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Revisited: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Vs. 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

A while back I did a piece discussing the fact that the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat wouldn’t beat the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and now that the Chrysler Group has announced the shocking power figures for the supercharged Hellcat Hemi – it only seems proper to revisit the battle between the two American monsters.
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Versus 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

When it was announced that the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat would offer at least 600 horsepower and at least 575lb-ft of torque, there were a great many Mopar fans posting on Facebook, YouTube and many internet forums about how the Hellcat would allow the Challenger to beat the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. At the time, it was expected that the Z06 would pack 625 horsepower and 635lb-ft of torque while the Mopar lovers who expected the Challenger to beat up the Z06 to pack somewhere in the area of 640 horsepower. After reading these views from the Mopar faithful, I did a piece detailing why I didn’t think that the Hellcat Challenger would be able to compete with the Corvette Z06.

As a result of that piece, I received tons of comments and tons of hate mail from both sides of the argument with both Challenger and Corvette fans chiming in to tell me that I was wrong…even though I was actually agreeing with some of them. GM fans insisted that I was a moron for suggesting that the Challenger could beat the Z06, although those folks obviously didn’t comprehend the article since I was agreeing that the Z06 would win the fight. On the other hand, some Mopar lovers insisted that I was selling the Hellcat short and that it would be able to beat the lighter Corvette.

Now that we know the power figures for the Corvette Z06 and the Challenger Hellcat, some of those commenters and hate mail authors are insisting that I re-evaluate the whole situation.

Hellcat vs Z06 – a Tale of the Tape
it is official – the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will make 707 horsepower and 650lb-ft of torque – making It the most powerful American production car of all time. It is also official that the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will make 650 horsepower and 650lb-ft of torque. Based on the fact that the Challenger has a massive advantage in horsepower, Mopar lovers are clamoring that I was wrong and that the Hellcat will indeed outrun the Z06. The problem with that argument is that the Challenger is much, much heavier than the new Z06.

We don’t have official weight figures for the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 or the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, but we can make some guesses based on the curb weight of previous models. The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 weighed 3,333lbs and it is expected that the 2015 Z06 will be in the same ballpark if not a little lighter. For the sake of discussion, we will use 3,300lbs as the possible Z06 curb weight. The 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT with the 6.4L Hemi V8 weighs 4,160lbs and while there might be some weight saving changes made for 2015, the Hellcat’s supercharged system likely adds at least a little weight. People are expecting that the Hellcat could weigh as much as 4,300lbs, but since we don’t have any sort of official figures on the Hellcat model’s curb weight, we will use the weight of the current Challenger SRT as that is really a best case for the Hellcat model. In other words, the 2015 Z06 will likely weight around 3,300lbs while the Challenger SRT Hellcat will likely weight around 4,200lbs.

Gallery
The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
The 2015 Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker
The Debut of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Based on those estimated weight figures, the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has a power to weight ratio of 5.08 pounds per horsepower while the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat will likely have a ratio of 6.08 pounds per horsepower – giving the Corvette a clear advantage. The Hellcat Challenger will pack lots more power, but at roughly 900 pounds heavier, the Z06 will still have a significant advantage power to weight ratio.

Could the Hellcat Challenger Beat the Corvette Z06?
Yes. In the right situation, the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat could beat the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06…but not without the help of a shaky driver in the Corvette. With the aforementioned horsepower to weight advantage, the Corvette Z06 should be able to beat the Challenger in a drag race unless the Vette driver blows the launch. With a bad launch or crappy shifts by the Z06, the Challenger’s 707 horsepower could be enough to allow the Mopar muscle car to get to the quarter mile marker first. However, with equally skilled drivers, the lighter Corvette should win the quarter mile drag race.

Where the Hellcat Challenger really shouldn’t compete with the new Corvette Z06 is in any race with turns – regardless of the available power. Although they are both high performance monsters, they are two very different types of performance cars so the lighter, lower and more nimble Corvette Z06 should crush the Challenger SRT Hellcat around any road course.

However, the moral of the story is that it is conceivable for the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat to get the jump on a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and win a quarter mile race – but a well driven Z06 is going to very likely win every race between these two 650+ horsepower beasts.

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Comments

foreignbishop (not verified)    July 9, 2014 - 2:15PM

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I'm afraid your 3 days to respond just means you were believing what everyone else says about the Veyron SS and not familiar with the Hennessey product-which proves that when you wrote your initial response you were actually incorrect and 72 hours of Google have aided you in your quest for what most people in the supercar world recognize..............the Venom beats the Veyron in top speed and acceleration. Anyone who does a little data mining can see that the GT ran out of runway and was pushing 280MPH. Again, still using a GM LS2 powerplant.

Roy Mears (not verified)    July 9, 2014 - 6:27PM

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I remember a front page picture on Motortend a few years back and the caption Hennessy viper beat the Veyron to 200 miles and hour. I have no doubt the Venom can do it. If it did with and LS6 engine just think how much faster it would be with a real engine like the Hellcats.

Rat Patrol (not verified)    July 12, 2014 - 4:05AM

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Your false assertions couldn't be further from the truth.

The delay in my response is down to a tech difficulty that the Admin is following up.

Your response says much more about you than me; that you're embarrassed by the fact that you assumed the Hennessy QUALIFIES under correct rules for the record, which is doesn't.

That was the reason I used the term "PRODUCTION CAR" - So technically I am correct... and you are wrong.

Here's a tip..next time read the small print ;)"

Chickenman (not verified)    July 4, 2014 - 7:42PM

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The Challenger should win in the quarter mile since it has more horsepower. Weight only matters on road courses because it makes the car turn better,.

Torque Johnson (not verified)    July 13, 2014 - 1:27PM

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Respectfully, it is a little more complicated than that. At low speeds where drag (i.e. resistive forces due to air hitting the car) doesn't really play a large role, the car's motion is governed by the engine torque, its mass (Newton's 2nd law), and traction. The net force that actually gets transferred to the ground via the tires is what matters off the line and AWD cars are the best at doing this (think GTR) and front heavy cars are the worst at doing this (think GT500). This is why the GTR can do a low 11 sec. quarter (and sub-3 second 0-60) with relatively smaller HP/Torque and such a high mass.

At higher speeds (say greater than 100 mph), the mass of the car doesn't really play a large role because the power required to overcome the drag forces is so large (depends on velocity cubed or V^3). That is the car's acceleration is more dependent on the extent of drag forces rather than its mass. Cars that are more aerodynamic (think Venom GT or Ford GT) tend to do better at high speeds than cars that are bricks (think Challenger, Mustang, Camaro).

Chickenman (not verified)    July 4, 2014 - 7:54PM

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You guys should make a comparison between the GT500, Z06, SRT Hellcat, 911 GT3, SRT Viper T/A, GT-R Track, Z/28, Boss 302, and the SLS Black series.

Brian (not verified)    July 8, 2014 - 1:06PM

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The fact you are comparing a backseat adorned muscle car to a two seat sports car speaks volumes. Compare the Hellcat to the GT500 and ZL1 Camaro and lets see how that works out. If you are going to compare the vette to anything make it the Viper for the love of God.

pitch (not verified)    July 9, 2014 - 11:22PM

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Guy`s, with shelby and camaro , do you really thing youcan beat the hellcat , common wake-up!!!i drag with a challenger R/T with supercharger and i'm in the first line with 525hp!!!not over 600hp just 525hp...i'm not winner each time, but on 5 race it's happen 2-3 times....

good luck ford and gm guy's

Roy Mears (not verified)    July 9, 2014 - 1:04AM

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How about we wait until they release the Hellcat pricing. When we know that then compare similar cars from Ford and GM. They have to be just similar because neither make a real muscle car. The Camaro and the Mustang are sports cars. They must all be factory stock and as close to the same price as possible. That would be a true test of the three stock, similar and close in price as possible.

Rat Patrol (not verified)    July 9, 2014 - 6:29PM

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Im not sure what you think the difference is between the Stang/Camaro and the Chally that makes one a Muscle Car and the other two "sports cars"?

I think in most peoples eyes...they are all modern interpretations if Muscle cars....big motors in cars that can legitimately carry 4 people and a set of golf clubs!

If you were to tell the owner of a Vette, a Gallardo, a Porsche, a Ferrari, a TVR, an Exige or dare I say it, a Viper - that a Camaro is a sports car....you'd get laughed out of town!

Roy Mears (not verified)    July 9, 2014 - 7:17PM

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Size is the main difference but weight too. The Challenger is heavier with a usable back seat and big trunk. Like I said the Challenger is more of a Grand Tour than sports car. I think it is more of a daily driver and grocery getter then the other two. In V6 form or even V8 5.7 it is more of a young family car than either of the others.

Rat Patrol (not verified)    July 11, 2014 - 9:08AM

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While I take your point...I don't think the weight and platform differences between the "Cam-Stang" and the Chally are enough to brand the non-Mopar stuff as "sports cars".

Certainly the Vette is very different animal and far more true to the original sports car concept of a low centre of gravity, light weight, minimal seating and nimble handling.

Andy (not verified)    July 11, 2014 - 8:25PM

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I think the comparison between the Z06 and Hellcat came about due to the highest horsepower ratings and identical torque ratings. Most folks are quick to tout HP but torque and weight are extremely important. I think Patrick is probably very close on his weight figures. I believe the better comparison would be the GT 500 and the Hellcat. I think these two would make for a very close contest. The ZL-1 is out of the picture and I don't see GM doing anything about it anytime soon. They are notorious for dragging their heels when it comes to making the Camaro competitive with the Mustang. They could put 650 HP in the car and take some weight out (call it a carbon fiber edition) and it would be competitive. The Corvette is much lighter at 3300# so it would continue to be the flagship for GM and/or they could easily make 700+ HP with the new direct injection technology for a ZR1 model since the engine should not be octane sensitive under higher boost levels. At any rate we are all winners because these are exciting times and the best HP / performance years ever!

Torque Johnson (not verified)    July 13, 2014 - 12:39PM

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I would expect the new Z06 to be heavier than the out going ZR1 and heavier than a Z51 C7 due to the supercharger, although it is a smaller one. I would expect more around 3550 lb. So far I haven't see anything that GM is lightening up the structure (carbon fiber torque tube isn't enough) enough to overcome the added weight of the wider car, wider wheels/tires, etc. I think that GM could make 700+ horsepower with the current 2015 Z06 design simply by changing the tune and supercharger pulley to increase the boost; a near no cost modification. The question is will they do this given the Hellcat developments. Increasing the boost on this lower volume (1.7-1.8 L) supercharger may present long term problems, but probably not. Would they have to alter the cooling system, probably not. Do they need to do this to beat the Challenger on the drag strip, probably not due to the smaller mass and wider tires. Hello C7 ZR1 and an insane Viper model.

Vin (not verified)    July 15, 2014 - 10:52AM

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The fair comparison is the Camaro. The Camaro is fat and ugly. I would love to have a new muscle car,but NO WAY do I want over 2 tons of car! I would rather have a super light sports car(under 3000 pounds)
Kudos to Dodge for building a good looking muscle car that goes like hell.

Philip waid (not verified)    August 10, 2014 - 1:48PM

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It wont even be close .The hellcat will weigh 4400 pounds it has been confirmed and it is a brick once the speed increases.The proof is that its top speed is 199 mph vs the Shelby mustangs 202 mph.2015 z06 will be a much quicker and faster car no matter where they hit the gaz pedal,either from a dead stop or even worse from a roll.I dont care if you are a Mopar fan the Z06 is on a complete other level.Z06 will run 10s all stock when equipped with the 8 speed automatic

Vette lover (not verified)    August 16, 2014 - 11:09PM

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You will never beat the corvette. I built a 69 corvette and put a 454 in it. pumped it up to 600+ HP and raced every damn car on the street. Mustangs 402, 440 dodge, 426 Hemi, every fast car I could find, and you could find a lot back then. we had a great straight road to race on and I NEVER once lost to anybody. the closest race I had was with my roommate who had the identical set up in his 69 corvette. Neither of us lost, and we raced anybody, anytime, anywhere. the new Z06 Corvette with a little tweaking will easily pop 700+ HP and you won't come even close to beating it, especially if you have a driver who knows how to drive one whether it is on the straight or on the corners. That extra 1000 lbs will slow it down. that is like the corvette dragging a 1000 lb sled behind it. the Corvette will beat the Hellcat by a Hell a lot.

Rat Patrol (not verified)    August 18, 2014 - 5:24AM

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Yeah...we know already...but ias that all you got...comparing a plastic sports car with a steel 4 door muscle car?

Sounds like a typical lame Chebby argument to me......

Jim (not verified)    August 16, 2014 - 10:51PM

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Back in the 70's I built a corvette with a nice 454 and then pumped it up to around 600 Hp and raced everybody I could on the street. I NEVER had any competition from any Ford Mustangs or MOPAR, not even the famous 426 Hemi, so I doubt that will change here.

Rat Patrol (not verified)    August 18, 2014 - 5:29AM

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Reason you never raced a HEMI is because no one in Hicksville could AFFORD one.

Reason you never raced a Ford is because they knew they they were slooooow.

Tell you what..you put your 454 cubes up against Ron Sox's 426 super stocker.........lets see how almighty your Chebby cubes are then..

I mean..those 454s won so many National titles, didn't they? I mean....go ahead...name them.......

Or if that's too hard...what about Nascar...65-72? Your Chevs really dominate then as well.............

Khalid (not verified)    September 9, 2014 - 7:17AM

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Come on dude, these two cars are not to be put in a comparison. They are way too different.

You just can't compare a supersport car with a classic muscle car.

josh k (not verified)    September 9, 2014 - 3:06PM

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Your right. But thats were the convo took the topic to not me. But the hellcat is to heavy with the srt suspension there for it will never live up to its true potential! ...right now chevy and ford are kicking dodge ass in the muscle car segments

SorryCharlie (not verified)    September 18, 2014 - 1:40PM

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All you Z lovers take notice. The Challenger isn't geared for high speed. Guaranteed it will 0-60 better and 1/4 mile better than the Vette...

Eric Schul (not verified)    September 24, 2014 - 11:21PM

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The Challenger is a muscle car. The corvette is a sports car. Sports cars two seats. Muscle cars seats four or more.

Andy (not verified)    September 29, 2014 - 7:28PM

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Boys...REALITY 101... when you are at a red light in your Vette or Hell Cat and the other pulls along side... THE RACE IS ON!!!!! The faster car IS the faster car... PERIOD! Both cars are indeed INCREDIBLE to say the very least. The Hell Cat makes 57 more "advertised horsepower". However they both make the same amount of torque which is the power that moves the car. With 800 lbs less heft, the Corvette will be very difficult to beat. But there are MANY who will be willing to try so it's going to be very entertaining to watch (to say the very least).
The REAL TRUTH IS... NO ONE leaves their cars STOCK! Whether one car is faster than the other... or even if they are a great match... will be a mute point. What we'll end up watching is a bunch of You Tube video footage of cars racing with bolt-on's and power adder's. The problem with the Hell Cat is it will ALWAYS be carrying around its girth. And for those of you who say it does not matter... try picking up a 100lb sack of sand and running a 100 yard dash with it VS running the same 100 yards without it!
Now enter the VIPER! OH YEAH the VIPER. Stock-per-stock will be interesting but HP is easy to make with these cars and owners will quickly tune them up so we'll get to watch the drag wars of these fantastic cars. Someone mentioned the C8 ZR1 mid engine Corvette. Well... we'll see if it EVER makes production "this time". Maybe... no... I hope it does make production because it will put American made muscle at the top with huge traction and power potential.
Guys I hafta tell ya... I love ALL these cars. They get my blood pumpin like nothing else can, except maybe a female (but the cars last longer)! :)