2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Review - TFL Leaderboard Hot or Not Ep.3

Watch Episode 2 - BMW M2: ( • 2016 BMW M2 Review - T... )
The 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is a 707 HP monster muscle car that's great at making its rear tires smoke. But what is it like to live with and take around a race track? In Episode 3 of TFL Leaderboard Hot or Not Review Roman and Paul find out as well as how fast it can lap TFL's test track.
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[@MarkJCarruthers]

All he had to say was: "summer tires, winter day". Nuff said!

[@iAmNyC718]

Exactly....

[@BlargeMan]

I think the fact that this car was only 3 seconds slower than the much smaller, lighter and more nimble Jaguar is pretty damn impressive. And, come on, 707 horsepower from the factory is too cool.

[@ThoughtMachine1]

They're using summer tires THAT AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE USED BELOW 45 DEGREES!!!

[@mantisushi]

the hellcat is what a muscle car is meant to be

[@user-gr4jn2sw3q]

Damn skippy!! If I wanted a sports car I'd buy a sports this thing is a beast and I want a beast😜

[@iAmNyC718]

Well said bro..

[@robertbrody4032]

Nice that he said it was the hottest car they've had, but they also crippled it on the track with summer tires on a cold day. Keep in mind that the Hellcat did the Ring in 7.51, beating the M5. The Hellcat also matched the ZL1 on a real road coarse via Motortrend. I know TFL loves the Hellcat, but they also seem to test it under terrible conditions again and again....wrong tires, wrong weather and high altitude.

[@moparlover1968rr]

The supposed race car driver just got slammed by a real muscle car! Good review Roland

[@Stuka87]

There is a reason summer tires should not be used on a cold winter days ;) EDIT: Oh, and the car is actually a bit easier to reign in with a manual trans. Because its easier to keep it in a higher gear to limit torque to the wheels.

[@1allspub]

Summer tires in the winter AND you put it on a track and had the nerve to judge it???? Brilliant move guys... sheesh!! LAME!

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Brutha, this isn't a track weapon.

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

Roman got it right, there is no denying the hotness despite any flaw you can find in it. I might add, you should see the Challenger in real life. It looks good on video, but its not a photogenic car. In real life it looks even better.

[@robertbrody4032]

Well, enough people have had a chuckle on the tires. Those things are like ROCKS in cold weather and this is a fairly tight track. Try the Cat at Big Willow and see what happens. But the real issue here is tires that makes the ZR1 downright dangerous on a cold day and I know that from experience. It would be nice to see TFL at least admit that they're testing this car in the wrong conditions with the wrong equipment.

[@floridamaddogg]

I love the hot or not segments and this one was no different. Only critiques I have is they were doing the tests on cold winter days. Snow was still on the ground and you have summer tires on. Secondly, I think it handled pretty well for everyone saying it can't turn. Look at the latest results now in 2019. The Hellcat is mid to high in the pack of timed laps. Very impressive! Lastly, he mentioned the steering feels too light and in the track setting. The steering is hydraulic (the way it should be) and has good weight and more communicative over electric steering. The 2018+ Hellcats changed to electronic steering, but I have a 2016 Hellcat and glad I have hydraulic. One final thought: If you own a Hellcat, you NEVER use the black key. If you do, you just wasted your money. Should have just gotten a Scat Pack. Those are great too. I owned a 2016 Challenger Scat Pack Shaker and that car broke necks too.

[@Widebody20]

Summer tires in the winter? It is a muscle car.

[@trenton.tchannel1810]

on a drag strip where it's made to be at? i don't understand how no one Listen to the company when they clearly stated it wasn't made to corner the track setting is for the drag strip not road courses dodge even said that in testing they did numerous drag runs they said nothing about road courses they built the acr for that

[@dukinygaming259]

It'll do just fine if you keep the traction control partially on.

[@davidhoover2446]

I thought that was awesome! Roman's review was funny! Really how could you not love that car? It might as well shred tires and be comfortable because almost all people will never take their car on a track. They will drive it because it's cool and it's a toy to have fun in.

[@mjktrash]

Also, just to re-emphasize, the P-Zeros have cold temperature restrictions that warn against use at temps below 45 degrees...

[@danielmckirby9982]

This guy doesn't know what he's talking about, the hellcat is the most badass American car in the world.

[@emilegallant7698]

Daniel McKirby not to mention the most powerful

[@lamy29]

You guys are awesome, I really like this format. All 3 cars are my current favs. and you have a pro driver doing hot laps! If i could spam like i would. I also really liked the "what's it like to live with this car" review.

[@nigelplantin6477]

That's why I like about SRT hemi because they don't play at all of V8 family

[@skyisdlimit6125]

The look of the light is pretty addicting

[@hindeemalkee8227]

I love hot or not please keep it coming

[@gr8crash]

I'm sure is been said. But even they said it "summer tires on a winter track". either run it again with the all seasons, or run it again when it's warm weather. that was there biggest problem. I disagreed with a couple either aspects, but the biggest one was the tire selection. Pick the right tire and run it again

[@TheUsmc0802]

Wrong track for that car. On a big track like Laguna Seca, Road America etc the Hell Cat wouldve won! I'm no fan boy, I own a 930, the Hell Cat is awesome and my 930 would get stomped on the open road or a big track. I want one!

[@senderofan65]

Guys....Read the temperature recommendations on the summer tires. I've had plenty of seat time on the track in vehicles with Pirelli P Zero tires and "R" compound tires in temps where snow wasn't melting.....like the conditions on your test track. Any rear wheel drive vehicle with "R" compound tires or the P Zero's in cold temps will slide and struggle for grip.......707+ HP just magnifies the lack of grip in cold temps.....No big surprise guys. And as is pointed out......the Hellcat was not designed to be the Ultimate Corner Carver......Please test drive a 2016 Viper ACR if you're looking for a track worthy offering from FCA / SRT / Dodge.

[@senderofan65]

+cathy janitschke The Hellcat is a muscle car / touring vehicle. And when dialed up to its full potential....it demands respect. Any ultra high performance car can be a handful.....ala the Paul Walker tragedy. Respect the power and capabilities......and leave the high performance driving and high speeds for the track.....and then there is little to worry about with the Hellcat.

[@BlargeMan]

Upgrade the suspension, put in some subframe connectors and front and rear strut tower braces, and get wider tires, and that Hellcat would have handled a LOT better. Wrong track for it too.

[@BlargeMan]

With wider tires and better environmental conditions (who uses summer tires below 45 degrees and expects it to handle??), this thing will handle a lot better. Especially if you have a larger sway bar kit, upgraded rear linkage, and upgraded control arms.

[@agmarton]

Here's an innovative thought...how about if The Fast Lane Car tries a Hellcat video that doesn't take place in the winter. C'mon guys...

[@mfair4u]

I really like this segment. Keep it going.

[@blairg4136]

hey let's take 700hp car out in 0 degree weather and complain about its handling when for a 4400lb car it actually holds it ground pretty well ... let's go around the worst track and complain about features I haven't even learned how to use yet.

[@kleek8888]

It would of been more interesting to see red key vs. black key around that track, maybe next time.

[@dukinygaming259]

Put it in custom mode with everything on track but keep the traction control on sport.

[@ARDEN440i]

Summer bicycle tyres on a cold winter surface. You guys need to get some drag radials to make this monster come alive.

[@ARDEN440i]

Also the Hellcat in red key mode is perfectly fine as a daily. Just turn on traction control if you want to floor it and don't be a goon. Terrible review 👎 seen better reviews with Hellcat owners who would disagree with your statement about the red key.

[@Phos9]

Put pilot cup 2s on the back and all seasons on the front and see if lap times improve.

[@NotesofNate]

Just curious, in this event was the red key the right key. If 700 was busting Paul's ass why not test the black key dream machine on the road course. Are you SURE, everything was in track mode? Everything, everything? No it won't do Camaro handling but c'mon and on a tight course it isn't the weapon of choice but cold laps on summer tires isn't fair to Hell spawn!

[@evilhacks1]

Its not valet mode, its giving it to your son for an afternoon mode.

[@socalfun64]

Why the hell would they test this car at a mile high on a WINTER, SNOW DAY with SUMMER tires and then call it bad? Idiots, that's why!

[@Xmvw2X]

So Dodge has the Viper and the Hellcat Charger/Challenger. What do you think Dodge could do with the Charger/Challenger to make it more drivable/usable in a sport setting knowing what they know from the Viper development? Is it just bigger tires? Is it taller gearing to tame down the torque at the wheels? Is it different suspension geometry? Is it aggressive aero, possibly even with a dynamically actuated wing? I've gotten to autocross a 3rd gen Viper aggressively, and I found it to be a pretty tame car relatively speaking. I consider a Mustang 5.0L (last gen) to be a more challenging and dangerous car to drive. I think it's this way for a couple reasons. One, big tires help a lot. Two, 1st gear is like a normal car's 3rd, and that saps away a TON of effective torque at slow speeds and makes the car feel somewhat weak relative to the HP numbers. Three, the Viper was set up well for balance and stability with slight understeer even at full throttle, just as long as you weren't manhandling inputs. I haven't gotten to drive a Challenger/Charger yet, but I would assume some steps could be taken to settle the car down. Then again, maybe it was and never will be meant to be such a car. As you guys said, it's a throwback, and in some ways it has to be that dangerous kind of wild to truly be one. Any thoughts?

[@cwyoming7004]

A 'black key' fast lap time would be nice for comparison. Great videos guys. I like Paul, good find.

[@billisdewillis5]

It's a bit of an exaggeration on how this thing drives...use the throttle pedal for what it was made for: metering power in as you want it, no problem. Slam to the floor and pull right out on the throttle and you are likely to see a pole, sure, but that is almost any car.

[@slacadjuster237]

At 11:42, he says "you got that wonderful Hemi burbling in the back". Did I miss something?? Pretty sure, that hemi would be burbling from the FRONT. As its a front engine car. The EXHAUST is what burbles out the back.

[@cesaviation]

Try a timed hot lap without the 707 HP key. It might be faster with less HP to handle.

[@txnygfan07]

I enjoyed watching the challenger around the track, but why stop accelerating about 150-200 feet early? From where you made a complete stop, it looks like you could keep you foot on the gas at least until you crossed the finished line and still stop with plenty of room on the track.

[@johnnyringo201]

Should have used the black key for the track and see if it makes a difference.

[@besdongchocolate]

They should have done it like Lexus. They built the ISF then used the chassis for the IS 350 and 250 (200t now). Same goes to the BMW. They engineered the M3 then used the chassis for the 3 series. Dodge built the chassis for a V6 then threw a 707HP engine in. Those horsepower are useless because the chassis can't handle it. I bet the Mustang GT350 would eat this in drag race or circuit race. I'm not anti Dodge, but they should have engineered this car for the power it makes.

[@Dave-yw7uh]

you could cut 2sec with practice. love how the issue of handling never came up on a car that is rejected for it and it's weight.

[@Nonamenever557]

Could you try it on the track in 500bhp mode? It might be enough to go fast without being so tail happy, would be interesting to see if its actually slower on that track

[@CharlesFlahertyB]

Wow, on a frozen tack the Hellcat couldn't make traction... Who would have thought? The Hellcat isn't a track day car, it's a carnival ride. Judge it for what it is.

[@mrderek800]

+The Fast Lane Car I would just like to say that if you did a 360 view when doing one of your videos would be pretty cool for us, the viewers.

[@jt1331]

So I assume you took the car around the track with the "red" key to log in your time but what about the "black" key? Could the "black" key be faster around a track? It would be interesting to know.

[@Tino722]

IT IS!!! I have one and I love it!!! Amazing car!

[@GCRonL]

Hey Paul Gerrard, How about doing a lap when it's warm, the tires will actually get heat and see how it behaves then.

[@chronodriver]

I'm up for that, have to see when that would work out, perhaps in the summer

[@GCRonL]

+Paul Gerrard Great! Betting the steering will be heavier with the tires not sliding around like hockey pucks.

[@illuminatedperspectives2894]

SHOULD BE ABLE TO SAVE A LOT OF GAS DRIVING IN ECO MODE OR VALET MODE ON A REGULAR AND THEN SAVE THE PERFORMANCE MODES FOR ON THE TRACK

[@RS7evenSLDR]

first and foremost its a marketing tool. then its a muscle car. its not a track car. sheesh when will people stop taking these things to tracks and then act disappointed when it doesnt turn the time they thought they would get.

[@skyisdlimit6125]

With the EPA and the government this is probably the last generation that you can enjoy American muscle car before its all v6 and inline 4 turbos, hybrids and electric car that drives you.

[@jaishandeepgill4422]

i mean they said the aventador was going to be the last V12

[@DazdnCofuzd]

I'm wondering if he can do better around the track using the 'black key' instead of using all 707hp?

[@2583060]

i mean, it has a lot of horse power, but its rear wheel drive only, and its a heavy ass car. The new Cammarow ZL1 is way lighter, and just a small amount of less HP. the new camaros are quite trackable cars.

[@mrslyds8602]

Maybe try putting proper track tires just to see how much better it could do.

[@dukinygaming259]

And keep the traction control partially on

[@alfie9876]

try it in the summer with real tires

[@1guyin10]

Great series guys!

[@user-gr4jn2sw3q]

I have those same tires on my mustang. They are nice tired but not a lot of grip and below 50 it's a slippery ride. Just put pilot sport cup 2 on the car it's a lot nicer to drive

[@meloche1syndrome]

Most excothing about tbis video is hearing the new gti is up next. Aorry guys, American muscle is a sight to behold, but...

[@dtasca3366]

Did you track it with the black key to see if the car would do better?

[@iAmNyC718]

The HC isn't meant for digging corners at high speeds... For god sake the thing is a boat... So can we stop comparing it to these lil much lighter cars thats made to do such.... Also I agree that having summer tires in the winter was not the best option... With that being said, I love my HC....

[@benlorenzo7790]

You need to heat up the tires first before racing

[@paulpowell3594]

Guys, you know I love you and the videos, but come on. You have to know that a track that size is not an adequate place to test a Hellcat. MotorTrend tested one at the streets of willow and it did very respectably. Also, there's snow on the ground in the dead of winter and your wondering why the car is not getting traction? Try the test in the summer when it's warm...

[@jamestrapp3783]

What if the hellcat had a manual transmission? Could you control the engine power and hold the rpm better and make it faster around the corners? Ask Paul.

[@chronodriver]

Simple answer: yes

[@jamestrapp3783]

+Paul Gerrard I just bought a 2010 corvette grand sport I found with the manual transmission. I would not own a car like that or any other sports car with an automatic. Proper muscle and sports cars come with a manual. I feel connected to my car and we make decisions together. No other feeling like it. If I lived closer, I'd bring it to the track and let you take a turn in it Paul. Such an awesome machine.

[@fredericpatry7541]

I'm curious about a lap time with "only" 500hp

[@corrollaS2010]

I miss motor mountain :( this hot or not is boring compared to it please bring something like that back. Also I would love more of the cheap off road series it's fun to watch your son and his friends learn how to off road.

[@TFLcar]

+noobtoob nooby Thanks for the comment. 1) Did you watch DiffLock this weekend?

[@corrollaS2010]

The Fast Lane Car yep sure did

[@MrTyphoonracer]

+The Fast Lane Car can you please do the atempt again in a manuel hellcat i know you can do better paul! :)

[@yoong___]

put like 295 or 305 michelin pilot super sports on there in the summer and get them a little warm, and i think it would be a whole different beast. I also say i think because i dont own one and im not super experienced with cars. Also, there is a canadian guy who makes youtube videos in his hellcat every now and then and he has never said anything about the throttle being either on or off, like this here paul was making it sound like

[@DFrnkln06]

I let my nephew drive my ScatPack to his prom Saturday. Best believe I left it in valet mode lol. My best description of it in valet mode that it feels like a brick on wheels

[@unjaded2]

sounds great looks great and is everything an American muscle car should be today . love my 2014 300C JVL 5.7 hemi awd just enough power and style for me . would I trade for a challenger hellcat ? Probably not for my everyday driver , but damn it would be a fun weekend ride . thanks for the reviews and still loving this series guys !

[@bhippler100]

2017 models could possibly have AWD which would be awesome

[@johnbaker5751]

love these hot or not videos, good job, don't car for the car though, just a fuck-ton of unrefined power

[@troybballin14]

No more test on stock tires please 🙂

[@AJSimonTalks]

Wow... I've seen other track tests with this car perform much better.

[@akeemperez8509]

my dream car this and the Bentley gt3

[@fastfordman1965]

No Lap time with the 500 hp key fob???

[@goatmonkey2112]

So it does beat your 996 around the track. And the horn doesn't even randomly go off. Is this on a new set of tires? That original set saw some abuse. I bet you could get a better time tweaking the settings a bit.

[@TFLcar]

+goatmonkey2112 You can see for yourself: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHnRcqtunsmKjpY

[@JamesSmith-sw3nk]

+The Fast Lane Car You should have got Your driver to do a lap in the black key 500hp mode to see it's lap time & drivability ..

[@TFLcar]

+Barack Smith Thanks for the suggestion. We will ask Paul.

[@DazdnCofuzd]

+Barack Smith I just suggested the same thing! Shit, he probably could get a better time in Valet Mode :)

[@goatmonkey2112]

To save you guys the time the Hellcat went 1:07.92 and the Porsche 996 went 1:07.96. So really it's pretty much identical. But you know it shows that the advantage of handling was really overestimated by a lot of people. I said the same thing when that video came out and nobody thought the Challenger would even be close.

[@GeoZeppelin1979]

American cars are awful in corners 707 bhp on REAR WHEELS? its bound to wiggle its ass in the corners

[@cadsux]

+M. O.G. Yes, and at 8:48 "Both Mustang & Camaro have become very good sports cars."

[@petulantfrenzy5532]

Tried the black key for about 10 minutes. Felt more like 350 horsepower. Easier to drive yes, but way boring.

[@Probablyshouldnthave]

what is temperature out there? there was snow on the ground, the tires had to be hard

[@user-gr4jn2sw3q]

Those tires suck unless it's 80 out I own the same tires

[@LanceJDanks]

Summer tires in the winter? A poor review for such a phenomenal vehicle. Your professional Diver friend was over steering and appeared to be a bit biased against the Hellcat from the from the get go...I have driven this beast and did not experience his constant complaints. it's well known a better wider set of rear tires would make an extraordinary difference off the line. BTW nothing can touch my 707 or is it my 409.

[@dgkushi]

love the hellcat

[@jonienglish3231]

NEED TO MAKE A AWD VERSION to Smoke the Nissan GTR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bluespig1]

These cost $200,000 in Sydney Australia 2016. I would want a much better balanced car than this. I can buy a 2016 Ford Falcon XR8 S/C 5.0i 345kw $60,000. Much better value for money & just as much fun, besides, with a 60mph speed limit, where do you ever get to use the power. Any new car these days is capable of quick sprints.

[@lejink]

It's silly, It's not very fast.. But god damn it I want one

[@nickbuehler3388]

What about the 2017 Camaro ZL-1

[@jbonecamero13]

vallet then proceeds to turn vallet mode off and you come out to no tire tread at all. 😂😂

[@trenton.tchannel1810]

i think it's a password you put in roman had pressed a few buttons before it activated

[@ThisGuyRocksLikeCrazy]

Roman and Nathan have muscle cars fetish.

[@thre89]

You really need a better track driver. I've seen many others do better times in a hellcat on tracks, he needs to learn how to control a car. And to read about the settings first.

[@amuralamribufahad6224]

This is excellent car i need to buy one what could be the price

[@Ltngdrvr]

Stupid test, summer tires and a winter cold day.

[@kirikos65]

p zeros are terrible in cold weather.

[@alexcelmar]

great video

[@PokedNStroked]

To me.....this video is why you don't buy an automatic trans.

[@gagecoffelt3808]

woulda been better if you were actually in the car driving talking about it

[@neitzp]

Really, summer tires, really???

[@allenliknes7495]

knobs.......effin knobs - duh

[@malikjohnson3616]

Why didn't he try racing in 500+ hp?

[@williamdouglass7864]

Just in case you think this car is just for the drag strip you couldn't be more wrong at the Nuremberg RaceTrac the Redeye dominated the Camaro and the Shelby both stomped on them both at Nuremberg you better think twice about it just being a drag car the red eye is much more that a drag car