow or blue brake calipers, and 20-inch Warp Speed lightweight satin carbon wheels, and other accents.

From a pure aesthetics viewpoint, the Widebody Hellcat version with its flared fenders looks cooler, but it also handles better than the stock version. The Redeye Widebody trim provides the best performance and good looks, but at a price of about $18,000 more than the base model Challenger Hellcat.