Introducing a Lamborghini driver to the notion of a sleeper is something many enthusiasts dream about. Of course, if you’re going to take on a Raging Bull, especially a modern one like the Aventador, you’ll need a solid build. Fortunately, this Hellephant-swapped Chrysler 300 easily deserves that title.
Built by YouTuber Khaled Alsalman (aka Khal_SRT), the 7.0L HEMI-animated Chrysler 300 has been making rounds on social media for a while. However, as its owner explains, this is the first time the understated sedan engages in a proper race.
With the Aventador now on its way out—its electrified-V12 successor is due in 2023—there are quite a few derivatives around. However, this is the “standard” LP700-4 model the Italians released back in 2011. So, if the 6.5-liter N/A V12 occupying the middle section of the machine is still in factory form, the engine delivers 692 hp (700 PS) and 509 lb-ft (690 Nm) of torque.
Regardless, the ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) single-clutch 7-speed tranny of the Italian exotic, which was used thanks to its emotion-stirring, head-banging shifts, is less than ideal when you’re chasing the best possible acceleration times.
In addition, the onwer of this Sant’Agata Bolognese machine seens to have added a fixed wing on top of the factory active aero, with this generating plenty of drag.
Even with the said drawbacks, the Aventador remains as impressive as you’d expect it to be, with the V12 growl of the machine easily dominating this battle.
Khal SRT’s Hellephant-swapped Chrysler 300
At least for the time being (these builds often evolve), the 426 ci HEMI under the hood of this Chrysler 300 doesn’t feature any mods, or at least not significant ones like forced induction or an E85 fuel system.
Thus, Alsalman explains that the 7.0-liter V8 still makes the factory 1,000 hp and 950 lb-ft (1,288 Nm), which are sent to the rear wheels via the now-familiar ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic.
The curb weight of the supercar sits at about 3,800 lbs (1,730 kg), while the Hellephant 300 is significantly less friendly to the scale. Perhaps oversimplifying, we’ll use the 4,575 lbs (2,075 kg) weight of the Charger Hellcat Redeye for this comparo—the two share the platform and other components and while the Hellephant engine is larger, its aluminum block is some 100 lbs (45 kg) lighter than the iron blocks the Hellcat engines use.
Multiple rolling races with the same result
A series of roll races was chosen to see which of the two could reach the horizon first, with the battles kicking off at 50 and 60 mph (80 and 97 km/h).
And while the Aventador did seem to pick up speed quicker at first, the Hellephant-swapped 300 ended up passing the Lamborghini on every occasion—judging by the footage captured from inside the Lamborghini, the Aventador driver didn’t always shift at the optimal rpm, but the racing does appear legit.
Now, a standing start would’ve naturally brought the AWD mid-engined machine an advantage, but this wasn’t included in the encounter. Speaking of which, please don’t use this stunt as an example and head over to the drag strip when you’re feeling competitive.
And, in case this shenanigan got you thinking about putting a Hellephant engine into [insert your favorite ride here], we have good news for you.
Dodge is bringing back the Hellephant crate engine for 2022
Initially released in November 2018 at the SEMA show, the 1960s NASCAR-bred Gen II 426 HEMI-celebrating Hellephant was an instant sell—the rumored 100 units found owners in two hours, with the motor being priced at $29,995, plus a $2,265 installation kit.
Nevertheless, now that we’ve entered the second quarter of 2022, Dodge is reintroducing the Hellephant crate engine, as part of the Dodge Direct Connection Performance program it introduced for this year.
