What the 2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat delivers

The 2017 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a four-door sedan powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196 mph. The car weighs 4,449 pounds and seats five adults across two rows.

This model uses regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, though 91 octane is recommended for optimal performance). The EPA rates its fuel economy at 12 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined. A full tank holds 18.5 gallons, giving a theoretical highway range of roughly 370 miles on a single fill-up.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 Charger SRT Hellcat produces 707 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and accelerates to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
  • Fuel economy is 12 city / 20 highway / 15 combined mpg, making it one of the least efficient vehicles in its class.
  • The sedan seats five people and has a curb weight of 4,449 pounds, distributed across a 120.2-inch wheelbase.
  • Recommended fuel is 91-octane gasoline, though 87-octane regular unleaded will run the engine without damage.

Engine specifications and power output

The 6.2-liter supercharged V8 is the same engine found in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Displacement is 376 cubic inches. The supercharger runs at 9.65 psi of boost pressure and uses an air-to-liquid intercooler to cool intake air before it enters the cylinders.

Horsepower and torque figures are SAE-certified: 707 hp at 6,000 rpm and 645 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8HP95) and rear-wheel drive. Dodge does not offer all-wheel drive on the Hellcat sedan.

The engine bay includes a functional hood scoop that feeds cool air directly to the supercharger intake. Oil capacity is 10 quarts with filter. The recommended oil viscosity is 5W-20 synthetic.

Acceleration, top speed, and real-world performance

The 2017 Charger SRT Hellcat achieves 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds under ideal conditions (launch control engaged, good traction, fresh tires). The quarter-mile time is approximately 11.9 seconds at 119 mph. Top speed is electronically limited to 196 mph, though this is rarely tested outside a closed track.

Real-world acceleration varies with road surface, tire grip, and weather. Cold air intake temperature, fuel octane rating, and transmission fluid temperature all affect how quickly the car reaches peak power. On public roads with standard tires and normal conditions, 0–60 times typically fall between 3.8 and 4.2 seconds.

The car includes a launch control system that holds engine rpm steady at a preset level while the driver applies full throttle, then releases the brakes. This feature helps maximize traction off the line. A line-lock function allows the driver to lock the rear brakes while the fronts roll, useful for heating tires before a hard acceleration run.

Fuel economy and tank capacity

EPA estimates for the 2017 Charger SRT Hellcat are 12 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. These figures assume regular driving patterns and are based on the EPA's five-cycle test procedure. Real-world results depend heavily on driving style: aggressive acceleration and sustained high speeds reduce efficiency significantly.

The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons. At the EPA combined rating of 15 mpg, a full tank provides approximately 277 miles of range. Highway driving at steady speeds can extend this to roughly 370 miles. City driving with frequent acceleration typically reduces range to 220 miles or less.

Dodge recommends 91-octane fuel for best performance and efficiency. The engine will run on 87-octane regular unleaded, but the computer will retard spark timing to prevent detonation, which reduces power output and fuel economy slightly. Premium fuel costs roughly 20 to 40 cents more per gallon than regular, depending on location and market conditions.

Dimensions, weight, and seating

The 2017 Charger SRT Hellcat measures 197.7 inches long, 75.7 inches wide, and 58.3 inches tall. The wheelbase (distance from front to rear axle) is 120.2 inches. Curb weight is 4,449 pounds, making it one of the heaviest four-door sedans on the market. Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is 4,815 pounds.

The sedan seats five people: two in front and three in back. Front seats are 12-way power-adjustable with heating and cooling. Rear seats are fixed and best suited for two passengers; a middle rear passenger has limited legroom. Headroom is 37.8 inches front and 37.2 inches rear. Shoulder room is 56.4 inches front and 56.0 inches rear.

Trunk capacity is 16.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The rear seatbacks do not fold, so trunk space cannot be expanded. The fuel tank sits beneath the trunk floor, limiting how deep cargo can be stacked.

Transmission and drivetrain

The eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8HP95) is sourced from ZF Friedrichshafen, a German supplier. It shifts electronically and includes a manual shift mode accessed via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The transmission has no traditional park pawl; instead, it uses an electronic parking brake that engages automatically when the driver shifts to Park or turns off the engine.

Rear-wheel drive is standard. The rear differential is a limited-slip unit with electronic locking. Dodge does not offer all-wheel drive on any Hellcat model. The driveshaft is a single-piece aluminum tube that connects the transmission output to the rear axle.

Traction control can be partially disabled (Sport mode) or fully disabled (Track mode). In Track mode, the stability control system is off, allowing the rear wheels to slip and slide. This mode is intended for closed courses only and makes the car difficult to control on public roads.

Emissions and environmental ratings

The 2017 Charger SRT Hellcat is classified as a Tier 2, Bin 11 vehicle under EPA emissions standards. It meets federal emissions requirements but does not may have access to for any clean air or fuel economy incentives. The vehicle produces significant tailpipe emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter due to the high combustion temperatures in the supercharged engine.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) output is approximately 490 grams per mile based on the EPA combined fuel economy rating. This is among the highest for any production sedan. The vehicle is not CARB-certified (California Air Resources Board), meaning it cannot be registered in California or other states that follow California emissions rules unless it was originally sold there before the CARB rule took effect.

The Charger SRT Hellcat does not may have access to for any federal tax credits, rebates, or incentives related to fuel economy or emissions. It is subject to the federal gas-guzzler tax, which adds to the purchase price or lease cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What octane fuel should I use in the 2017 Charger SRT Hellcat?

Dodge recommends 91-octane premium fuel for optimal performance and efficiency. The engine will run on 87-octane regular unleaded, but the computer will reduce spark timing to prevent detonation, which lowers horsepower and fuel economy. Using regular fuel occasionally will not damage the engine.

How much does it cost to fill the tank?

A full 18.5-gallon tank of 91-octane fuel costs between $55 and $75 depending on local prices and market conditions. At 15 mpg combined, expect to spend roughly $3.50 to $5.00 per mile driven on fuel alone.

Can the 2017 Charger SRT Hellcat be registered in California?

Only if it was originally sold in California before the CARB rule took effect. Used models sold out of state cannot be re-registered in California. Check the vehicle's title and original registration documents to confirm CARB status.

What is the difference between the Charger SRT Hellcat and the Challenger SRT Hellcat?

Both use the same 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine and eight-speed transmission. The Charger is a four-door sedan; the Challenger is a two-door coupe. The Challenger is slightly lighter and faster in a straight line, while the Charger offers rear-seat space and a larger trunk.

Does the 2017 Charger SRT Hellcat have all-wheel drive?

No. Dodge offers only rear-wheel drive on the Hellcat sedan. The standard Charger R/T and Charger SRT 392 are also rear-wheel drive only. All-wheel drive is not available on any Dodge Charger model.