Before I begin, let me first lead in with a caveat: Most of this is rumor and speculation. However, rumor and speculation have two benefits: it creates discussion and input, and the pressure of outside sources talking about things that might be going on at a manufacturer can be enough to get action going. So with that in mind, read on…
According to Jalopnik, an anonymous Chrysler source has claimed that the Hellcat 6.2L supercharged V8 is seriously underrated, with a claim that they have seen as high as 825 horsepower on the dyno. Various dyno tests performed by journalists and others have proven that most of the Hellcats are hovering about 630 horsepower at the wheels as it is, but what the source indicates is that the motors are choked down (HA!) in order to meet emissions requirements, and at even the current output that the Hellcat is only just barely passing regulations. To combat this, Chrysler looks to be moving away from a Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) system and to a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. The Hellcat is currently the only MAF-equipped engine in Chrysler’s lineup, using a MAF sourced from Mazda.
Also, it’s also been mentioned that testing is going on to move the blower technology down to the smaller motors, specifically the MultiAir four cylinder found in the Dart, Cherokee and Fiats to boost up power and save some grace with the upcoming EPA regulations. While the emissions deal is a mandatory thing, look between the lines and see potential: The MultiAir in it’s original configuration produced 67 horsepower. With a turbo it’s hitting 160hp, and that’s good, but if FCA can de-stroke a 6.4 and make it as evil as the Hellcat is, maybe (finally?) we can get a four-banger that can shut up the small car crowd once and for all. It has been almost ten years since the SRT-4 Neon surprised some people, and it’s known that there is a hot Dart coming for 2015-16…please, Dodge, make it happen. We know you can do it. We know you have the technology.
Yeah, but. The Dart. Is a Fiat. It’s not like when Mercedes just owned the company, Fiat is using their platforms and engines and just letting Mopar re style them. Yuck. Don’t get me wrong. I LIKE Fiats. I just don’t like the cross breeding aspect of it. No way.
Viper has been MAF for a while.
Sounds a lot like the claim of 425hp at 5000 on the 426! More like 480 at 6200 niiice!
Having worked for a company that developed aftermarket superchargers with EPA certifications, I can assure you that many OEM calibrations are running right on the ragged edge of emissions compliance. The company I worked with used to use their in-field findings of out-of-compliance conditions as leverage to get the OEM’s to help them develop calibrations. Big fine from EPA if large production runs of cars are found to be out of compliance.
I for one hope that the rumors are true. Also for the record I’m tired of the bellyaching about the Fiat partnership. Give me a break. If not for Fiat we’d no longer have a “big 3.” I can’t even imagine America without a domestic auto industry (look at GB). These people build a 600 hp car with a warranty and all people can do is bitch about Fiat. Ask any AMC guy, we know the pitfalls of foreign ownership/investment, but what Fiat has managed so far in terms of market share, sells, and pandering to enthusiast is remarkable. It would be the equivalent of Renault releasing a 450 HP AMX (hellcat), a diesel Full size Jeep (Ecodiesel Ram), and a reliable and stylish Gremlin (Dart). Quit complaining, and wave at the hellcat when it blast past your mustang de’jour. Wheww, I feel better now.