The Challenger Hellcat does come with a launch control system. As with the Ford Shelby GT500, you're able to adjust the rpm at which the engine holds itself through a screen. Hold brake, stomp pedal, lift left foot, and away you go. However, our testing crew found that this wasn't the best way to launch the Hellcat. No, the quickest way down the quarter required careful throttle application and starting in second gear. Interesting corollary: Goofing around once behind John Hennessey's shop in one of his 700-hp Cadillac CTS-V coupes, I learned that first gear was totally useless. All it does is create a whole bunch of glorious smoke. Seems as if once you get to the 700-horse threshold in rear-drive cars, traction becomes a serious issue.

 

The question I have is, was it with street tires? Sorry, but I didn't see it in the article (but then again I'm lazy this afternoon).

 

From what it sounds like in the article, the test was done on asphalt with street tires, which was why they didn't score the 11.2 time Dodge did on a well prepared drag strip.

I find it funny how all the mustang fanboys (i own a mustang too btw) are complaining about how fat and heavy the hellcat is when the much lighter gt500 is barely marginally faster.

 

The GT500 has about 500 less pounds to carry BUT it is saddled with a slower 6 speed manual transmission with really bad gearing.

Just adding the 8 speed automatic in the GT500 would probably shave 0.2 in the 1/4 mile and get it down to 11.4

The Viper might get to 11.0

The Hellcat is almost as fast as the GT500 and a heck of a lot more comfortable

 

I would safely assume this is on street tires also. They mentioned the slow time was on asphault. To reach the 11.2 second time, you would need a well prepped drag strip.

 

It is starting to look like the numbers on the street with street tires are

11.7 8 speed auto
12.0 6 speed manual

 

Hellcat owners can happily chew on the knowledge that the next cheapest 700-horsepower steed in existence is the $322,638, 731-hp Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. More important, I've driven both cars and would much rather drive the Hellcat. I've also spent a great deal of time in the Shelby GT500. And the Viper. And the ZL1. Hellcat, hands down. Hats off to the Dodge boys. They've built an all-timer.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...adtests/coupes/1407_2015_dodge_challenger_srt_hellcat_first_test/#ixzz38sYZyjuT