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Can' t Afford A New Hellcat Here Are Some Cheaper Alternatives
Mar. 24, 2018 2:00 PM ET by Jared Rosenholtz Smart Buy / 30 Comments The Hellcat is a performance bargain, but most people still can't afford it. The Dodge Challenger and Charger Hellcat models are the epitome of performance bargains. For $64,295 and $66,295 respectively, the Challenger and Charger offer more horsepower than cars costing four times as much: 707 hp to be precise. The Hellcats may be bargains for their level of performance, but they still aren't affordable for the masses. Used models have sunk below $50,000, but we wanted to come up with five unique cheaper alternatives to a new Hellcat Challenger or Charger. Dodge Cadillac CTS-V
Our first alternative is the second generation Cadillac CTS-V, also known as the V2. The V2 was built from 2009 to 2015 in sedan, coupe and wagon bodystyles. Unfortunately the rarified wagon models carry a premium over the others. Although it doesn't match the Hellcat in power, the CTS-V is no slouch with a 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V8 producing 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. High mileage examples start at around $25,000 and top out at $60,000 for a low mileage wagon with a manual. Cadillac Cadillac BMW M5 F10
American muscle cars may have started the trend of stuffing big engines into ordinary family cars, but the Germans have become pretty good at it too. The F10 BMW M5 was built from 2012 to 2016, and has depreciated like most high-dollar German cars. Prices now range from $30,000 to $85,000 depending on year and mileage. For around half the price of a new Hellcat, it is possible to drive around in a BMW with an original price of around $100,000. The F10 M5 has a 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 553 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque going out to either a seven-speed dual-clutch or six-speed manual. BMW BMW Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG
Before FCA started its quest to stuff the Hellcat engine into all of its cars, AMG wanted to build n fast version of every Mercedes car. We were astonished when we discovered AMG versions of the Mercedes CL for around half as much as a new Hellcat. The CL 63 has a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 462 lb-ft of torque going to a seven-speed automatic. For less than $40,000, we also found the CL 65 with the hand-built twin-turbo V12. This massive engine produces 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Good luck maintaining them if something goes wrong, but these cars would be incredible to own. Mercedes-Benz Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Gen 5
We've already offered up the Cadillac CTS-V as a great alternative for a Charger or Challenger Hellcat. Still, some people may prefer to have an old school muscle car badge instead of an "old man's car with a big engine." The fifth generation Camaro ZL1 was sold with the same 6.2-liter supercharged LSA V8 that was found in the CTS-V. It even produces a bit more power than the Cadillac (580 hp). The fifth generation ZL1 was sold from 2012 to 2015 in coupe and convertible bodystyles and can now be found starting at under $30,000. Chevrolet Jaguar XFR
The Jaguar XFR is the only British bruiser on our list. Like the other cheap alternatives, the Jag can't match the Hellcat on pure power. Still, the XFR uses a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. Prices range between $25,000 and $45,000, which is pretty cheap for such a stunning car with so much power. Join The Discussion
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Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Cadillac CTS-V Sedan Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat BMW M5 Sedan Mercedes-AMG CLS 63 Jared Rosenholtz Editor-at-Large After graduating with an MBA, Jared pursued his love of cars by becoming an automotive journalist. An internship with CarBuzz grew into his current position as Editor At Large. Jared now spends most of his time evaluating new vehicles and chasing the latest news stories in the automotive industry. When he’s not attending Cars & Coffee events on the weekend, Jared loves to watch NFL football and cruise around with the top down in his German convertible. Contact Jared @Carsnbites @jar_rosenholtz LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top