What tires does a Hellcat use?
Typically, a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat ships with 275/40ZR20 front tires and 315/35ZR20 rear tires on 20-inch wheels, fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 performance rubber. The exact tire model and sizing can vary by year and trim, so it’s important to check the placard on the door jamb or the owner's manual for your specific vehicle. This article explains the common stock setup, variations by era, and practical aftermarket options.
Stock tire configuration: size, brand, and wheel dimensions
This overview covers the factory setup that most Hellcat variants shipped with from 2015 through the early 2020s. It focuses on the typical sizing and the tire family used by Dodge engineers for grip and handling balance.
- Front tires: 275/40ZR20 mounted on 20×9-inch wheels (common across most Hellcat variants).
- Rear tires: 315/35ZR20 mounted on 20×11-inch wheels (common across most Hellcat variants).
- Tire brand/family: Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires, with later years sometimes using updated Eagle F1 Supercar family tires (the exact sub-model can vary by year and build date).
- Body and year notes: Widebody and standard-wheel Hellcats generally share the same sizing, but always verify the exact spec on your vehicle’s door sticker and in the owner's manual, since there were minor year-to-year updates.
In practice, these factory sizes are chosen to balance straight-line grip, cornering stability, and overall ride quality for high-power V8 performance. Always confirm your specific car’s specifications, as there were occasional factory or dealer substitutions.
Aftermarket and alternative tire options
For drivers seeking different performance characteristics—whether for daily driving, track days, or drag launches—there are several common directions you can take. The following options reflect popular choices among Hellcat owners and tuners, with sizes that typically fit the stock 20-inch wheels.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 rear: widely praised for grip, balance, and predictable handling in warm conditions.
- Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R — 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 rear: more aggressive grip and track-ready performance, with some trade-offs in wear and cold-weather behavior.
- Continental ExtremeContact Sport — 275/40R20 front and 315/35R20 rear: strong all-around performance with solid wet grip and daily usability.
- Drag-oriented options (for specific setups): Nitto NT555R2 or NT555R (drag-oriented tires) paired with appropriate wheels for straight-line launches; intended for drag racing rather than street use.
- Winter/all-season alternatives (where allowed): All-season or winter tires are available, but they significantly reduce high-speed grip and are not recommended for peak Hellcat performance in warm conditions.
When choosing aftermarket tires, consider your primary use (daily driving vs. track vs. drag), climate, and budget. Ensure the tires you choose have appropriate load indexes and speed ratings for the car’s weight and performance envelope, and verify wheel clearances and fender clearance with wider or lower-profile tires.
Practical considerations when selecting tires
Here are key points to keep in mind as you decide which tires to buy for your Hellcat:
- Usage: Determine whether you need everyday usability, track performance, or drag- racing capability.
- Climate: Summer performance tires are ideal in warm weather; consider all-season or all-weather options only if you need winter traction.
- Wear vs. grip: Higher-grip tires often wear faster; balance your priorities between grip, longevity, and cost.
- Maintenance: Regular tire rotation, alignment checks, and proper inflation help maximize grip and even wear.
- Fitment checks: Confirm the tire and wheel combination fits the car without rubbing, and complies with speed/load ratings.
Consult a tire professional or Dodge dealership to confirm the best choice for your exact Hellcat model and intended use.
Summary
In short, Hellcats most often run 275/40ZR20 front and 315/35ZR20 rear tires on 20-inch wheels, using Goodyear Eagle F1 performance rubber as stock. Exact models and substitutions can vary by year, trim, and whether the car is a standard Hellcat or a Widebody variant. For upgrades, popular choices include Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R, and Continental ExtremeContact Sport, with drag-focused users sometimes opting for specialized drag radials. Always match tire choice to climate, driving goals, and the vehicle’s specifications, and verify fitment with official documentation or a tire professional.
