How Much Horsepower Does a Hellcat Have? The Full Breakdown

how much horsepower does a hellcat have

A Dodge Hellcat has 707 to 717 horsepower in its standard form, depending on the model year. That power comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, the engine that made the Hellcat name famous.

But the full answer is a little more interesting. “Hellcat” does not refer to just one horsepower number anymore. Over the years, Dodge created several versions of the Hellcat engine, including the Hellcat Redeye, Super Stock, Jailbreak, and the related Demon models. Some of these pushed power far beyond the original 707-horsepower figure.

Here is the simple breakdown:

Model Approx. Horsepower
Base Hellcat 707–717 hp
Hellcat Redeye 797 hp
Super Stock / Redeye Jailbreak Around 807 hp
2018 Dodge Demon 808–840 hp
Dodge Demon 170 Up to 1,025 hp on E85
Durango SRT Hellcat Around 710 hp

So, if you are asking about a regular Dodge Hellcat, the answer is about 707 to 717 horsepower. If you mean the most extreme Hellcat-related model, the number can climb all the way to 1,025 horsepower in the Demon 170.

The Original Hellcat: 707 Horsepower

When Dodge introduced the Hellcat, it completely changed the modern muscle car conversation. The original Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat launched with 707 horsepower, which was a shocking number for a factory-built car at the time.

Before the Hellcat, that kind of power was usually associated with exotic supercars, heavily modified drag cars, or limited-production performance machines. Dodge put it into a relatively attainable muscle car that could be bought from a dealership, driven on the street, and used every day if the owner wanted.

The original Hellcat’s 707 horsepower came from a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8. It was loud, aggressive, and unapologetically powerful. The car quickly became known for smoky burnouts, brutal acceleration, and a supercharger whine that became part of its personality.

Later versions of the standard Hellcat received a small bump in output, bringing some models to around 717 horsepower. That is why you will often see the base Hellcat listed as having either 707 or 717 horsepower, depending on the year and version.

The Engine Behind the Hellcat

The heart of every Hellcat is the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The supercharger is what makes the engine so special. It forces more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and create much more power than a naturally aspirated engine of similar size.

This engine was built to handle serious output. It uses strong internal components, heavy-duty cooling, and performance-focused tuning to manage the stress of high horsepower. Dodge did not simply add a supercharger to a regular V8 and call it a day. The Hellcat engine was designed as a serious performance powerplant.

The result is an engine that delivers huge power with a very distinct character. It feels old-school because it is still a large V8 muscle car engine, but the supercharger gives it modern levels of performance.

Hellcat Redeye: 797 Horsepower

For drivers who wanted more than the standard Hellcat, Dodge introduced the Hellcat Redeye. This version raised output to about 797 horsepower.

The Redeye borrowed technology from the Dodge Demon, including upgrades to the supercharger and engine components. It was designed to sit above the regular Hellcat while still being more street-friendly and widely available than the limited-production Demon.

With nearly 800 horsepower, the Redeye took an already wild car and made it even more extreme. It offered stronger acceleration, more drag-strip potential, and bragging rights over the standard Hellcat.

For many enthusiasts, the Redeye is one of the best versions of the Hellcat formula because it combines huge power with everyday usability.

Super Stock and Jailbreak: Around 807 Horsepower

Dodge did not stop with the Redeye. The Challenger SRT Super Stock and certain Redeye Widebody Jailbreak models pushed output to around 807 horsepower.

The Super Stock was built with drag racing in mind. It came with features designed to help launch harder and make the most of its power, including performance tires and drag-focused tuning. It was not as extreme as the Demon, but it was one of the most powerful Hellcat-badged Challengers ever sold.

The Jailbreak models gave buyers more customization options while also offering the higher-output version of the supercharged V8. These cars represented the final, most powerful versions of the regular Hellcat lineup before the Challenger ended production.

The Dodge Demon: Taking Hellcat Power Further

Although the Demon is not always called a Hellcat, it is closely related because it uses an upgraded version of the same supercharged HEMI V8 family.

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon made about 808 horsepower on premium pump gas and up to 840 horsepower when running on high-octane race fuel with the proper setup. It was built specifically for drag racing and came with features like drag radials, a trans brake, and special launch systems.

Then came the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170, the most extreme version of this engine family. On E85 fuel, it can produce up to 1,025 horsepower. That made it one of the most powerful production muscle cars ever built.

The Demon 170 was Dodge’s final statement for the gas-powered Challenger era. It showed just how far the supercharged HEMI platform could be pushed from the factory.

Hellcat Horsepower by Model

Here is a clearer look at the main Hellcat and Hellcat-related models:

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

The classic Hellcat coupe made around 707 to 717 horsepower, depending on the model year.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

The Charger Hellcat sedan also used the supercharged 6.2-liter V8, generally producing around 707 horsepower, with later versions offering more depending on trim.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

The Redeye increased output to about 797 horsepower.

Dodge Challenger Super Stock

The Super Stock produced around 807 horsepower and was aimed at drag-strip performance.

Dodge Demon

The 2018 Demon made 808 to 840 horsepower, depending on fuel and configuration.

Dodge Demon 170

The Demon 170 reached up to 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel.

Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

The Durango SRT Hellcat brought the engine to a three-row SUV, making around 710 horsepower.

Is the Hellcat Still Available?

The Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat models ended with the 2023 model year, closing a major chapter in modern muscle car history. These cars were part of Dodge’s “Last Call” lineup, which celebrated the end of the current gas-powered muscle car era.

However, the Hellcat engine has continued in limited form, most notably in the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. This SUV uses the same basic supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 and produces around 710 horsepower.

Because Dodge’s lineup is changing, availability can vary. If you are shopping for a new Hellcat-powered vehicle, it is best to check Dodge’s current offerings. If you want a Challenger or Charger Hellcat, you will most likely be looking at the used market.

Why the Hellcat Became So Popular

The Hellcat became a legend because it offered something simple and exciting: massive horsepower in a factory muscle car.

It was not subtle. It was not trying to be the most refined sports car or the most efficient performance vehicle. It was loud, powerful, dramatic, and fun. That honesty helped it build a huge following.

The Hellcat also arrived at a time when many performance cars were becoming smaller, quieter, and more technology-focused. Dodge went in the opposite direction by building a supercharged V8 muscle car with more than 700 horsepower. That made the Hellcat feel rebellious and memorable.

It also offered incredible value compared with exotic cars. While it was not cheap, it delivered supercar-level horsepower for far less money than most European performance cars with similar output.

Final Thoughts

So, how much horsepower does a Hellcat have? A standard Dodge Hellcat makes about 707 to 717 horsepower. The Hellcat Redeye raises that to 797 horsepower, while the Super Stock and Jailbreak versions reach around 807 horsepower.

If you include the related Demon models, the numbers go even higher. The 2018 Demon made up to 840 horsepower, and the Demon 170 reached an incredible 1,025 horsepower on E85 fuel.

No matter which version you choose, every Hellcat is built around the same basic idea: a supercharged HEMI V8 with outrageous power and unmistakable muscle car attitude. That is why the Hellcat name remains one of the most famous in modern performance cars.