WHILE the native Australian muscle car is doomed to extinction, the US variety is alive and well.

Witness the 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT. Powered by a new 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi mill dubbed the Hellcat, the Challenger SRT will be the most powerful V8 Chrysler has ever produced, with well over 600hp. The intercooled blower is a 2380cc twin screw unit from IHI, who also supply pumps to Mercedes.

The rest of the car ‘aint shabby. For gearboxes, the choice is between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed TorqueFlite auto. The brakes are massive, with 390mm two-piece rotors and six-piston calipers up front. The Challenger is said to have done over 200mph in testing. Let’s hope someone brings one to Oz!