The allure of the open road is undeniable, especially when your destination is the iconic Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, a pilgrimage for devotees of Dodge and Mopar vehicles. This sprawling event, nestled in the picturesque Pennsylvania countryside, has served as a mecca for Chrysler enthusiasts for decades. Here, generations of Mopar aficionados converge, amidst a breathtaking showcase of classic and contemporary high-performance machines, from vintage Dodge and Plymouth legends to the latest Challenger and Charger models. Car lovers from across the nation flock to this spectacular annual gathering.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody on the road
Having been a part of the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals experience for over three decades, I jumped at the opportunity to embark on a road trip from Detroit to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, behind the wheel of a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody. The prospect of piloting this award-winning, 707-horsepower sedan on a journey across state lines promised to be an unforgettable adventure. My route would encompass a significant 1,100-mile round trip, commencing on the flat expanse of the Ohio Turnpike, before transitioning to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a route that dramatically ascends and winds through the majestic Allegheny Mountains, punctuated by tunnels that add an element of intrigue to the drive. The PA Turnpike acts as a vital artery through the state, stretching from Philadelphia at one end to the other side. Dodge’s recent recognition from J.D. Power, achieving the coveted No. 1 ranking in Initial Quality among all domestic brands – a first in the study’s 34-year history – only heightened my anticipation. This accolade underscored what many already knew: Dodge has hit its stride, surging past seven competitors from the previous year’s rankings.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody on the road
The J.D. Power award is no mystery when you experience the Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody. This is no ordinary performance sedan; it reigns as the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan on the planet. It’s a vehicle of intriguing duality, capable of refined composure one moment and unleashing raw, untamed power the next. Devouring miles on the turnpikes was effortless for this beast, reminiscent of Pacman on a power pellet binge. The supercharger’s whine was pure auditory delight, eliciting a childlike grin every time I engaged the accelerator. The interior was a sanctuary of comfort, featuring heated and cooled leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and advanced safety technologies such as Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, providing an extra layer of security.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody interior
The Pitch Black exterior paint amplified the Hellcat’s menacing persona, echoing the iconic 1968 Charger from the film Bullitt. However, unlike its cinematic predecessor with a 440 Magnum V8 and slender whitewall tires, the 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody’s 6.2L supercharged HEMI® engine can instantly obliterate its massive 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires with a mere tap of the throttle. The HEMI’s earth-shattering 650 lb.-ft. of torque is the culprit behind this tire-shredding capability. While the classic Bullitt Charger R/T famously lost wheel covers during its San Francisco chase, the modern Hellcat boasts imposing 20-inch-by-11-inch split-five spoke wheels. Finished in Low-gloss Carbon Black and punctuated by red Brembo brake calipers, they are a visual statement of performance. The TorqueFlite® eight-speed automatic transmission demonstrated an almost intuitive understanding of gear changes, seamlessly downshifting and upshifting as needed. Navigating the varying elevations of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the engine and transmission worked in perfect harmony. Six-piston Brembo brakes provided rapid deceleration, and the competition suspension with Bilstein three-mode adaptive damping ensured confident handling on any road surface.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody engine
The 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody is a force of nature, a 4,400-pound missile of speed capable of dominating any road while maintaining a respectable distance from other vehicles. Driving it is a fully immersive experience, demanding complete engagement. It’s a machine with a split personality. It can cruise effortlessly in sweltering heat, navigating stop-and-go traffic with ease. However, a press of the SRT button and selection of “TRACK” mode transforms it into a different beast altogether. The Bilstein shocks recalibrate, and the transmission shifts become brutally firm, delivering a visceral punch with each gear change under full throttle.
2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody on display
Upon arrival at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, the Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody took its place in the Dodge display, alongside other J.D. Power award-winning vehicles from the Brotherhood of Muscle. Enthusiasts were captivated by its presence and had the opportunity to experience the power and quality of the 2020 Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcats firsthand at the Dodge Thrill Rides on Carlisle’s Autocross Track. They experienced firsthand the sensations I had encountered on my road trip – power, speed, safety, and comfort. It’s clear why Dodge earned the top spot in the J.D. Power Initial Quality survey, and with future models on the horizon, their position at the top seems secure. The road trip to the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in the Hellcat was a resounding affirmation of Dodge’s commitment to performance and quality.
