Most of us can remember the renowned Dodge Viper, whether we saw it first-hand or we raced it through Ancient Ruins and Coastal Parklands in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2. While many folks remember the Viper as nothing more than a cool sports car, there’s significant importance behind this particular model. The Dodge Viper was the first of many powerful Dodge performance cars to wear the Street & Racing Technology (SRT) label. The tech-driven SRT division grew out of “Team Viper” but soon became larger than just a single model. Dodge officially named its performance-based dev team “SRT” in 2004.
Yes, the Dodge SRT lineup we all know and love today began with the Viper. It all started when a team of racing techs was determined to create the fastest, most powerful, highest-horsepower Dodge models around—and it’s safe to say that they succeeded. Although it’s true that you won’t find a brand-new Viper at your local Dodge dealer, you can find something even more powerful—the three-model 2023 Dodge SRT lineup. While the 1991 Dodge Viper could go from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, an impressive feat at the time, the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock can hit the same speed in just 3.3 seconds, a feature that’s unique in its class. Let’s take a closer look at each member of the modern Dodge SRT family.
#3 – 2023 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The most family-friendly of the bunch, the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is a three-row SUV that packs a mean punch. Although it was discontinued in 2022, it is back for 2023 and just as powerful as ever. This model rocks a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine that pumps out 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, meaning that it can go from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 290 km/h. Since all that speed is bound to produce some heat, the Durango SRT includes a dedicated cooling circuit to keep air flowing into the engine under 60 degrees Celsius. It also has a cast-iron engine block that includes water jackets to further enhance engine cooling.
While those are some features you can use without the fam around, here are some perks to consider if you’re balancing practicality with fun. The available Plus and Premium packages help enhance aesthetics, convenience features, and even towing technologies. The Plus Package includes high-performance Laguna leather seats, a power sunroof, advanced driver-assist features, and the Trailer-Tow Group. The Premium Package adds more fun features, like red seat belts, carbon fibre interior accents, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, and a Harman Kardon 19-speaker sound system.
The Durango SRT Hellcat drive modes benefit both safety and fun thanks to road condition-adjusting technologies. This model’s eight-speed automatic transmission includes seven drive modes: Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow, Eco, and Valet. Knock it into Sport Mode when you’re on your own, or flip it over to Snow Mode for slick winter mornings. It’s also possible to tow up to 3,946 kg with this model, making it ideal for small to moderate campers and other recreational towing. If you want the best parts of a muscle car and a family SUV all rolled into one, this model should be your top pick.
#2 – 2023 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak
The Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the fastest four-door muscle car in the entire world, topping out at 327 km/h. The Jailbreak trim gets bumped up to 807 hp, improving the standard 797 hp rating of the High-Output Hellcat engine. All Hellcat Charger models come with Torque Reserve and Race Cooldown. Torque Reserve prefills the supercharger to deliver more acceleration off the line. Race Cooldown continues to cool the supercharger after engine shutdown, helping to prevent overheating.
Whether you pick the Hellcat, Hellcat Redeye, or Jailbreak, you’ll also get Launch Control, Launch Assist, and Line Lock. Launch Control helps the driver achieve consistent straight-line acceleration, Launch Assist helps maintain grip during speedy takeoffs, and Line Lock engages front brakes to create the perfect burnout. Driver-adjustable Electric Power Steering is also available through the SRT Performance Pages, making turns easier no matter your speed. Clearly, the Charger’s performance features are abundant. Still, perhaps one of this model’s coolest “fun” features is the return of B5 Blue, a classic Dodge paint colour that pays homage to original 1960s and 1970s models as part of the heritage colours lineup.
#1 – 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock
There’s a lot to say about the 2023 Charger. First off, there are three different SRT models to choose from—the Hellcat, the Hellcat Redeye, and the Super Stock. The two Hellcats are available as Jailbreak models, which means they’re the most customizable options. It’s like playing Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition in real life, providing access to previously restricted customization options. The choices are endless and cover every aspect of the car. You can even choose a widebody Challenger to add 8.9 cm of overall width to improve the car’s looks.
If you’re more about speed, then the fastest available model is the Super Stock, which produces 807 hp and can go from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds with a 270 km/h top speed rating, making it the most powerful muscle car in the world. This model is based on a fan-favourite beast, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, creating a drag-racing machine. For example, on the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, you can access Track Mode, which activates a drag-racing-specific shock tuning. Some of the same features we see on the Charger are also standard, such as Line Lock, Launch Control, and Torque Reserve, plus the additional Power Chiller and Race Cooldown. The beloved SRT Demon’s gearbox is also standard on this model—the TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission.
Hit the Brakes: Who’s the Real Winner Here?
These are all fast and powerful vehicles, no matter how you look at them. When asked “which SRT is most powerful,” the simple answer is the Challenger SRT Super Stock, and that’s why it’s number one on our list. However, this determination is based on power and speed alone. It doesn’t mean the Super Stock is the right pick for everyone. It all depends on what you’re doing with this power and why you want it.
Are you interested in having some fun and showing off while still being able to haul your family around? The Durango SRT Hellcat is for you. Do you want to own the fastest four-door muscle car ever made? Check out the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak. The list goes on and on. There’s a lot to consider before you bring home one of these cars. Your Dodge dealer knows the ins and outs of each model and can tell you the best trims, packages, and customization options to meet your needs. Regardless, what’s important is this—if you’re interested in a new Dodge, the SRT lineup houses the most powerful options available. No matter which SRT beast you choose, you’re in for a good time.
