Manual Charger Hellcat Widebody is Much Needed

Hellcat Transformation

Mopar can make excuses all day about why they couldn't build the current Charger with a manual transmission. But this beautiful creation serves to close the case of those arguments once and for all. Having started life as a regular SRT Charger, this murdered-out beast was transformed using all the bits and pieces of a Hellcat, save for the transmission.

Photos: Youtube / AutotopiaLA

6-Speed Manual

The builder equipped the ordinary Charger with elements from the Hellcat such as the hood, the badges, the bucket seats, the dashboard, and of course, the powertrain. Instead of carrying over the Hellcat's factory 8-speed auto, however, the builder transplanted the Challenger's Tremec TR6060 6-speed manual.

>>Join the conversation about this manual Charger Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum.

Extra Fun

On top of that, this homemade Hellcat benefits from having a custom tune that eliminates the unnecessary driving assists that hinder the factory model. By the same token, it also receives an increase in power. With the help of larger injectors, the supercharged V8 is now rated at a crazy 850 horsepower, which is a whole 53 ponies above the Hellcat Redeye. 

>>Join the conversation about this manual Charger Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum.

Engaging the Senses

The most prevalent argument against having a manual transmission option for the higher-end SRT models has been that the automatic gearbox can shift significantly faster than a manual, resulting in better acceleration. However, the most realistic use case for these ultra-powerful monsters is indeed on the street, or the back roads, and not on the race track. 

>>Join the conversation about this manual Charger Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum.

Build Your Own

Let's be honest, the vast majority of the enthusiasts who purchase these machines are looking for a gnarly muscle car to hoon around in. And in terms of creating an engaging experience for the driver, manual transmissions are undoubtedly more effective. Surely, this will fall on deaf ears. If Dodge were going to listen to the enthusiast community, they would have created a manual Charger already. But if you're looking to build your own, Hollywood vehicle builder Dennis McCarthy has laid down the blueprint.

>>Join the conversation about this manual Charger Hellcat right here in the Dodge Forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.