Dodge SRT Performance Pages: Autoblog Technology of the Year finalist
Wed, 19 Nov 2014Dodge dropped a 707-horsepower bomb on us this year, by way of the supercharged, 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine found under the hood of the 2015 Challenger coupe and Charger sedan. That's an absolute ton of power, and no matter how well-heeled a driver you may be, these Hellcat models demand respect in order to be tamed. But don't worry, Dodge has your back. Enter, the SRT Performance Pages.
Built into the cars' Uconnect infotainment system – itself a recipient of the Technology of the Year award in 2012 – Performance Pages are standard equipment on SRT-badged products. Here, drivers can see performance data like 0-60 and quarter-mile times and can keep an eye on engine vitals, as well as monitor the G-forces they're throwing down. They can even review lap times at a track.
Hellcat models take things a step further, with the ability to control the output of the engine, and manage things like suspension setup, traction control, and even the use of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles on vehicles equipped with the automatic transmission. What's more, Hellcats are sold with two key fobs – one red, one black. The red key automatically unlocks all 707 hp from the big V8, while the black key hushes that fury to a still-impressive 500 hp. Beyond that, the Hellcat's Performance Pages feature a Valet Mode that locks out several of the Uconnect system's functions and further limits the engine's output to 300 hp.
During our Technology of the Year testing in Petoskey, we looked at aspects of the Performance Pages including intuitiveness of layout, control response time, breadth of options, and so on. The verdict? SRT Performance Pages offer all the functionality a serious driver would want, and are incredibly simple to navigate and understand. And as enthusiasts, we applaud technology that allows us to get the most out of any serious performer – even ones with absolutely insane power.
By Steven J. Ewing