Packing a 707 horsepower punch that is unmatched among its competitors, the supercharged 6.2 liter HEMI Hellcat engine has raised FCA’s profile among performance enthusiasts. While the $60,000 price of entry is aggressively priced for those that can afford it, it’s still way too expensive and powerful for the average family to handle.
But if you’re willing to stake out a place in line, you can get a ride in a Hellcat at next week’s Woodward Dream Cruise. And if you’re really lucky, you might just take home one of the 707 horsepower engines and wiring harnesses for your own home project.
The Detroit News reports that Fiat-Chrysler is pulling out all the stops for next week’s Woodward Dream Cruise, offering enthusiasts a chance to race on a 1/8th mile drag strip, take a ride in a Hellcat with a professional driver, and even win a Hellcat drivetrain. It’s unprecedented in the long history of the Dream Cruise, and FCA knows it. Best of all, it’s all free.
So far more than 2,000 people have registered with the wide-ranging event, including 200 racers who will line up at an impromptu 1/8th mile drag strip for a chance to win a Hellcat engine and wiring harness. There will also be a tug-of-war between a pair of Hellcats and Dodge Vipers, and professional drivers will be drag racing and drifting with enthusiasts riding shotgun all day long.
It’s a big change from last year’s look-but-don’t-touch event, which saw attendees lining up just to sit in a Viper. FCA heard that people wanted to get more involved in the Mopar brand, and while not everyone can afford to buy a Hellcat, people still want a chance to experience it. We hope other automakers are taking note, as this is a great way to reach out and build bridges with would-be buyers. Sure, we can’t all afford a $60,000 Hellcat, but a Dodge Challenger starts at less than half that, and it looks almost as cool as the one with 707 horsepower.
And that’s how halo cars work.