How much horsepower does a Dodge Cop car have?
Typically, the most common Dodge police car in fleets today is the Charger Pursuit, which generally delivers about 370 horsepower from the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. More powerful options exist in rarer configurations, and horsepower can vary by year, engine, and package. This article reviews the main production options and what you’re likely to see on duty.
Core Charger Pursuit configurations
The following are engine options you’re likely to encounter in typical police fleets, with approximate horsepower figures. Exact availability depends on the model year, regional orders, and the specific police package.
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6: about 292–295 horsepower
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8: about 370 horsepower
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8: about 485 horsepower
In a handful of departments and in limited demonstrations, a Charger Pursuit could be equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi (Hellcat) for roughly 707 horsepower, though this is rare and not standard in most fleets.
Special and rare variants
There are exceptional, low-volume configurations that push horsepower higher than standard fleets. This includes the Hellcat-powered Charger and occasional Redeye variants where the program permits. For everyday police service, most agencies operate within the 370–485 horsepower range.
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: approximately 707 horsepower
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye: around 797 horsepower (rare in police service)
These high-performance options are not widely used in routine police deployments but have been showcased or deployed in select markets as special units or demonstrations.
Durango Pursuit and other Dodge police models
Other police-ready Dodge models, such as the Durango Pursuit, also appear in fleets. Engine choices mirror the Charger family, though availability can differ by year and package.
- Durango Pursuit options include V6 around 295–300 hp and Hemi V8 options around 360–485 hp depending on the trim and year
In practice, Durango Pursuit horsepower typically aligns with Charger options for similar engines, with the 6.4L Hemi offering stronger performance when needed.
What determines the numbers in real-world use
Horsepower is only one aspect of a police vehicle’s performance. Torque, transmission gearing, drivetrain, braking, cooling, suspension, and the weight of police equipment all influence acceleration and top speed. Fleets prioritize durability and reliability for long shifts and high-speed pursuits, balancing power with fuel economy and maintenance costs.
Summary
In summary, the typical Dodge police Charger Pursuit runs about 370 horsepower from the 5.7-liter Hemi, with higher-output options such as the 6.4-liter Hemi around 485 horsepower available in some configurations. The extraordinary Hellcat variants push to about 707 horsepower, but these are rare in standard police work. Always check the current Dodge Police Package catalog for exact engine options offered to a particular department or region, as specs vary by year and market.
