Fiat Chrysler launched a trio of new trims today. Depending on what you want, for 2018 there is a Hellcat that can corner harder, a Durango with more aggressive looks, and a new trim for Ram that is a lot more luxurious.
When you have 707 hp, no matter how much tire you have under you, it just isn't enough. So Dodge is adding more wheel, more tire, and more width to the Challenger SRT Hellcat.
The widebody Hellcat adds nearly 90mm to the wheel wells of the Challenger. That's enough to fit special 11-inch wide wheels wearing 305/35ZR20 Pirelli tires on all four corners. That gives the Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody enough grip to hit 0.97g on the skidpad, up 0.04g over the standard car. Dodge says that the extra grip makes the car two seconds a lap quicker on their 2.8 km road course too. And two seconds a lap is an eternity on the track.
The extra grip means it's faster on the drag strip too. The 1/4-mile time drops 0.3 seconds from 10.9 to 11.2. Top speed is 316 km/h.
There is so much grip that it needs a new steering system. It's the first electronic power steering system for the Hellcat. Dodge claims improved handling performance, but it's also easier to turn the wheel at low speeds.
The new steering combines with new drive modes to make for a more customizable experience. New SRT drive modes allow the driver to choose steering effort, shift speeds, throttle response, and change the traction control settings.
The Durango is getting some trickle-down from the new SRT model. The R/T model gets the SRT's special new front fascia, hood, and LED fog lights. The grille looks mean, but the hood is actually functional. It has two heat extractor vents and a big center air inlet. The new lower bumper has the LED fog lights and new cold air ducting. If you want just the hood, a new GT model gets the regular Durango grille but keeps the SRT hood.
Also new for the Durango is a new T-handle shifter, replacing the dial of last year's model. The new gearchange has a manual selector gate too. R/T gets a standard BeatsAudio nine-speaker stereo with a 506-watt amplifier.
Rounding out today's announcement is what Ram is calling the "most luxurious Ram pickup ever." The new Tungsten limited edition gets premium Natura Plus Frost and Indigo coloured leather seats. It has the first suede headliner in a pickup, and real wood trim throughout the interior.
The leather covers the seats, but the instrument panel, steering wheel, and doors get the treatment too. The carpet comes in a matching indigo colour. The trim is made from real trees, and there are special badges to let you know what model you're in.
The grille is tungsten chrome and shares the limited's big RAM lettering. Tungsten models in 1500 guise get a sport hood, and all have body colour bumpers, mirrors, and running boards. The wheels are satin painted.
The Ram Limited Tungsten will come in 1500, 2500, and 3500 models, so you can get that luxury no matter how much you want to tow. They all get navigation, remote start, power-adjustable pedals, plus heated and ventilated seats.
All three new models will be available later this year, with pricing to follow closer to the on-sale dates.
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