Once upon a time becoming a mom or dad meant trading in the fun car for something “more practical.” I’m sure that even as you read this sentence the keys to a two-passenger sports car will be exchanged for a crossover SUV or minivan. Evidently, the thoughtful folks at Dodge had seen enough and created the Dodge Charger SET Hellcat.
No longer would a loving parent have to choose between smoky burnouts and cargo space. With more than 700 horsepower on tap, four doors and comfortable seating for five, the 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is, in many ways, the perfect family car. Having backseat passengers and a trunk full of backpacks may actually help times at the drag strip, the additional weight working to keep the rear tires in contact with the road.
Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, the Hellcat makes 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That’s the horsepower equivalent of SEVEN 1984 Dodge Caravans. That equates to a zero to sixty time of 3.6 seconds, about ten seconds quicker than the “vintage” Caravan.
New for 2020, the Charger Hellcat now features a standard “widebody” package that adds 3.5 inches to the sedan’s width. The new design accommodates wider tires, giving the Hellcat a little better chance to claw into the pavement than before. A three-mode SRT-tuned adaptive damping suspension allows the driver to dial in the best settings for the environment. Additional 2020 upgrades include larger sway bars, stiffer springs, a new electronic power steering system and retuned shocks.
We’ve often referred to the Hellcat as the automotive equivalent of a jackhammer. While it isn’t always the nimblest vehicle, brute force makes up for any shortcomings. That isn’t to say that the Charger is a slouch, according to Dodge the new model is able to pull an impressive .96g on the skid pad. However, the supercharged V8 can throw a lot more Gs at the contact patch of the tires with very little effort. In the wrong hands this family sedan can prove unforgiving.
Thanks to FCA’s excellent Uconnect system, the Hellcat offers one of the best standard infotainment systems on the market. The 8.4-inch touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, Bluetooth and satellite radio. Those looking for the best audio will want to add the 19-speaker Harman/Kardon system.
While I may not personally need a large family sedan, the 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is still on my list of “someday” cars. Considering the incredible power and attractive styling, it is hard to deny the sedan’s appeal.
The 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat starts at $72,095.
