2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody -Relentless Power Wrapped in Bold Aggression

The Dodge Charger has long been a favorite among muscle car fans, those who admire high-powered vehicles with imposing, robust frames. The 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody re-emerges, extending its fenders wider than ever, embodying pure muscle in every sense. Known for producing high-power engines, Dodge continues to dominate with this latest Charger, a powerful addition to the family and the elder sibling of the Dodge Demon.

If you’re a fan of American action films or TV series, you’ve likely seen the Charger in action, from the early Fast & Furious films to the latest Charger Hellcat models. These cars, known for their explosive performance and fierce appearance, have etched their presence in Hollywood.

Muscle cars are often rare in Asian markets, but the enthusiasm for them runs high among automotive fans. So, what exactly defines a muscle car? Which engines power them? To explore this fascination, we’ll dive into muscle car history, then examine the Dodge Charger in detail.

Muscle cars initially aimed to deliver high-performance vehicles that were affordable to the average American. Starting in the 1950s, the demand grew for cars that could also compete in drag racing. While there’s no fixed definition for a muscle car, many classic muscle cars share common features: large V8 engines (typically American-made), lightweight two-door frames, and affordability.

The first muscle car honor goes to the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, which featured a 5.0L V8 engine producing 130 horsepower. This car dominated various American racing events, marking the beginning of the muscle car era.

By the 1960s, the muscle car market boomed, and the Ford Mustang quickly became popular across the U.S. In response, Dodge sought to create a competitor with the “Charger” name. Although initial models like the 1965 Dodge Dart GT Charger didn’t fully rival the Mustang, the 1966 release with a more powerful 426 Hemi engine began Dodge’s journey into the muscle car market. This car came equipped with signature features like hidden headlights and full-width taillights, establishing the Charger’s unique identity.

In 1968, Dodge introduced a new Charger with a distinctive Coke-bottle shape and a 7.2L 440 Magnum engine. Known as the R/T (Road & Track), it boasted improved brakes and suspension, leading to over 100,000 sales across America. In 1969, the Charger Daytona became the first car to surpass 200 mph, setting a new standard in NASCAR.

Through the 1970s, Dodge expanded the Charger lineup. However, the fuel crisis of the late ’70s led to a temporary halt in production, as demand shifted to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Dodge adapted by introducing the Omni 024 Charger, a sporty economy car with a turbocharged engine designed with Carroll Shelby’s involvement.

In 2006, Dodge revived the Charger under the SRT (Street & Racing Technology) brand, introducing a 6.1L Hemi V8 engine with 425 horsepower, capable of 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Over the years, models like the 2011 R/T, 2012 SRT 8, 2015 R/T, and 2018 R/T Scat Pack further solidified the Charger’s reputation.

The 2019 SRT Hellcat set records as one of the fastest and most powerful sedans, boasting a 6.2L Hemi Supercharged V8 engine with 707 horsepower and a top speed of 328 km/h. It could go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

The 2020 Hellcat Widebody takes performance up a notch, with wider tires and an upgraded suspension. Though the engine power remains similar to the 2019 model, it accelerates faster by 2.1 seconds, solidifying its place as one of the fastest sedans globally.

With unparalleled power and a sedan design, the Charger stands out as both a dream car and an everyday vehicle for many Americans. This car’s potent Hemi engine and aggressive growl create an experience that’s hard to resist, truly capturing the spirit of American muscle.