The Hellcat Showdown: Drag Racing the Dodge Charger/Challenger Against the Jeep Trackhawk
The iconic Hellcat has undoubtedly spurred a plethora of drag racing videos, largely due to the powerhouse Dodge Charger and Challenger models, which feature a supercharged 6.2-liter SRT V8 engine, producing an impressive 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This remarkable engine has become a popular choice for swaps, and Jeep has embraced this trend by fitting the Hellcat engine into the Grand Cherokee SUV, branding it the Trackhawk.
Both the Trackhawk and the widebody Challenger Hellcat debuted in the 2018 model year. Renowned speed shop Hennessey recently pitted these two vehicles against each other in a drag race. Known for transforming extreme cars into even more exhilarating versions (including the Trackhawk itself), Hennessey decided to test these two factory stock models to see how they compare in a quarter-mile sprint, despite their different designs.
In the race, the Trackhawk, which weighs considerably more than the Challenger (5,258 pounds compared to 4,448 pounds), initially surged ahead much faster than the Dodge. This swift start allowed the Jeep to maintain its lead throughout the race. The Trackhawk’s all-wheel-drive system effectively utilized its power and torque, significantly outperforming the rear-wheel-drive Challenger in off-the-line acceleration.
While enthusiasts may debate the outcome if the drag strip were longer or speculate on the Dodge’s zero to 100 mph time, the results are clear: the Jeep Trackhawk decisively outpaced the muscular Challenger Hellcat in this quarter-mile face-off.
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