Proof that we’re not quite done yet with furiously fossil-fueled V8 sedans is the sensational, supercharged 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody. The Widebody appellation may be a mouthful but it denotes a new evolution of the Charger Hellcat with more grip and enhanced high-speed handling capabilities, complementing its already-extraordinary 707 horsepower and 196-mph top speed.
There’s nothing subtle about the Charger Hellcat Widebody, from its broad shoulders to its predatory gaze, melodic pipes, and the ability to turn the rear tires into smoke at will. The full-size Charger Hellcat Widebody has attitude and a lot of people are going to notice it. As its name implies, the Widebody Hellcat brings fatter tires and wheels, fender flares that make the Hellcat 3.5 inches wider than last year's model. Other changes include a revised grille, fascias, ground effects, and rear spoiler, most of which bring a functional advantage. Priced at $71,140 including the $1,495 destination charge, it’s the priciest Charger you can buy — but a screaming bargain compared to European-brand high-performance sedans approaching similar levels of performance. Dodge recently afforded me a chance to sample the new Charger SRT Hellcat’s upgraded equipment on Sonoma Raceway’s 2.5-mile road course.