Is a Hellcat a FWD?
The short answer: no. Hellcat models are not front-wheel-drive; they use rear-wheel drive (RWD) in the Challenger and Charger variants, and all-wheel drive (AWD) in the Durango variant. There is no front-wheel-drive Hellcat in production. This article explains why and how the drivetrain differs across the lineup.
To understand the question better, it helps to know what counts as a Hellcat and how Dodge’s high-performance models are configured beneath the hood. The Hellcat family uses a supercharged V8 engine and is tuned for straight-line speed and track-focused handling, which influences the choice of drivetrain.
What qualifies as a Hellcat?
The term “Hellcat” refers to Dodge’s high-performance versions of the Challenger, Charger, and Durango, all powered by the 6.2-liter Hemi V8 with a supercharger. In standard form, this setup produces around 707 horsepower, with the more powerful Hellcat Redeye variants delivering around 797 horsepower. The Durango SRT Hellcat, a high-performance three-row SUV, also uses this same engine family but is paired with a drivetrain suited to its larger chassis.
Drivetrain realities for Hellcats
Here is how the Hellcat lineup is typically configured in terms of propulsion. Note that front-wheel drive is not offered in these models; the Challenger/Charger variants rely on rear-wheel drive, while the Durango variant uses all-wheel drive.
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat — Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye — Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat — Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye — Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Durango SRT Hellcat — All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
In practical terms, the Challenger and Charger Hellcats are designed for RWD performance, with their power routed to the rear wheels. The Durango Hellcat, being an SUV with greater weight and different traction needs, uses AWD to manage the torque more effectively across all four wheels.
Why no FWD?
Front-wheel drive is generally less capable of transmitting extreme horsepower to the road without sacrificing traction and stability, especially in a vehicle packing over 700 horsepower. Hellcats rely on the physics of weight transfer and tire grip managed by rear (or all) wheel traction. A front-driven layout would struggle with torque steer and wheel spin at the launch, making it impractical for the performance targets Dodge sets for Hellcat models.
Summary
In short, a Hellcat is not a front-wheel-drive car. The Challenger and Charger Hellcats are configured as rear-wheel-drive variants, while the Durango SRT Hellcat employs all-wheel drive. This combination reflects the engineering choices needed to harness the power of the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 while maintaining traction and handling at high speeds. For buyers seeking a Hellcat, expect RWD in the two-door coupes and AWD in the SUV, with no factory FWD option across the lineup.
