10 Unlikely High-Performance Alternatives to the Dodge Challenger Hellcat (2024)

When it first launched in 2008, the Dodge Challenger was immediately hailed as the savior of the muscle car class. Before it, muscle cars had been languishing on the sidelines, with only the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang saving the class from extinction. Over the course of its 15-year production run, Dodge has spawned many Challenger variants, but none are as famous and as sought after as the Hellcat.

Powered by a supercharged, 6.2 liter Hemi V8 engine, the Challenger Hellcat brought a whole new meaning to the term performance, giving buyers supercar levels of performance but at less than half the cost - exactly what muscle cars of old did to their exotic counterparts during the heyday of Motown.

It even sparked a revolution within parent company Fiat-Chrysler, which saw the arrival of the Durango Hellcat, the Jeep Trackhawk, and even All-Wheel Drive variants of the Charger and Challenger Hellcats.

But with Dodge’s recent announcement of the “Last Call” Hellcats, the brand is signaling the end of the line for the moniker as we know it. The Dodge Charger EV previews Stellantis’ push for electric instead of gasoline, and the Ramcharger 1500 goes to show that big engines don't really have a place in the new, electrified world.

If you think you’ve got limited options for performance, though, you may find that there are certain cars that can deliver the same thrills – and for less money, too. The only thing is that some of them aren't exactly muscle cars.

Performance Specifications

10 Toyota Corolla GR

Starting At $37,195 And 0-60 MPH: 4.9 Seconds

Toyota Corollas were never made to be exciting cars, but the engineers at Gazoo Racing decided that wasn’t going to stop them. So they decided to fit it with an engine that makes up to 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It has less power than the Hellcat, and it’s not light enough to make up the difference, either. That means the Corolla GR has a worse power-to-weight ratio than the Hellcat, eventually leaving it behind down the straight.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Car&Driver)

Off the line, though, the Corolla GR’s All-Wheel Drive System can give the Hellcat a run for its money, and it’s a real contest in the corners, where that grip really comes in clutch.

While it may not be as powerful, or as soulful as the Hellcat, you really can’t go wrong at the Corolla GR’s price point, which is, needless to say, significantly less than the Hellcat.

Sometimes, cheap thrills can be just as rewarding, too.

Pros

• Affordable
• All-Wheel Drive Traction
• Practical Hatchback body style

Cons

• Lower power-to-weight ratio
• Slower 0-60
• Built on a budget

9 Ford F-150 FP700

Starting At: $57,500 And 0-60 MPH: 4.5 Seconds

If you want something as powerful as the Hellcat, but have to carry welding equipment to work, then Ford has you covered with the F-150 FP700 – a 700 horsepower, 590 pound-foot behemoth that brings back memories of the glorious F-150 SVT Lightning.

As the best-selling pickup in the world for nearly half a century, the F-150 Crew Cab starts around $45,000, which gets you a basic XL Crew Cab. Once you spend around $12,500 dollars on top, you then get the FP700 package from Ford Performance, which adds a 3.0L Whipple Supercharger, 22” machined wheels, rear lowering springs, as well as a few stickers and FP700 badges. You can even upgrade to a nicer XLT trim F-150 and still be cheaper than a Hellcat.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Car&Driver, Ford Performance, Motortrend)

At 4,705 lbs without the FP700 package, the F-150 won’t ever beat the Hellcat in performance, be it drag racing or time attack. It's also held back by the suspension, which was designed to work, not race.

On the other hand: Who cares? It’s a truck, that can do 0-60 MPH in 4.5 seconds, and can still go to the job site full of cement, wood, and builders without breaking a sweat.

The concept of fast that applies to the F-150 FP700 is “truck that can keep pace with a Hellcat” and that makes every dollar worth it.

Pros

• Insane Performance for what it is
• Cheaper to buy
• Towing capacity

Cons

• Poor handling characteristics
• Much heavier than the Hellcat
• Horrible fuel consumption

8 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Starting At: $60,865 And 0-60 MPH: 3.8 Seconds

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is certainly a high-performance vehicle, and it's one of teh last muscle cars you can buy today. Starting price of $60,685, it’s a steal too. The Dark Horse may be down on power compared to the Hellcat, but 500 usable horsepower is a better prospect for those looking to do more than go in a straight line. That’s exactly what the Dark Horse was designed to do, thanks to an improved handling package, Brembo brakes, and high-performance Pirelli Trofeo RS tires.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from MotorTrend, Ford USA)

Inside, the Dark Horse gets a much-improved interior over the previous generation Mustangs, and the Recaro racing seats make for good occupant support, though smaller drivers may find it lacking. As with many new cars on sale today, the Dark Horse proves that more power may not necessarily mean faster.

Pros

• Capable track toy
• Much cheaper than the Hellcat

Cons

• Not as powerful
• Might not be as engaging as the Hellcat

7 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Starting At: $69,995 And 0-60 MPH: 3.0 Seconds

The Corvette has always been the standard for American sports cars, from the first generation in 1953 all the way to the new Stingray. Powered by GM’s popular LT2 V-8, the Stingray sets the track on fire with 490 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and although that’s miles away from the Hellcat’s 717, the Corvette is nearly 1000 pounds lighter, making it a much more maneuverable and agile car.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Car&Driver)

Strictly a two-seater, the C8 Corvette’s mid-engine layout doesn’t make for practicality, with a cramped interior and negligible cargo space, but because of the car’s lightweight chassis and an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, it can average a respectable 15 MPG in the City, and 27 on the highway.

Arguably the best part of the C8 Corvette, though, is the price - $69,995. For that, you get all the niceties of a modern car, the performance of a thoroughbred sports car, and the presence of a true exotic. How do you lose?

Pros

• More balanced in the corners
• Slightly cheaper than the Hellcat
• Good looks and great proportions

Cons

• Hard to find
• Less powerful engine
• Strictly a two-seater car

6 Ford F-150 Raptor R

Starting At: $109,145 And 0-60 MPH: 3.7 Seconds

If what you want is a car that can go straight to the desert for off-road fun, then the best option is the Ford F-150 Raptor R. The 2023 Ford Raptor R still has the same capabilities as the Raptor that entered the Baja 1000 in 2008, only this time, it’s powered by Ford’s 5.2-liter Predator V-8 instead of the original Boss 6.-liter V-8. The new engine also has 200 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque more.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from MotorTrend, Ford Media, Car&Driver)

By no means, though, does that make the Raptor R a street performer. Going in a straight line is fine enough, but things start to go sideways when corners are introduced. Things are better when the surface is loose because the soft and roll-prone suspension allows the truck to put down all of its power. This makes the Raptor R a great rally raid machine, and perfect for playing in the sand.

Of course, making a performance truck comes at a cost – $110,000. That makes the Raptor R nearly $40,000 more than the Hellcat, but it’s basically comparing apples to oranges. One dominates the urban landscape, while the other is the king of the desert. Both options are good.

Pros

• Baja ready suspension
• Go anywhere capabilities
• High tow rating

Cons

• Poor handling characteristics
• Horrible fuel consumption
• More expensive than a Hellcat

5 Lucid Air Grand Touring

Starting At: $125,600 And 0-60 MPH: 2.6 Seconds

The Lucid Air Grand Touring is a great mix of both performance, luxury, affordability, and economy that many cars can never dream of achieving. Powered by 1,050 horsepower, the Air Grand Touring comes with a 0-60 time of just 2.6 seconds, but a top speed of just 168 MPH. Taking into account, however, that this car is as smooth, quiet, and refined as a Rolls Royce, and suddenly you forget that disappointing top speed.

Though heavy at 5,212 pounds, the Lucid Air can still hack it on the track thanks to all-wheel drive and a suite of driver aids to keep all four wheels on the road. Don’t expect it to set any records, as it’s still a big heavy car.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Car&Driver, Lucid Motors)

Inside, the materials used far exceed anything Dodge can put in the Hellcat, and certain options like executive rear seats and a glass sunroof make it even more premium by comparison. The Air combats ange anxiety with a maximum 516 miles of range. That is a lot for an electric car today, but planning your journey around your range brings added headaches that a Hellcat wouldn’t give you.

On top of that, the Lucid Air Grand Touring costs $125,600 before tax credits. Even then, the Lucid Air is still quite expensive – unlike the Blue Collar hero that is the Hellcat.

Pros

• Practical sedan body style
• Comfy long-distance cruiser
• Lots of power

Cons

• Lots of weight
• Range is still limited
• Nearly double the price of the Hellcat

4 Audi RS6 Avant

Starting At: $126,895 And 0-60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds

The Hellcat isn’t exactly a comfortable highway cruiser, and if you’re going away for more than a weekend, make sure to pack (very) lightly. Thankfully, Audi still has engineers crazy enough to make a performance wagon, and the RS6 Avant is the latest brainchild from Ingolstadt.

Powered by a Twin turbo V-8 that will make 621 horsepower in 2024, the RS6 Avant isn’t as powerful as the Hellcat, but its AWD system gives it the edge in traction and acceleration. 0-60 in the RS6 is dealt with in 2.9 seconds, and it will keep going to a top speed of 190 MPH. You may lose to the Hellcat down the line, but the RS6 puts up a pretty good fight.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Car&Driver)

Typical of German cars, however, it starts to go downhill when you get to the feature list. By going for a fully digital infotainment system, Audi has made it impossible to adjust the settings on anything without taking your eyes of the road. Now, normally, a fully digital radio isn’t the end of the world, but if even the air conditioning is digital, it can really turn a lot of people off.

On top of that, the RS6 Avant is nearly $130,000. As great as a high-performance wagon would be, people may find the price too much to stomach.

Pros

• Very practical wagon body
• Comfortable road trip cruiser
• Slightly more acceptable fuel consumption

Cons

• Confusing center screen and infotainment system
• Heavier car
• Nearly double the price of the Hellcat

3 Hennessey Camaro ZL1 "Exorcist"

Starting At $130,495 And 0-60 MPH: 2.5 Seconds

As if on a dare, aftermarket tuner Hennessey took a standard Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 from GM, turned it up as high as it can go, and called it the “Exorcist.”

With 1,000 horsepower on tap and a full suite of supporting modifications from Hennessey, this muscle car wasn’t actually designed to go after the Hellcat, but the Hellcat Demon, and that’s how it ended up with its name.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Car&Driver, Hennessey Performance)

As good as it might sound, the Exorcist isn’t perfect. It’s a high-performance car, and with that comes a high price - $130,000 to be exact.

And while Hennessey may manufacture high-quality parts guaranteed for a further two years on top of GM’s warranty, their guarantee tops out at 24,000 miles, which is peanuts to someone who may have to drive 100 miles to and from work every day.

Should you buy the Exorcist? Money and practicality are two reasons why you shouldn’t, but there are a thousand reasons under the hood that are waiting to be unleashed.

Pros

• Faster
• Higher power-to-weight ratio

Cons

• More Expensive
• Aftermarket warranty only

2 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

Starting At: $143,050 And 0-60 MPH: 2.9 Seconds

As one of only two mid-engined options on this list, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS was made with one goal in mind – to be one of the fastest production cars Porsche has ever made. As such, Porsche made sure that it would get the best their engineering department had to offer – a slightly less powerful 4.0 liter flat-six engine from the 911 GT3 RS, track-focused aerodynamics package, an optional carbon ceramic brake pack, and even Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

Another reason for the car’s blistering performance is its inherent balance. Porsche has gone to great lengths to make the 718 Cayman handle as well as it does, and adding in the power from the 911 GT3 RS only made the recipe better.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from MotorTrend, Porsche USA)

Of course, in the pursuit of balance, Porsche decided that the interior needed to be scaled down. Strictly a two-seater, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS isn’t as practical as the Hellcat, nor is the cargo space as good – even though it has both trunk and frunk.

On top of this, the price tag on this track toy is a whopping $143,050, which could buy you two Hellcats. While that doesn’t make it a practical vehicle to own, it’s still a great car to drive.

Pros

• Track focused performance car
• Mid engine balance
• Lightweight car with a lot of power

Cons

• Cramped two seater sports car
• More than double the cost of a Hellcat
• You'll always feel second best next to a 911 GT3 RS

1 BMW M8 Competition

Starting At: $147,995 And 0-60 MPH: 2.5 Seconds

As is typical of the Germans, with cost comes quality, and that’s most apparent in the BMW M8 Competition. Starting at a hair under $148,000, it’s more than double what the Hellcat is worth, and why isn’t immediately apparent.

It’s no faster than the Hellcat, topping out at 189 mph against the Hellcat’s 203, but the M8’s 0-60 time is quicker at 2.5 seconds, more than a full second over the Hellcat, which can sometimes spell the difference between winning and losing. These numbers are achieved through the use of an AWD system, which overcomes the 100 horsepower deficit the M8 Competition has.

Performance Specifications

(Specs sourced from Car&Driver)

Inside, the M8 is as comfortable as a grand tourer should be, with acres of space for both front and rear passengers, considering it’s a coupe. The same suspension that makes the M8 Competition a track-focused sports car also makes it quite docile on the streets.

Sound and noise insulation is also very well done, but refinement and comfort have always been hallmarks of German automobiles. Quality comes at a price, and the M8 Competition is certainly a high-quality car. Just be prepared for a high price tag too.

Pros

• Refined German comfort
• Roomy inside and out

Cons

• More than double what the Hellcat costs
• Heavier chassis