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Hellcat (engine)

Car culture term

Hellcat (engine)
Photo: hugh llewelyn / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

What is Hellcat (engine)?

The 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine produced by Stellantis from 2015 to 2024. Power outputs from 707 to 807 horsepower across various Mopar applications.

Hellcat is the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine produced by Stellantis (formerly Chrysler / Dodge) from 2015 to 2024. The engine is the basis for the Dodge Hellcat program, which produced supercharged Hellcat-equipped Challenger and Charger production cars. The Hellcat name refers specifically to the engine; the cars are Challenger and Charger Hellcat (or similar).

The base Hellcat engine produces 707 horsepower (in the Challenger SRT Hellcat from 2015). The Hellcat Redeye (2018+) produces 797 horsepower with the Demon supercharger and improved cooling. The Demon (2018) produces 808 horsepower in standard trim and 840 horsepower with the included drag racing tools. The Demon 170 (2023, the final Hellcat variant) produces 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel.

The Hellcat engine is used in multiple Mopar applications: Challenger, Charger, Durango Hellcat (limited 2021), and the Ram 1500 TRX pickup truck (2021-2024). The engine is also used in Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (2018-2021), giving Stellantis a wide range of high-horsepower vehicles based on the Hellcat platform. Production ended in 2024 alongside the broader winding down of the LX-platform Challenger and Charger.

Related terms

Demon (engine)SuperchargerMuscle car

Frequently asked questions

How does the Hellcat engine differ from the Demon engine?
Both are based on the same 6.2 supercharged HEMI V8 architecture but with progressively more aggressive tuning, supercharging, and supporting hardware. The base Hellcat is 707 horsepower. The Hellcat Redeye is 797 horsepower with the Demon supercharger. The Demon is 808 horsepower (or 840 with optional drag pack). The Demon 170 is 1,025 horsepower on E85.
Is the Hellcat engine reliable?
Generally yes for street use. The supercharged 6.2 HEMI is fundamentally robust. Common issues include supercharger nose drive bearing wear (a known wear item, replacement is straightforward), occasional cooling system issues under sustained track use, and the usual modern luxury electronics gremlins. The engine itself is durable for normal driving.
What was the most powerful Hellcat?
The Demon 170 from 2023, the final Hellcat variant, made 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel. The car was specifically designed to be the most powerful production V8 ever sold. Production was limited to a small number of vehicles in the final year of LX-platform production.
Why was the Hellcat platform discontinued?
Stellantis (the corporate parent) wound down the LX platform that supported the Hellcat in 2024. The platform was 15+ years old, and the company strategy shifted toward electric vehicles and new platforms. The Hellcat engine ended production with the platform; the 6.2 supercharged HEMI is no longer in current production.
Can I buy a Hellcat engine for a swap?
Yes. Hellcat crate engines are available from Mopar and various aftermarket sources. The engine has been swapped into older Mopar muscle cars, custom hot rods, and various unconventional projects. The engine high power output and supercharger setup make it impressive in non-Challenger applications. Pricing for a Hellcat crate engine is around $20,000-$30,000.
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