Supercharged Hellcat V8 Engine Detailed

Even though Dodge released further info on the powerplant, the brand still keeps its lips tightly shut about the exact horsepower and torque figures. Boo and hiss, but nevertheless, other technical aspects of the mill are certain to make jaws drop.

The American carmaker's most potent mass produced engine ever shares just 9 percent of its bits and bobs with the less powerful 6.4-liter HEMI V8. The latter provides the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT with 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft (644 Nm) of torque.

So what has been changed over the 6.4-liter V8? Well, for a start there's a twin-screw supercharger dominating the engine bay. Sealed forever with a special type of premium full-synthetic lubricant, the 2.4-liter blower can rotate at a maximum 14,600 revolutions per minute and has a 2.36:1 drive ratio.

Featuring integral charge coolers and an electronic bypass valve which regulates boost pressure to a respectable 11.6 psi, the supercharger draws fresh air via intakes integrated in the inner headlamps. The final stage of the four-stroke combustion cycle is dealt by a 2.75-inch exhaust system with dual exit tips. Combining comfort with sportiness, an electronically controlled butterfly valve system keeps noise levels down at low rpm and unleashes the full staccato burble at higher revs.

Moving on to the belly of the beast, highly durable forged-alloy pistons are connected to powder-forged connecting rods. High load capacity bushings and carbon-coated piston pins are also on the menu, while both cylinder heads are heat-treated for extra toughness. The hollow-stem cylinder exhaust valves are sodium-cooled and benefit from steel-alloy heads which can withstand scorching hot temperatures up to 800 C (1,472 F).

Naturally, the blown 6.2-liter HEMI V8 powering the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat needs a pretty special fuel system to keep the powerplant well fed with high octane gasoline. Just to name a few of its highlights, the high performance fuel system is comprised of eight high-flow injectors, a variable pressure in-tank pump and 0.5-inch fuel lines. If you're a bit of a leadfoot, be warned: all the fuel accommodated in the 18.5-gallon (70-liter) tank will run out in a mere 13 minutes if you give the throttle pedal the Full Nelson.

As expected from a muscle car of this caliber, there are only two very well sorted transmissions available: a track-proven Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual derived from the SRT Viper sporting an upgraded clutch and an exterior cooling system, as well as the all-new TorqueFlite eight-speed paddle-shift automatic. Even thought the front and rear axles are chunkier than on the normal SRT, weight is kept under control thanks to the heavy use of special lightweight alloys.

The 230 mm rear axle sports an asymmetric electronically controlled limited-slip differential which aids the driving dynamics of the vehicle with good levels of traction and grip, sports car roadholding and smooth power delivery when accelerating hard out of corners. Of course, the hardware is also able to offer plenty of hoonage whenever the mood takes you for a little sideways, tire shredding action.

Standard 245/45 Goodyear tires or optional Pirelli P Zero rubber can be shoehorned on 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels measuring 9.5 inches across. The "Slingshot" rims feature a split-seven spoke design and are painted in a ominous matte black hue. The Brass Monkey (dark bronze) finish is an optional extra. Last but not least, braking power is sourced by a Brembo system with six-piston calipers up front and 15.4-inches discs on all four corners.

Don't know about you guys, but the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is shaping up to be one helluva machine. If you want one right now, tough luck - the first ones will arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms towards the end of 2014.