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Thought (some of) you might enjoy a couple pics of a new garage companion for my XKR-S. I have a "thing" for American muscle, mostly Mopar, and this one will be splitting daily driver duties with the Jag. Still breaking it in, but early results are: it's a beast.
As for comparisons, that's tough. I've chosen "driver's cars" that have different functions... a Viper for the track, the Hellcat for flat out speed and trips to the drags, and the XKR-S for GT cruising and pure style.
I can tell you that the Hellcat is still big, and tall, and heavy... but that's not a surprise; I've had a Challenger since '09. Its 3-mode adjustable Bilstein suspension is not a magnetorheological system, but it is amazingly effective. Street, Sport, and Track settings are distinct, and each functions well.
Transmission (auto 8-speed) is sourced from ZF, as is done for the Jaguar. The unit in the Hellcat resembles what's in the F-type (8HP), but it's upgraded to handle the increased torque requirement. Shift behavior is very similar; I like it. Interestingly, only 7th and 8th gear are overdriven.
Power is great, of course, and if you're any kind of a hooligan, the car would probably benefit from running drag radials all the time. The blower is a twin screw, as per the Jaguar's, but it is much more audible. If you like blower whine, you'll love it.
Infotainment is really good. Fully modern, with SRT-specific performance pages that bring up every analog+digital gauge you want to see. Including IAT, true wideband AFR, even intercoolant temp. Interior is good, but naturally not up to that of the XKR-S.
Too bad that Jag doesn't have similar gauges. Must be tough deciding which one to drive!
When I saw the vanity tag on your XKR-S, it struck me that you could have matching tags for both cars. L CAT (even sounds like Hellcat) since you park it on the left and R CAT since it's parked on the right. Or R-S CAT. OK CAT just doesn't do it for me since the XKR-S is way more than just OK. If R-S CAT isn't available, then maybe BLU CAT or FRB CAT (French Racing Blue).
Awesome car. It is so nice when other Jaguar owners who respect and love the brand, show another side for the love of automobiles.
I have always liked the Challenger model. They have always looked great. While you have the luxury of the Jaguar, the Challenger will be a blast to drive when your looking for pure excitement.
Congrats, and most of all.......thanks for showing us the car. Some more pics would be nice.
Too bad that Jag doesn't have similar gauges. Must be tough deciding which one to drive!
When I saw the vanity tag on your XKR-S, it struck me that you could have matching tags for both cars. L CAT (even sounds like Hellcat) since you park it on the left and R CAT since it's parked on the right. Or R-S CAT. OK CAT just doesn't do it for me since the XKR-S is way more than just OK. If R-S CAT isn't available, then maybe BLU CAT or FRB CAT (French Racing Blue).
Agreed! "OK CAT" would be a bad choice. The photo doesn't show it well, but the plate is actually "QK CAT".
The Hellcat will carry the plate from my previous Challenger, "ACCLR8D". It's a good luck charm ;-)
Nice beast! I've just discovered there's a place in the UK that has a stable of these for rent (probably not the full-monty version you have), and I'm tempted...
Nice beast! I've just discovered there's a place in the UK that has a stable of these for rent (probably not the full-monty version you have), and I'm tempted...
Even if they're not Hellcats, the SRT 392's carry much of the same content and its 6.4L makes 485 HP... which is plenty enough for some fun.
Agreed! "OK CAT" would be a bad choice. The photo doesn't show it well, but the plate is actually "QK CAT".
The Hellcat will carry the plate from my previous Challenger, "ACCLR8D". It's a good luck charm ;-)
Rich
Rich,
Thanks for clearing that up. I like QK CAT. Clever. If you didn't already have the plate from your Challenger, I'd suggest XHILR8, a play on"accelerate" that also describes how it makes you feel. Limited to 6 characters here in GA.
01-20-2015 | 03:33 PM
Offtopic: new stablemate
