The Hellcat engine has become a widely appreciated icon. Upon its release, it was the most powerful engine to be fitted to a muscle car and the largest in any Dodge vehicle. The first iteration made a stunning 707hp and its tradition will continue in the new 2020 Challenger SRT Hellcat.

From diamond-infused washers to extensive testing, the Hellcat certainly has had an interesting development. Consumer response has been substantial, encouraging Dodge to add even more refinements to the technology. The best-in-class V8 has made it to Ward’s 10 Best Engines list and seen its share of mods like the 1,000HP Hennessey kit.

The 6.2L Hemi engine features a 2.4L supercharger, 650lb-ft of torque, and a tuned roar that is remarkably engaging.

Let’s find out more about the Hellcat engine and its use in the Dodge Challenger SRT.

The Original 707HP V8

Dodge SRT Challenger Hellcat Engine V8 Chrysler
via miamilakesautomall.com

Engineers at FCA set out to make the most powerful Dodge engine ever when they were tasked with working on the Hellcat. Following hints of the mighty new engine, Ford began developing a Mustang engine with over 600hp. In response, teams at FCA began working on a more powerful engine, shrouded in secrecy. “We built it because we could…We wanted to make a statement and move the brand forward”, said Chris Cowland, director of SRT powertrain development.

The original 707hp engine, named after WWII’s Grumman F6F “Hellcat” fighter plane, was equipped with an IHI supercharger. The 14,600rpm supercharger incorporated boost-regulating features such as an electronic bypass valve and integral charge coolers for the 2.4L blower.

The charge cooler is integrated into the supercharger to provide optimal air cooling prior to combustion.  An electronically controlled exhaust valve contributed to its pleasantly powerful sound.   The throttle body of the Hellcat was larger than other Chrysler models at 92mm.

Use In The Dodge Challenger

2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
via roadandtrack.com

The Hellcat engine was implemented in the Dodge Challenger SRT (and Charger) for the 2015 model year. The car was met with rave reviews, a formidable adversary in the competition between the Mustang and Camaro. It was referred to by MotorTrend as the “ultra-mighty, simultaneously genre-defining and -smashing, muscular monster from Mopar” amongst adages praising its performance.

RELATED: Hemi Powered SRT Charger Hellcat Rendered With Transparent Hood

The 1,000-HP Hennessey Upgrade

Dodge Challenger Hellcat SRT Hennessey Upgrade
via hennesseyperformance.com

Hennessey offers three upgrades for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, including the HPE850, HPE1000 Supercharged and the HPE1000 Hellcat Redeye. The Hellcat Redeye is the most powerful of the three, adding an array of upgrades and high performance components for an insane 1035hp at 6500rpm and 948 lb-ft of torque at 4200rpm.

This upgrade includes the addition of high-flow catalytic converter and supercharger bypass valves along with upgrades to the throttle body, supercharger pulley and fuel injectors. The supercharger is bumped up to a 4.5L system and dyno testing courtesy of Hennessey.  According to Hennessey Performance, a HPE1200 upgrade for the 2019 Challenger Hellcat Redeye is in the works.

The 2020 Challenger Hellcat Reaches 199MPH

2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Performance
via dodge.com

Dodge offers 15 different models of the 2020 Dodge Challenger, with RWD Hellcat models including the standard, Widebody, Redeye, and Redeye Widebody. The base SRT Hellcat starts at $60,695 with the Redeye Widebody having the highest MSRP at $78,295.

Engine choices are the 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 SRT or the 6.2L V8 Supercharged HO engine paired with a 6-speed manual TREMEC or TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission. The base SRT Hellcat has a top speed of 199MPH; The highly aggressive Redeye can destroy the quarter mile in 10.8 seconds at 131mph.

NEXT: Check Out This 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat Widebody Concept