There are some pretty interesting updates coming to the 2019 Dodge Challenger. Some of the craziest news, and the best for muscle car enthusiasts, is the Dodge Demon-bred SRT Hellcat. Yes, the 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is being built with parts straight from the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. 2019 models will hit production and dealerships soon enough, but drivers can live it up now in the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody.

Also taking some cues from the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, showing off a larger body for that aggressive tone, the Widebody is actually a package one can add onto the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, not a separate trim. That means, drivers can still expect to find a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood, able to generate all 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Riding on a rear-wheel drivetrain, and able to pair the engine to a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission (with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for classic yet modern drivers), drivers can get a sense of just how well the Widebody kit improves the driving and handling of the Challenger SRT Hellcat.

First off, the package adds 20-inch “Devil’s Rim” aluminum wheels wrapped in optional Pirelli P Zero summer tires to the Challenger SRT Hellcat, and then throws on extended fender flares, a blacked-out rear lip spoiler, and a scalloped hood. P-Zero tires may be well known to muscle car enthusiasts and those with a flair for drag racing. They provide excellent grip between the rubber and asphalt, but they require some warming up. Those looking to jettison from a stop light will be spinning into second gear before moving an inch.

That’s great for burnouts and the such, but no one should be driving outside of their skill set in a beast like the SRT Hellcat, Challenger or Charger model. Knowing consumers will be tempted to do so regardless, Dodge has tweaked the traction control system to offer more security and handling of all the power the supercharged V8 engine can provide. There’s also an adaptive three-mode suspension and electric-assist steering that are actual improvements on the original Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Who knew it could be done?

There are, of course, a couple of things drivers may not be fond of. The widebody on the Challenger SRT Hellcat leads to a larger turning radius, so prepare for that when getting into the right turn lane. On top of that, parking might be a bit problematic depending on the lot. What hurts the most is that $1,700 gas-guzzler tax, attested to the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody fuel economy of 13 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

With or without the Widebody package, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat still comes with its own high-tier amenities. We’re talking heated and cooled front seats, dual-zone climate control, Uconnect 4C NAV on an 8.4-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 18-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. It also comes with the classic SRT Performance Pages that drivers can use to record racing stats and toggle the suspension, transmission, traction control, and steering settings.

No word on this package returning for 2019. Be sure to grab it while supplies last, and check out the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody by shopping for a car online with NowCar.

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