Discovering the Dodge Challenger Hellcat

SCS Software's Behind-the-Scenes Magic for American Truck Simulator's Road Trip DLC

Hey everyone, it's Arrow again, your go-to enthusiast for all things trucking sims and high-octane muscle cars. If you're as excited as I am about SCS Software's upcoming expansions, you're probably buzzing about the "Road Trip" project. Today, I'm diving into what SCS has shared about developing the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody – a beast that's set to rev up the RAM & Dodge Car Pack DLC for American Truck Simulator. This isn't just any car; it's a slice of American muscle legend, and SCS is pulling out all the stops to make it feel real in-game.

The Hellcat Experience: More Than Meets the Eye

SCS Software's "SCS On The Road" series gives us a front-row seat to their dev process, and their latest entry spotlights the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Widebody. This isn't your average sedan – it's got that aggressive stance, flared wide fenders, and a supercharged V8 that screams power. SCS describes it as "more than just a car; it’s an experience," and they're dead set on capturing every bit of that authenticity for the game.

To nail the audio side, the team got hands-on by recording the Hellcat's raw sounds directly from a real one. We're talking the deep, guttural rumble at idle and the earth-shaking roar when you floor it. These captures will power the in-game engine, making every rev and burnout feel visceral. I can't wait to hear that supercharger whine echoing through my virtual cab! I wonder if SCS will capture that unmistakable rear-wheel-drive feel in-game—the way the Hellcat's power surges through the back wheels, making every launch a tire-shredding thrill. In real life, you can definitely sense the difference compared to all-wheel or front-wheel setups.

But they didn't stop at sounds. SCS also did a thorough walk-around, snapping reference photos and notes to recreate the Hellcat's details pixel-perfect. From the glossy paint to the intricate wheel designs and that iconic widebody kit, their artists and modelers are using this material to ensure the digital version matches the real deal. It's this level of dedication that makes American Truck Simulator stand out – turning a simple drive into an immersive thrill.

A Shoutout to the Real Hero: Marek and His Hellcat

None of this would be possible without the car's owner, Marek, who generously opened up his garage (and his ride) to the SCS team. They spent the day recording, chatting about ownership perks, and geeking out over car passion. Marek's a true enthusiast, and his Czech-language content on Instagram and YouTube is worth a follow if you're into muscle cars. Check out SCS's behind-the-scenes YouTube video here for footage of the recordings and walk-around – it's a treat to see the process unfold.

Big thanks to Marek for making this happen. Stories like his remind us why these devs go the extra mile (pun intended) to partner with real owners.

Get Ready for Road Trip: Wishlist and Stay Tuned

The RAM & Dodge Car Pack is shaping up to be a highlight of the broader Road Trip update, bringing more American icons to ATS. If you haven't already, head over to Steam and add it to your wishlist today – it's the best way to show support and get notified on release.

To keep the hype train rolling, follow SCS's blog for dev diaries, subscribe to their newsletter, and track updates on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram. It would mean the world to us if you'd follow our socials as well for future updates. The Road Trip project promises big things for truckers and car lovers alike.

What do you think – ready to unleash the Hellcat on the highways? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Until next time, safe travels!