What differential does the Hellcat have?
At a glance, the Hellcat uses a rear electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD) to manage power between the back wheels; the exact internals vary by year and model, but all Hellcats rely on a form of limited-slip torque distribution rather than a plain open rear differential.
How the differential works in practice
The differential is the component that distributes torque between the rear wheels. In high-horsepower cars like the Hellcat, an LSD helps reduce wheel spin on throttle and improves cornering traction by biasing torque toward the wheel with more grip. The electronic control coordinates with the stability control systems to optimize traction during launches, accelerations, and aggressive cornering.
Hellcat variants and their rear differentials
What follows is a quick breakdown of the rear differential setup across common Hellcat variants. The list focuses on the rear axle LSD type and general behavior; exact hardware can vary by year and production run.
- Challenger SRT Hellcat: Rear axle features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD) with a multi-plate clutch pack and electronic actuation to manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.
- Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: Similar eLSD configuration with higher torque capacity and calibration tuned for the Redeye's increased output, helping control traction under high-launch and high-torque conditions.
- Charger SRT Hellcat / Hellcat Widebody variants: Rear eLSD setup as standard, designed to handle the model's substantial horsepower and torque with electronic control and stability integration.
- Notes across years: For all Hellcat versions, the LSD is part of a broader stability and traction-control system; some early production runs or regional specs may have different calibrations or optional packages, but the core approach remains an electronically controlled rear LSD rather than a traditional open diff.
In short, the Hellcat's differential is an electronically controlled limited-slip unit on the rear axle, with variations in tuning and capacity across generations and models.
What to check if you own or are buying a Hellcat
To confirm the exact differential on a specific car, consult the vehicle's build sheet, owner's manual, or a Mopar service guide for that model year. The differential may be described as "electronic limited-slip differential," "eLSD," or "LSD with multi-plate clutch," and the differential code can identify the exact configuration.
Maintenance and potential issues
Routine checks for the differential include differential fluid changes at the intervals recommended by Dodge, as well as monitoring for abnormal noise or vibration that could indicate worn clutch packs or bearings. In performance models, aggressive driving or track use can accelerate wear; factory service intervals and upfits may be required for heavy-use situations.
Summary
The Hellcat line uses a rear electronically controlled limited-slip differential to manage traction and torque distribution, with the exact hardware and calibration evolving across generations (Challenger vs. Charger, standard Hellcat vs. Redeye). The core idea is to keep power planted on the driven wheels, not rely on an open rear diff. For precise specifications on a particular car, check its build sheet or service documentation.
