2017 Hellcat Dodge Challenger, Charger at Dealers Now

Earlier this year we detailed the key changes slated for the 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger in their SRT Hellcat form and with the first examples of the 2017 model year Hellcat cars hitting lots sometime last month, the 707 horsepower Mopar muscle cars should be available in every major US market soon – if there isn’t one in your area already.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat for the 2017 model year aren’t receiving any huge changes, but there are a few small changes that help the 2017 models stand out from the 2015 and 2016 models. Really, the changes are predominantly aesthetic, but with the addition of a few new colors, there are prospective buyers out there who have been waiting for the 2017 Hellcat Challenger and Charger.

I know because over the past few weeks, I have been getting messages from folks holding off for a 2017 Hellcat Dodge and I am happy to report that the newest 707hp Challenger and Charger should be available in most areas around the US – particularly in warmer regions where the world’s most powerful muscle cars can be enjoyed this time of year.

I have spoken to dealerships in a few different areas around the US as well as a few new 2017 Hellcat owners. It seems that the areas without a real winter may have gotten a larger batch to begin with, as the majority of the 2017 owners I’ve spoken with online lives in an area where snow is seldom a concern. However, with some dealerships taking delivery of 2017 Hellcat cars in colder climates as well, these revised muscle cars should be readily available to everyone in the US soon (with these new cars already being available in many areas).

The 2017 Hellcat Dodge Changes
The key changes for the 2017 model year are shared between the Hellcat Challenger and Hellcat Charger, beginning with the new 5-spoke “5Deep” wheel design, which removes 4 pounds from each corner of the cars while also showing off the huge Brembo brakes much more clearly. Next, Dodge added new Hellcat head logos to the SRT badges on the rear spoiler, the seatbacks and the dash board. Finally, the Hellcat Challenger and Charger for 2017 have a red backlit SRT logo in the middle of the steering wheel.

2017 Challenger, Charger Changes
In addition to those Hellcat-specific changes mentioned above, the entire 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger lineup benefits from the newest version of UConnect infotainment system. This 4th generation UConnect promises smoother functionality and better smartphone integration, allowing the driver to access many features of their phones through the voice control system of the car.

The last changes for the 2017 Hellcat Challenger and Charger come in the form of four new exterior colors - Destroyer Gray, Octane Red, Green Go and Yellow Jacket. These colors join Go Mango, White Knuckle (previously Bright White), Redline Red, Pitch Black, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic. Contusion Blue Pearl Coat (previously Jazz Blue), Maximum Steel Metallic and TorRed for a total of 13 exterior colors on either 707hp Mopar muscle car…be it coupe or sedan. This color palate is shared across the entire trim range of both Dodge performance cars, so it seems as though the Hellcat models don’t get a unique color for 2017.

Best of all, now that the initial rush for the Hellcat Challenger and Hellcat Charger has faded, there is no longer a waiting list for a custom-ordered car, nor are you likely to run into any huge dealership markups. In fact, most dealerships are advertising online that they are looking to move Hellcat cars at prices below MSRP, so the 707hp models are now subject to the same bargaining process as other new Dodge performance cars.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat shown above is owned by Pawel Burzynskik, who happens to be the first person I’ve met who has purchased a Destroyer Gray Hellcat. I liked the look of this new Gray hue when it debuted on the new Challenger T/A, but with the black accents of the Hellcat package – Destroyer Gray offers a very unique look. While the folks who prefer a bright color like TorRed or Go ManGo might not love Destroyer Gray, those buyers who like a more subtle look – but who want something more unique than black – are likely to lean towards this unique dark gray.