How fast is a Dodge Challenger?
In stock form, the Challenger spans a wide speed range—from practical daily-driver performance to extreme drag-strip acceleration. Across trims and generations, it can range from about 130 mph in base configurations to just over 200 mph in the top-tier Hellcat/Redeye variants, with 0-60 mph times from around six seconds in the base V6 to roughly 2.3 seconds for the Demon.
To understand the question fully, it helps to separate acceleration from top speed. The Challenger has been offered with a variety of engines—starting with a 3.6-liter V6 and moving up through large-displacement Hemi V8s, plus supercharged variants that focus on straight-line speed. Production and availability have evolved over the years, culminating in Last Call editions for the final model years.
0-60 mph times by trim
Below is a representative look at typical 0-60 mph times across the main Challenger trims, highlighting how power and technology translate into acceleration.
- 3.6L V6 (SXT/GT): approximately 6.0–6.5 seconds 0-60 mph, depending on transmission and tires.
- 5.7L Hemi (R/T): roughly 4.4–5.0 seconds 0-60 mph with the eight-speed automatic common.
- 6.4L Hemi (Scat Pack): around 4.2–4.5 seconds 0-60 mph.
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi (Hellcat): about 3.4–3.8 seconds 0-60 mph.
- 6.2L Supercharged Redeye (Redeye): approximately 3.3–3.5 seconds 0-60 mph.
- Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: about 2.3 seconds 0-60 mph with proper launch setup and drag-ready tires.
Taken together, these numbers show how the Challenger’s performance ladder climbs from capable everyday pace to extreme straight-line acceleration, with real-world figures affected by tires, track condition, and launch control.
Top speeds across the lineup
Before listing, note that top speeds are often limited by the car’s electronics and aerodynamics. The values below reflect factory ratings or widely cited figures for stock configurations, recognizing that actual top speed can vary with tires, gearing, and condition.
- 3.6L V6: around 130 mph (approximately 210 km/h).
- 5.7L Hemi: roughly 165–170 mph (about 265–275 km/h).
- 6.4L Scat Pack: about 180 mph (around 290 km/h).
- 6.2L Supercharged Hellcat: 199 mph (about 320 km/h).
- 6.2L Supercharged Redeye: 203 mph (about 327 km/h).
- Demon: electronically limited to about 168 mph (approx. 270 km/h) despite extreme acceleration potential; drag-focused design emphasizes quarter-mile performance.
In practice, the Challenger’s top speed tells only part of the story—the car’s acceleration and track-ready variants are what distinguish it in straight-line performance. For many buyers, the key takeaway is the breadth of the lineup: a practical muscle car for daily driving, and a handful of models engineered to chase incredibly quick quarter-mile times.
Model-year context and availability
While the Challenger has a long history across generations, its modern production ended after the 2023 model year, with Dodge marking the end with Last Call editions. That means all current examples are from past model years, largely available on the used-car market. For enthusiasts, provenance, mileage, and maintenance history become important when evaluating speed-related performance, and aftermarket modifications can further alter acceleration and top-speed figures.
Summary
The Dodge Challenger offers a broad spectrum of speed, from capable daily performance to near-exotic straight-line power. If you want blistering acceleration and near-200 mph top speeds, the Hellcat family and the Demon sit at the top. If you prefer everyday drivability with solid performance, the V6 and V8 R/T/Scat Pack options deliver engaging speed without sacrificing practicality. With production concluding in 2023, speed enthusiasts now look to used examples and preserved Last Call editions to own a Challenger’s high-speed heritage.
How fast is a 3.6 L V6 engine?
SUVs equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine can go an impressive 0 to 60 MPH in between 6.4 and 7.4 seconds. Sedans accelerate even faster, averaging between 6 and 6.3 seconds to go 0 to 60 MPH. When paired with modern automatic transmissions, the engine offers smooth gear transitions as well.
What car goes 0 to 60 in 1.6 seconds?
Point of view with a 0 to 60 time of 1.66. Seconds this is the fastest production car to 60 mph of anything ever made yes that's right faster than a Tesla Plaid.
Is Challenger faster than Hellcat?
The Challenger Hellcat posted an 11.7-second quarter mile3 in MotorTrend testing, and while that is an impressive feat that would've blown minds back in the heyday of American muscle, the Challenger Demon 170 would've been mistaken for witchcraft with its 8.91-second quarter-mile time.
What's faster, a GT or RT?
An R/T is generally faster than a GT. The R/T trim, which stands for "Road/Track," is built for performance with a more powerful V8 engine, while the GT ("Grand Touring") trim typically features a less powerful V6 engine. For example, a Dodge Charger R/T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.7 seconds, compared to a Charger GT's 5.9 seconds.
You can watch this video to learn more about the performance difference between a Dodge Challenger GT and R/T: 23sMarspeedYouTube · Jul 14, 2024
- Engine: The R/T typically has a more powerful V8 engine, while the GT has a V6.
- Horsepower: The R/T has more horsepower and torque than the GT. For instance, a 2023 Dodge Charger R/T has a 370-horsepower 5.7L V8, compared to the GT's 300-horsepower 3.6L V6.
- Performance: This difference in power translates to a noticeable speed advantage for the R/T, which is why it's faster in acceleration tests.
- Handling and feel: While the R/T is faster, the "GT" in "Grand Touring" suggests a focus on comfort for long drives. The GT may have a more balanced performance with a more comfortable ride, whereas the R/T is focused on raw power.
