What is a Dodge Challenger top speed?
At a glance, the Dodge Challenger’s top speed spans from about 131 mph in the base V6 models to just over 200 mph in the highest-performance Hellcat variants, with the Demon occupying a distinct, drag-focused niche around 168 mph. This article breaks down the speeds by trim and explains what factors influence those numbers.
Model-by-model top speeds
Below is a quick snapshot of approximate top speeds for the Challenger’s main configurations, drawn from factory specifications and widely cited testing. Real-world speeds can vary based on tires, aerodynamics, gearing, and speed limiter settings.
Base models: SXT and GT (3.6L V6)
Top speeds for the base Challenger are limited by the smaller engine and gearing, resulting in a modest maximum that still suits highway driving.
- Top speed: about 131 mph (211 km/h).
Conclusion: The V6 base keeps pace with everyday highway driving, trading top-end speed for efficiency and smooth operation.
V8-powered trims: R/T and Scat Pack
The 5.7L Hemi in the R/T and the 6.4L Hemi in the Scat Pack push the Challenger into higher-performance territory, with significantly higher top speeds.
- R/T: about 156 mph (251 km/h).
- Scat Pack (392): about 180 mph (290 km/h).
Conclusion: The V8 variants dramatically raise the ceiling, aligning with performance-focused buyers who value straight-line speed and track capability.
High-performance Hellcat family
The Hellcat family uses forced induction and upgraded cooling to reach near-200 mph speeds, with Redeye and Jailbreak pushing even higher in certain configurations.
- Challenger SRT Hellcat: about 199 mph (320 km/h).
- Challenger Hellcat Redeye: about 203 mph (327 km/h).
- Challenger Jailbreak: about 203 mph (327 km/h).
Conclusion: These models are engineered to hit the factory limiter near 200 mph, making them among the fastest American muscle cars on public roads.
Demon: extreme drag performance with a different ceiling
The Challenger Demon offered extreme straight-line performance but a distinct top-speed ceiling compared with the Hellcats due to engineering and regulatory considerations.
- Top speed: about 168 mph (270 km/h).
Conclusion: The Demon prioritizes drag performance and track-ready power, with a top pace that serves a different purpose than the Hellcat’s highway speed chase.
What affects top speed on a Challenger?
Top speed is not determined by engine power alone. A combination of factors determines how fast a Challenger can go under real-world conditions.
- Powertrain output and torque curves
- Gearing and transmission setup
- Tire type, width, and condition
- Aerodynamics, weight, and load
- Electronic speed limiters and regulatory restrictions
Conclusion: Even if a model is capable of high numbers, real-world performance depends on setup, road conditions, and equipment like tires and track surfaces.
Summary
Across the Challenger lineup, top speeds range from roughly 131 mph for the base V6 to about 199–203 mph in the top-tier Hellcat variants, with the Demon delivering a distinct 168 mph ceiling. The spectrum reflects Dodge’s blend of practical everyday usability and extreme performance, offering something for both street cruising and track-day ambition.
What is top speed on a Hellcat?
The top speed for a Hellcat varies by model, with the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye having a top speed of 203 mph. Some older or specific versions, like the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat, had a top speed of 199 mph, while other models like the SRT Super Stock are drag-limited to 168 mph despite their quick acceleration.
You can watch this video to see the Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye's top speed: 54sMilesPerHrYouTube · Feb 15, 2021
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye: 203 mph (top speed)
- Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock: 168 mph (top speed)
- 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: 199 mph (top speed)
What is the top speed of a Dodge Challenger?
The top speed of a Dodge Challenger varies by trim level, with base models like the SXT and GT topping out at about 143 mph, while high-performance versions like the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody can reach up to 203 mph. The top speed is limited by factors such as engine power, gearing, and tire ratings, with specialized models like the SRT Demon 170 focusing more on acceleration than top speed.
This video shows a test drive of a Dodge Challenger Scat Pack's top speed on the German Autobahn: 1mShmee150YouTube · Sep 27, 2020
Top speeds by trim level
- SXT and GT: ~143 mph
- SRT Hellcat: Up to 203 mph
- SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody: Up to 203 mph
- SRT Super Stock: 168 mph (due to tire limitations)
- SRT Demon 170: 151 mph (trap speed at the end of the quarter-mile, limited by tires)
What is a SRT top speed?
The top speed for an SRT model depends on the specific vehicle, with some top models reaching over 200 mph. For example, the 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye has a top speed of 203 mph, while the Challenger SRT Hellcat has a top speed of 199 mph. The Challenger SRT 392 is slower, with a top speed of 182 mph.
This video demonstrates the top speed of various Dodge Challenger SRT models: 59sMarspeedYouTube · Jul 14, 2024
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye: 203 mph
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: 199 mph
- Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: 196 mph
- Dodge Challenger SRT 392: 182 mph
- Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: 180 mph
What Dodge goes 200 mph?
It was so fast they had to change the rules in order to stop it. And yes this thing would go over 200 mph in 1969 with a boot you could still load a set of golf clubs. Into.
