How Much Does A Hellcat Weigh？

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The 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat weighs 4,429 pounds. This weight is for the 2-door rear-wheel-drive coupe version of the vehicle.

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The 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 4,429 pounds.

Answered from CEH

 

What is a Hellcat?

The Hellcat is a high performance variant of the Dodge Challenger coupe and Dodge Charger sedan made by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Hellcat models are equipped with a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing over 700 horsepower. The Hellcat was first introduced in 2015 and has since become one of the most powerful and sought-after American muscle cars on the market. But with all that power comes a lot of weight – so just how much does the Hellcat weigh?

What is the curb weight of a Hellcat?

The curb weight of a Hellcat refers to the weight of the car with all standard equipment, fluids, and a full tank of gas. For the 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, the curb weight is 4,449 pounds (2,019 kg). The curb weight of the 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is 4,586 pounds (2,080 kg).

Some key factors that contribute to the Hellcat's hefty curb weight include:

  • Powerful supercharged 6.2L V8 engine and heavy duty components
  • All-wheel drive system (on Charger Hellcat)
  • Large 20-inch wheels and wide tires
  • Premium interior materials and technology features
  • Additional safety reinforcements and chassis bracing

So while the Hellcat delivers incredible performance, all of that muscle adds considerable bulk and mass to the car. Going with a RWD Challenger model shaves off around 150 lbs compared to the AWD Charger.

How does Hellcat weight compare to other muscle cars?

The Hellcat is one of the heaviest modern muscle cars on the market today. Here's how it compares:

  • Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: 4,225 lbs
  • Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: 3,956 lbs
  • Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: 4,449 lbs
  • Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: 4,586 lbs

As you can see, the Hellcat weighs 200-600 lbs more than key American muscle car rivals. The AWD system and larger sedan body contribute to the Charger Hellcat being the heaviest of the bunch.

What is the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)?

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) specifies the maximum allowable total weight of a vehicle, including all cargo, passengers, fluids, and the tongue weight of a trailer (if applicable).

The GVWR for Hellcat models is:

  • 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: 5,350 lbs
  • 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: 5,500 lbs

This gives an idea of the overall load carrying capabilities of the Hellcat. You can determine the available cargo and payload capacity by subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR.

What is the Hellcat's weight distribution?

The Hellcat has a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout (for the Challenger coupe). This gives it a rear-biased weight distribution for optimal traction and handling:

  • 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat: 58% rear, 42% front

The all-wheel drive Dodge Charger Hellcat has a more balanced front-to-rear weight distribution:

  • 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat: 54% front, 46% rear

The near 50/50 weight distribution helps maximize traction while also aiding directional stability and responsiveness.

How much can a Hellcat tow or haul?

Despite its heavy curb weight, the Hellcat is rated to tow a surprising amount thanks to its robust drivetrain and chassis.

The Hellcat has a maximum towing capacity of:

  • 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat: 1,000 lbs
  • 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat: 1,000 lbs

It also has decent payload capacity for a high performance coupe/sedan:

  • 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat: 901 lbs
  • 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat: 914 lbs

So while it won't tow or haul as much as a pickup truck, the Hellcat can still transport a good amount of cargo or recreational gear when needed. Just be careful not to exceed the gross vehicle weight ratings.

Does options and equipment add to Hellcat weight?

The published curb weights for Hellcat models reflect the minimum configuration with standard features only. Adding extra options or equipment will increase the car's overall weight.

Some examples of Hellcat options that can add a noticeable amount of weight:

  • Larger wheel and tire packages (10+ lbs per wheel)
  • High performance brake packages (30+ lbs)
  • Rear seat delete option (reduces weight by around 50 lbs)
  • Sunroof (40+ lbs)
  • Leather upholstery (25+ lbs over cloth seats)
  • Premium audio systems (15+ lbs)

While many popular options only add a few pounds (navigation, climate control seats, etc), it all starts to add up. A fully loaded Hellcat could weigh 100-200 lbs more than a base model.

What about passengers and cargo?

The published curb weights only reflect the weight of the vehicle itself with no occupants or cargo onboard. Naturally, adding passengers and cargo will increase the overall weight as well.

To estimate the total weight, keep these passenger and cargo weights in mind:

  • Average adult passenger weight: 150 lbs
  • Child passenger weight: 50-100 lbs
  • Gasoline: Approximately 6 lbs per gallon
  • Typical cargo weight: 50 lbs or more per item

The cargo weight will obviously vary greatly based on what you are transporting. Even with a full load of passengers, the Hellcat should have no issue staying under its gross vehicle weight rating. But cargo weight adds up quick, so keep the GVWR in mind.

How does weight impact Hellcat performance?

The Hellcat's substantial curb weight has both positive and negative effects when it comes to performance:

Positives:

  • Increased traction and grip, especially in straight line acceleration
  • More stability and composed handling due to inertia
  • Extra chassis rigidity and strength

Negatives:

  • Reduced agility and responsiveness
  • Longer braking distances
  • Decreased fuel efficiency and range
  • Slower acceleration and lap times compared to lighter cars with similar power

Many hardcore enthusiasts are willing to trade off the downsides of the Hellcat's bulk in return for its immense straight line power. But losing a few hundred pounds could potentially unlock even better performance if Dodge decided to pursue an extreme lightweight version.

Is the Hellcat heavier than past Challenger/Charger models?

Due to growing vehicle size and more standard equipment, modern muscle cars have gained considerable weight compared to their forebears.

For example, a 1971 Dodge Challenger coupe weighed around 3,300 lbs. The 2020 Hellcat Challenger is over 1,100 lbs heavier despite being a similar size. Safety features, luxury additions, and emissions equipment account for much of the extra bulk.

While some decry the weight gain, the Hellcat also vastly outperforms its predecessors, proving that brute force and good engineering can offset the heft issue. Dodge has also taken steps to use lighter weight materials in the construction of the Hellcat models where possible.

Does the Redeye version weigh more?

The Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye models feature a more powerful version of the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat engine, bumping output to 797 hp.

Despite the upgraded engine, the Redeye actually weighs slightly less than the standard Hellcat:

  • 2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye: 4,439 lbs
  • 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye: 4,586 lbs

The minor 10 lb weight reduction in the coupe is achieved thanks to some lightweight components in the upgraded powertrain. So buyers can get the benefit of extra power without additional mass.

In conclusion

While the Hellcat tips the scales at over 2 tons, the seven seat muscle machine can still deliver earth shaking performance. For owners willing to trade some handling precision and fuel economy for prodigious power, the Hellcat's impressive weight becomes an acceptable compromise.

Dodge has managed to imbue the Challenger and Charger with supercar rivaling muscle while retaining daily drivability, all despite a curb weight over 4,400 lbs.

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