Modern Mopar Magazine

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Reveal Web Chat

If you missed it live today, you can read the transcript (below) of the web chat regarding the reveal of the SRT Hellcat.

10:29
Chrysler Group LLC:

Welcome to our Web chat to discuss the all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT.

We have the key players here to answer your questions:
• Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO, Dodge and SRT brands
• Chris Cowland, Advanced and SRT Powertrain director
• Russ Ruedisueli, Head of SRT and Motorsports engineering
• Mark Trostle, Head of SRT Design
• Ryan Nagode, SRT interior design chief
11:00
Chrysler Group LLC:

We’ll start taking your questions in a few minutes. But first, we want to show the all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with the HEMI Hellcat. Just press play.
11:01
Chrysler Group LLC:

http://youtu.be/dcrMJWNYyXM
11:04
Comment From Larry Velleqeutte

So why no horsepower rating yet on Hellcat? And when will it be completed? Also, any word on pricing?
11:04
Chris Cowland:

We’re still completing final calibration on the HEMI® Hellcat. The official rating numbers will be released soon. Stay tuned.
11:05
Tim Kuniskis:

As for pricing, it will be announced closer to launch.
11:05
Comment From SRT_ORR

First off, kudos on making the Challenger the King of the Muscle cars again with 1971 refresh. How many units are you expected to produce in the full-bore HELLCAT trim ? or is it the “build-them-as-they-come” philosophy?
11:07
Tim Kuniskis:

Thanks! As I said in this video, this car will not be for everybody. We will gauge demand and then determine volumes.
11:07
Comment From SRT_ORR

Part two, where does the Dodge Challenger 392 Scat Pak Shaker stand amongst the SRT line-up? Will the ‘entry’ level Challenger SRT with the 392 have more goodies/different appearance? Technically speaking will things like shocks, brakes, steering etc be the same between the two?
11:09
Tim Kuniskis:

Some of the key differences between the 392 Scat Pack and the SRT 392 include: 3-mode adaptive dampening suspension, unique hood with center intake – similar to Viper, SRT performance pages with shift light, 20×9 forged aluminum wheels and available SRT Track Pack that adds larger 20×9.5 forged wheels and 15.4-inch six piston calipers.
11:09
Comment From John McElroy

Is there a CD number for the aerodynamics of the car?
11:10
Russ Ruedisueli:

The CD Challenger SRT Hellcat is .383, the SRT Challenger is .356.
11:10
Comment From Guest

(Ditto on torque. Not even an “over 600.”)
11:11
Chris Cowland:

The power and torque rating procedure runs concurrently. All we can say today is the power will be in excess of 600 bhp and torque above 575 lb.-ft.
11:11
Comment From Tony Swan

What modifications were made to engine internals to support increased output? — Tony Swan
11:15
Chris Cowland:

The increase peak cylinder pressure of the HEMI Hellcat required that pistons, conrods and crankshaft were all upgraded. The pistons are forged, high-strength alloy and the piston pins use diamond-like-carbon coating. Ninety-one percent of the content is new.
11:15
Comment From Gary Vasilash

What percentage of the body panels are unique to the car?
11:15
Mark Trostle:

The front fascia and hood are unique panels. The rear spoiler is unique as well.
11:15
Comment From Will

In the recent photos of the SRT Challenger 392 and SRT Challenger Hellcat (Beautiful and menacing BTW), they both show two different braking systems (four piston on the SRT 392 and six piston on the Hellcat). Will the Track Pack Brembo Brake option upgrade the four pistons to six pistons on the SRT 392?
11:15
Tim Kuniskis:

Yes indeed – the SRT 392 offers an SRT Track Package that includes the larger 20×9.5 forged aluminum wheels, larger brakes and Pirelli P Zero tires.
11:16
Comment From SRT_ORR

Are the tire’s 275 all around or are the backs staggered?
11:16
Russ Ruedisueli:

275’s all around are standard on the SRT Hellcat, they are optional on the Challenger SRT
11:17
Comment From Larry Velleqeutte

Any kind of timeline on “soon?” Weeks, months?
11:18
Tim Kuniskis:

Larry – we will release final performance numbers before the drive event.
11:18
Comment From Guest

Can you tell us something about peak rpm and torque? — Tony Swan
11:18
Chris Cowland:

Peak power is produced at 6,000 rpm.
11:20
Comment From David Zatz

Roughly how far does the black key fob (and the Valet Mode) reduce power?
11:20
Russ Ruedisueli:

The red key is the only one that will unlock the maximum power available from the engine. The black key limits output to 500HP.
11:21
Comment From Paul A. Eisenstein

Back to the 5% number, Tim, from the video, is that your target?
11:21
Tim Kuniskis:

Paul – we’ve never offered a supercharged HEMI before, but being a new offering for us, we are unsure of consumer demand. As a result, we are not targeting nor constraining volumes at this point. We will gauge consumer demand at market launch.
11:22
Comment From Guest

Is it true the Supercharger was designed in house at Chrysler to optimize performance?
11:22
Chris Cowland:

The supercharger’s design and specifications were developed jointly between Chrysler Group SRT and IHI.
11:22
Comment From Jake Lingeman

How much better are those Cd numbers than the outgoing model?
11:24
Russ Ruedisueli:

The CD is almost exactly the same for the Challenger SRT 392, however the aero balance is improved.
11:24
Comment From Christopher A.

Why utilize a 6.2L engine when the 6.4L already existed?
11:24
Chris Cowland:

The displacement of the HEMI Hellcat was reduced from the 6.4-liter HEMI via a stroke decrease to 90.9 mm in order to increase the strength of the crankshaft.
11:25
Comment From SRT_ORR

What warranty can we expect on the SRT Challenger and Hellcat? And will the 392 Shaker Scat Pak have the full Dodge warranty?
11:25
Tim Kuniskis:

The SRT Challenger 392 and Hellcat will offer the full factory warranty.
11:27
Comment From Christopher A.

Did you look at turbo charging vs supercharge?
11:27
Chris Cowland:

The supercharged option offers a better match to the vehicle characteristics we were targeting, specifically instant throttle response and low-speed torque.
11:28
Comment From Tony Swan

Can you furnish bore x stroke for the 6.4 and 6.2 please?
11:29
Chris Cowland:

The 6.4-liter HEMI is 103.9 x 94.6; the HEMI Hellcat is 103.9 x 90.9
11:29
Tim Kuniskis:

No.
11:29
Chris Cowland:

yes it is
11:29
Comment From AJLenhardt

Will there be a HellCat model with less content and a lower premium, for example SRT Core/SRT Super Bee?
11:30
Tim Kuniskis:

No – there will not be.
11:31
Comment From Guest

has the SRT Hellcat undergone the same durability testing previous SRT models were required to for track duty?
11:33
Russ Ruedisueli:

Yes, The SRT Hellcat is tested to the same standards as all SRT products.
11:33
Comment From Will

Will the exterior colo(u)rs be available year round or will certain colo(u)rs – H.I.P col(u)rs – will be limited one time offerings?
11:33
Mark Trostle:

The vehicle will be launched with 11 exterior colors. B-5 Blue and Sublime will be the first high-impact colors to be introduced.
11:33
Comment From John McElroy

I didn’t know that IHI made superchargers (turbos yes). Why did you go with an unproven blower supplier in your first effort with a supercharger?
11:34
Chris Cowland:

We evaluated all of the current supercharger suppliers during the early stages of the program, relative to efficiency, power and torque requirements. IHI was selected as the best match to our requirements. They have very solid track record of supplying superchargers for high-end products such as AMG Mercedes.
11:35
Comment From Hemi Fan

Any unique exhaust setup for the Hellcat?
11:35
Russ Ruedisueli:

We have a video to show the exhaust system.
11:35
Russ Ruedisueli:

when video goes up please hit play.
11:35
Chrysler Group LLC:

http://youtu.be/LzUIyKYX0Ho
11:37
Comment From Mopar Guy

When does preordering open up?
11:37
Tim Kuniskis:

Orders will open up in the summer.
11:39
Comment From Lindsay Brooke

I’m assuming the Hemi cylinder block for the Hellcat V8 is cast iron–correct? Why hasn’t Chrysler offered a factory AL block for the high-output SRT versions of this V8, considering an AL block would take 50-70lb off the vehicle’s front end?
11:40
Chris Cowland:

The bearing loads of the HEMI Hellcat demand the need for very high-strength block bulkheads. Cast-iron offers the best solution within the geometry of the HEMI family.
11:41
Comment From BASONE88

Does this supercharged engine feature the Multi-Cylinder-Shut-Down technology?
11:41
Tim Kuniskis:

No
11:42
Chrysler Group LLC:

From the moderator. We’re seeing all of your questions. We’re working on the answers.
11:44
Comment From Christopher A.

What is Tim Kuniski’s favorite feature on this new car?
11:44
Tim Kuniskis:

The fact that this is the most extreme, hardcore … *everyday* muscle car ever produced…
11:44
Tim Kuniskis:

Okay… it’s the engine!
11:45
Comment From Ralph Glover

What is the width of the Hellcat’s front and rear tires?
11:45
Mark Trostle:

The tire size is Pirelli 275/40 and the wheel size is 20×9.5. It’s the same size all the way around.
11:45
Comment From guest

what about 1/4 times and speeds?
11:45
Chris Cowland:

Bloody fast
11:47
Comment From -Brian

what upgrades to the rear end were made to accommodate increased power. we tend to leave bits and pieces on the track.
11:47
Russ Ruedisueli:

The entire SRT drive line was upgraded. That includes prop shafts, axles , 1/2 shafts, and cooling.
11:47
Comment From Gary Vasilash

How much of the sheet metal is different from the “normal” Challenger; what is the extent of carryover in the interior?
11:48
Ryan Nagode:

Mark captured the sheet metal question, see his answer above. As for the interior the overall design is shared between the Dodge and SRT variants. Challenger SRT’s uniqueness is found in our color and material palletes including Laguna Leather, Unique Cluster appearances and 7″ TFT Imagery, SRT Drive Mode control screens, and  “Engine Turn” stamped-aluminum Instrument panel and console bezels.
11:49
Comment From DAmico CDJR

really only have a statement …… PERFECT!
11:49
Tim Kuniskis:

Thank you!
11:50
Comment From Guest

when will HP and torque Numbers be disclosed?
11:51
Tim Kuniskis:

The performance figures will be released before the drive event this summer.
11:51
Comment From D. Jackson

Is the Hellcat using mass air EFI?
11:51
Chris Cowland:

MAF is used for bypass, throttle and OBD controls.
11:54
Chris Cowland:

How about a powertrain video?
11:54
Chris Cowland:

Push play when the video comes up!
11:54
Chrysler Group LLC:

http://youtu.be/0u71myOjchI
11:57
Comment From D. Jackson

The P-Zeros were they the best tires for the Hellcat and are they Hellcat only?
11:57
Mark Trostle:

Yes, they are the best tire for the car and they are optional with the Track Pack.
12:00
Comment From Christopher A.

What was the biggest challenge in producing the numbers you wanted?
12:01
Chrysler Group LLC:

Please stand by. Have a detailed answer for you in a moment.
12:03
Chris Cowland:

We defined an SRT requirement for the HEMI Hellcat that included the ability to complete 20 minutes of full-speed track driving in extreme ambient temperatures without the need for cooling-system-driven derate. This places significant burden on the cooling capacity of the vehicle.
12:03
Comment From Lindsay Brooke

Is the IHI blower a Lysholm or Roots unit?
12:04
Chris Cowland:

Screw-type
12:05
Comment From David Zatz

Do you have any idea on top speed? Do we have a match for the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona?
12:05
Tim Kuniskis:

Nice try…
12:06
Chrysler Group LLC:

We still have plenty of questions and we’ll get to them after this video on the car’s exterior. Don’t forget to push play.
12:06
Chrysler Group LLC:

http://youtu.be/c-obyRvGUX4
12:08
Comment From D. Jackson

What are all of the adjustable options for performance?
12:08
Russ Ruedisueli:

The drive modes allow the customers to choose shock settings, steering assist levels, horse power, traction settings, auto transmission calibration/shift points. There are over 125 different combinations.
12:10
Comment From Tony Swan

What is Hellcat final drive?
12:10
Chris Cowland:

3.70 for MT; 2.62 for AT
12:10
Ryan Nagode:

Check out our interior piece, we point out a little more about the SRT Drive Modes …
12:10
Ryan Nagode:

just push play 🙂
12:11
Chrysler Group LLC:

http://youtu.be/yoK24E-oppY
12:13
Comment From Alex Stoklosa

What power level does the black key limit the Hellcat’s output to?
12:13
Russ Ruedisueli:

The black key output is 500 HP.
12:13
Comment From SRT_ORR

Just wanted to say congrats to Ryan Nagode and his team, the interior on all the vehicles he touched are second-to-none in regards to form and function. So glad to see he’s steering the ship at SRT interiors.
12:13
Ryan Nagode:

Thx Mom (@SRT_ORR), haha just kidding, appreciate the support, its a very dedicated enthusiastic team !
12:14
Comment From Christopher A.

Which person was most crucial to the creation of the Hellcat?
12:14
Tim Kuniskis:

Sergio Marchionne
12:15
Chrysler Group LLC:

We’re 15 minutes over, the cafeteria’s closing and we thank you all for joining us this morning.

 

- by Lisa

4 thoughts on “2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Reveal Web Chat”

  1. Is there any plans to bring the challenger, charger , Durango or dart to Australia . They’re cars that I think would be popular . Let’s face it if you can sell the journey here ,you would have to be able to sell these great cars in much greater numbers .
    Thanks

  2. How quick are the shifts with the 8 speed auto on the Hellcat? And do you want to give one away to someone who drives 30k miles a year for real world testing? 😀

  3. Are there any Hellcats planned to be sold in Europe / Germany?

  4. Pingback: Dodge Unleashes Most Powerful Challenger Ever - Page 17 - Dodge Challenger Forum: Challenger & SRT8 Forums

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