Let’s be honest—when someone says “American muscle,” only a few names come to mind. And right at the top of that list sits the Dodge Challenger SRT. It’s loud, massive, and unapologetically aggressive. But in India, where roads are crowded, fuel is pricey, and muscle cars are practically myths, the big question is — who actually owns a Dodge Challenger SRT in India?
It sounds like a fantasy car for most of us. But surprisingly, there are a few Indians bold (and rich) enough to get their hands on this beast. Here’s everything you need to know about who owns one, how they got it, and what makes it such a rare sight on Indian roads.
What Makes the Dodge Challenger SRT So Special?
Before we reveal the real Indian owners, let’s understand why this car is such a big deal.
The Dodge Challenger SRT is the high-performance version of the Challenger lineup, built by Dodge’s special racing division, SRT (Street and Racing Technology). The top variants include:
- SRT Hellcat – Starts at 717 HP
- SRT Redeye – Around 797 HP
- SRT Demon – Up to 840 HP
- SRT Demon 170 – A mind-blowing 1,025 HP
To give you perspective: a regular Mercedes-Benz sedan in India has 150–250 HP. The SRT Demon is over four times that powerful. It’s not just a car, it’s a controlled explosion on four wheels.
Can You Buy a Dodge Challenger SRT in India?
Technically, no, Dodge does not officially sell the Challenger SRT in India. That means you can’t walk into a showroom and drive one out. But through private import, a few lucky (and loaded) car lovers have managed to bring it here.
However, it’s not easy:
- Import duties & taxes make it twice as expensive
- It’s left-hand drive, which makes it illegal for daily use without modification
- Servicing and spare parts are nearly impossible to find
- Fuel economy? Just forget it—4 km/l is normal
So, who’s mad enough to still go for it? Let’s find out.
Who Actually Owns a Dodge Challenger SRT in India?
Despite all odds, a handful of Indians have imported and proudly own the Dodge Challenger SRT. These owners aren’t your typical car buyers—they’re collectors, celebrities, YouTubers, and enthusiasts who wanted to own something truly different.
1. Bhuvan Bam (YouTuber – Delhi)
India’s popular content creator and actor reportedly owns a Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Known for his passion for unique cars, Bhuvan’s collection stands out—and the Hellcat is the crown jewel. He was seen driving it around Delhi in several reels and car meet videos.
2. Hyderabad-Based Collector (Unknown Owner)
Hyderabad has a surprising number of exotic and muscle cars, and one collector has reportedly imported a Redeye variant through Dubai. The car has been spotted at supercar meets and drag events around Shamshabad and Banjara Hills.
3. Mumbai Tuner Garage (Not Owned but Built)
A few car tuning garages in Mumbai have worked on imported SRT Challengers, either for wrap jobs, suspension upgrades, or to tweak the exhaust systems. While the garages don’t “own” the car, their Instagram pages show off SRT models that pass through their shops.
4. NRI-Returned Businessman in Pune
A business owner who returned from Canada is known to have imported a Challenger SRT Demon and uses it only for weekend drives. It’s often spotted on the Pune–Mumbai Expressway in the early morning hours to avoid traffic and attention.
How Did They Import It?
These cars usually reach India through special vehicle importers, either from Dubai, Canada, or the U.S. The importers handle everything—shipping, paperwork, custom duty, and even modifications for Indian regulations.
But it’s not cheap. Let’s break it down:
- Car cost in U.S. – ₹70–90 lakh
- Import duty & taxes – ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore
- Registration, insurance, legal clearance – ₹10–20 lakh
- Total cost in India – ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 crore or more
For comparison, that’s more than a brand-new Porsche 911 in India.
Why Are Indians Still Buying It?
Let’s be real—this car isn’t practical. It’s not fuel-efficient, not built for Indian roads, and is a headache to service. So why do some people still want it?
Because for muscle car fans, the Dodge Challenger SRT isn’t just a car—it’s a feeling. It reminds them of Hollywood car chases, drag races, and Need for Speed video games. It’s about nostalgia, power, and standing out.
Plus, with Dodge officially ending production of the V8 Challenger in 2023–24, the few models out there have become collector’s gold.
Is It Legal to Drive the Dodge Challenger SRT in India?
Not so simple.
Because it’s a left-hand drive (LHD) vehicle, it’s technically not road legal in India unless:
- It’s converted to right-hand drive (RHD)—expensive and risky
- It’s used only for track days or private property drives
- The owner gets special approval and NOC from transport authorities (which rarely happens)
So, while you can import one, you may not be allowed to drive it daily.
Can You Still Get One in 2025?
Yes, but it’s your last chance.
Since Dodge stopped manufacturing the V8 Challenger after 2023–24, only limited stock remains globally. If you want one, you’ll have to:
- Find an international seller or dealership
- Work with a trusted car importer (like Big Boy Toyz, Auto Hangar Imports, etc.)
- Be ready to spend big and wait patiently
Some garages also deal in second-hand SRT imports at lower prices (around ₹1–1.3 crore), but these often come with wear and tear or usage issues.
Owning the Unownable
The Dodge Challenger SRT in India is more than just a car—it’s a rebellion on wheels. A loud, bold, gas-guzzling reminder that not everything has to make sense. For the few Indians who actually own one, it’s a statement of passion, power, and personality.
You won’t see one every day. You may never drive one. But knowing they exist in India—roaring down expressways at dawn or parked quietly in billionaire garages—is enough to keep the dream alive.
So the next time you hear a thunderous growl on the highway, don’t look up at the sky. It might just be a Dodge Challenger SRT passing by.
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