Dodge's Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody Adds Some Much-needed Grip

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat gets a new variant for the 2018 model year, and it just happens to be the widebody model track day enthusiasts have been clamoring for since the car’s initial announcement.

Borrowing the fender flares and front lip from the Dodge Demon, the Hellcat keeps its 707-horsepower supercharged V8 while adding extra room for more rubber. Since the supercharged Challenger is notoriously poor at transferring its power to the pavement, the wider 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires allow for superior cornering and straight-line speed.

Dodge claims the widebody shaves 0.3 seconds off the “normal” Hellcat’s 1/4 mile time for a lean ETA of 10.9 seconds. It also says the 305mm rubber helps the beast claw its way from 0.93 lateral g to 0.97 — while not earth-shattering, it’s still a major improvement. FCA has also changed the steering to an electric unit with selectable presets, claiming improved road feel, precision, and usability at lower speeds.

However, it’s the looks that benefit the most from the extra 3.5 inches of width the widebody brings to the table. Even if you never plan on bringing the car to a track, you can still look at it in the garage and feel like you made the correct purchase as you caress the fender flares. The only measurable downside is that the added drag limits the fatter cat to 195 mph.

Dodge’s 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody opens to dealer orders in July and will begin arriving in the third quarter of this year. Tires, wheels, and width does come at a premium, however. Pricing begins at $72,590 — seven grand over the standard Hellcat’s MSRP but still significantly less than Dodge Demon’s.

[Images: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]