Quote:
Originally Posted by LostPony
After spending a day with the Chrysler engineers on the Hellcat program I can report that we discussed lots of other cars, and I tried to weasel info on future models from them.
As to the Hellcat on a road course, not the cars intent, but it does handle very well. At least the 392 did. They admitted to me that the 392 actually runs nearly identical track times as the Hellcat due to better weight balance, and lower balance on the front.
I was told that early on an engineer proposed a Z/28 style track killer but it was quickly shot down as they recognized the limit of the platform would make that nearly impossible. So very early on they knew it was not going to be a track star. What they decided instead was to build on what the car does well already, a great street cruiser, but with an attitude.
They are limited on tire width by numerous things, including stance of the base model cars, and dimensions inside the tire well. For years some in the program tried to get a 275 but was always shot down due to the limitations. It was argued to do flares and special fenders/quarters, but again cost reared its ugly head.
So while the car can be driven on a road course and do just fine, it is instead a great cruiser that delivers some brutal acceleration. When they return later in October I will give a report on my drive in the Charger Hellcat, and I will have my Harry's Laptimer in my pocket!!
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This post has me more and more thinking about a 392. I have an S4 and even without my tune I wonder how much more power I could use. I could go to a ZL1 but the new 15 SRT 392 is beautiful, comfortable cruiser, that also has some mean power to it and it handles well for the general public roads - not to mention some nice updated tech and the price is about 10-15,000 less than other cars I'd purchase.
I guess where I'm at for a daily driver street car the SRT 392 Challenger (or probably charger when they release it) is tough to beat for the price. It doesn't handle as well as the Camaro or mustang but it's pretty damn good for the streets and stock without great tires or any mods at all - it seems good for a flat 12.
I tend to drive at 90-105mph when on the highway. But I still can't fathom how I need much faster of a car than that. Maybe I'm getting old but a part of me is thinking why not pick up a SRT 392 for $43-$45k that is loaded? Save some money and have more than I can ever truly use on streets? PLus it s fits peopel comfortably in the back.