Is the Hellcat Charger RWD?
Yes—the Hellcat Charger is rear-wheel drive. There is no factory all-wheel-drive option for the SRT Hellcat variants, and all versions use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Drivetrain configuration: what that means
The Hellcat’s performance orientation centers on rear-wheel drive to maximize straight-line grip and weight transfer during launches. Dodge has equipped the lineup with an eight-speed automatic transmission (TorqueFlite 8HP90) and typically a rear differential tailored for high-power delivery. A manual transmission option is not offered on the Hellcat Charger.
Variants and power output
Here is a quick look at the main Hellcat Charger variants and their power, all while maintaining a rear-drive layout.
- Charger SRT Hellcat — approximately 707 horsepower; rear-wheel drive; eight-speed automatic
- Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody — same drivetrain and output as the standard Hellcat, with added width and grip
- Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye — approximately 797 horsepower; rear-wheel drive; eight-speed automatic
- Charger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak — approximately 807 horsepower; rear-wheel drive; eight-speed automatic
Across the lineup, the drive layout remains rear-wheel drive, with horsepower increasing across variants but the fundamental drivetrain unchanged.
Practical implications for drivers
For enthusiasts, the RWD Hellcat delivers a traditional muscle-car experience marked by strong launch performance and a lively exhaust note. However, the lack of factory AWD means traction in wet or snowy conditions relies heavily on tire choice and the driver's skill. The eight-speed automatic provides rapid shifts and a tactile shift mode for more direct control, but there is no factory manual option.
Summary
In summary, the Hellcat Charger is definitively rear-wheel drive. There is no factory all-wheel-drive option for the SRT Hellcat variants, and all models in the lineup maintain a rear-drive configuration paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with horsepower tuned across variants from 707 hp to about 807 hp.
