The 1,000 HP Hellephant Chrysler 300 Is One-of-a-Kind Sleeper

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Why drive a regular Chrysler 300 when you can swap a Mopar Hellephant 426 supercharged crate engine into it? That’s what one YouTuber did and is now reaping the benefits. And by benefits, we mean setting the trend for Chrysler 300 drivers everywhere. You might not think a Hellephant Chrysler 300 qualifies as a sleeper, but doesn’t 1,000 horsepower qualify it as such?

This 1,000 hp Hellephant Chrysler 300 is one of a kind

The 1,000 hp Hellephant Chrysler 300 has a Hellephant 426 supercharged crate engine | Mopar

The 1,000 hp Hellephant Chrysler 300 is the ultimate sleeper. Check out some of Khal_SRT’s videos on YouTube to see what we mean. The Chrysler 300 looks pretty standard from the outside. It is painted red with black wheels and a black interior but looks like a regular Chrysler 300.

According to Motor1, the Hellephant crate engine displaces 426 cubic Inches (or 7.0L). The V8 is supercharged for a total of 1,000 hp and 950 lb-ft of torque. If you buy the engine directly from Mopar, there are a few different options. This one, in particular, starts at $29,995.00 and requires another kit for around $2,265.00. The kit supposedly makes it plug and play on most vehicles.

Dodge isn’t putting these engines into production cars anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. On the initial run, the engine sold out pretty quickly. But these days, you can get your hands on one of these 1,000 hp crate engines fairly easily. If you have $30,000 laying around.

The Hellephant Chrysler 300 is ridiculous

The 1,000 hp Hellephant Chrysler 300 might say “plug and play” on the order page, but it’s going to take a lot more than that. Khal_SRT started the process a few months ago when the crate engine arrived at the dealership. Overall, a summer project for 1,000 hp sounds doable. The engine takes 10-W60 oil, which tells you what a powerful engine this is.

Most cars will never see 1,000 hp no matter how hard the owners try, but this Hellephant Chrysler 300 does just that. It doesn’t appear this is the owner’s daily driver, and rightfully so. A 1,000 hp engine takes a lot of upkeep and attention to keep it running correctly.

Straight from the factory Dodge options

If you aren’t into building a 1,000 hp car of your own, Dodge has some interesting and fast cars on the market right now. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat comes from the factory with a Supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 making 717 hp. This one starts at $61,270. It is also offered in a widebody option for $67,270 if it isn’t wide enough originally. The Dodge Demon gets 840 hp, and then the Dodge Hellcat Redeye clocks in at 797 hp. The Redeye starts at $72,870, or $79,270 for the widebody.

If you like what the owner did, feel free to give him a thumbs up on YouTube. New and exciting builds like this Hellephant Chrysler 300 are few and far between these days. It is a ton of work to get a 1,000 hp engine up and running, no matter how educated you might be on the topic.

RELATED: Lewis Hamilton Was Caught Cheating on EVs in His Pagani Zonda This Week

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Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Mercedes-Benz pops up toward the bottom of “Most Reliable Brands” lists throughout the internet. Constant electrical issues may warrant its placement, however, the last thing to break on a Mercedes is its engine and drivetrain. That makes a Mercedes more dependable than expected. Air conditioning systems and electric seat bolster adjusters may break, but the engine will always complete the journey. These are some of the most reliable cars the brand has ever released, among many.

2015 GLK-Class

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK 220 | Jean-Marc ZAORSKI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

The GLK Class gets top marks for being a reliable Mercedes. In fact, it doesn’t have many unique recalls associated with it. There are several trims to choose from, in both rear and all-wheel drive configurations. The GLK350 has a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower, while at the other end of the spectrum its 2.1-liter inline-four makes 200 horsepower. Aside from airbag recalls, there was a problem with leaking fuel filters. According to U.S. News, the 2015 GLK Class earns the #1 luxury compact SUV slot, with a five-out-of-five rating for reliability. Older years are quite a bargain as well.

2011 CLS Class

2011 Mercedes Benz cls 350 on display
2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 | PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP via Getty Images

Contrary to the C300’s poor reputation with reliability in the mid-2010s, the 2011 CLS only has 1 recall against it, with very few customer complaints. U.S. News heralds the CLS for having a powerful V8, comfortable interior, and excellent exterior styling. Mercedes-Benz offers the CLS class with two different engine options. The CLS550 comes with a 5.5-liter V8 with 382 horsepower, while the CLS63 AMG comes with a 6.2-liter V8 churning out 507 horsepower. The CLS Class earns a better than average rating for reliability from U.S. News. For a slightly cheaper CLS consider the 2008 model year.

2020 E-Class

2020 mercedes benz e class on display
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

Mercedes-Benz’s 2006 E350 model got a lot of flack as being unreliable. It harbored hundreds of complaints against it, among a few recalls that were too big to ignore. However, it looks like Mercedes has turned the tide with the E-Class. It comes with a 2.0-liter inline-four, producing 255 horsepower for the rear wheels. Its curb weight somewhat tips the scales at 3,792 pounds, but its average repair cost is low compared to other cars from Mercedes. Repair frequency is also low according to Repair Pal, with low-urgency repairs. 

2011-2016 SLK Class

2011-2020 Mercedes Benz SLK 350
2011-2020 Mercedes Benz SLK 350 | Jean-Marc ZAORSKI/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Despite having five recalls issued against it, the SLK Class has proven to be a very reliable Mercedes. There are three different trim levels, the SLK 300, 350, and 55 AMG. Its engine options go from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four to a 5.5-liter V8 making 415 horsepower. This SLK generation only got an automatic transmission, but older models can come with a manual. The SLK is Mercedes’ signature roadster, delivering exquisite handling and solid acceleration. 

An inspection before purchase is always a good idea, especially with a used car. No matter what year or model Mercedes-Benz, there’s a good chance its engine and drivetrain are rock-solid. However, while these models are among the most reliable Mercedes-Benz ever made, the absolute most reliable Mercedes anyone can ever buy is a brand new one off the lot. 

RELATED: These Are Some of the Most Unreliable Mercedes-Benz

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The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Wants to Vanquish the Toyota RAV4

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Hyundai Tucson is back and better than ever. Seriously, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson adorns significant upgrades to consider. But are they good enough to take down the insanely popular Toyota RAV4? 

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson vs. the 2021 Toyota RAV4 

2022 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

You can get started in a 2021 Toyota RAV4 for about $26,350. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson comes in a bit cheaper with an MSRP of $24,950. These prices are listed before dealership markups, and destination fees have been added. 

The gas-powered RAV4 gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. The gas-powered Tucson gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg and up to 33 mpg on the highway. 

However, the Tucson Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 38 mpg in the city and on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. So the RAV is slightly more fuel-efficient. 

Does the Tucson or RAV4 have a better performance? 

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid RAV4 features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with two electric motors to pump out 219 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. 

When properly equipped, the Tucson can tow up to 2,000 lbs. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds. The Hybrid Tucson reaches 60 mph in about 7.2 seconds. 

With the RAV4, you can tow up to 3,500 lbs. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds. The Hybrid RAV reaches 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. 

The Tucson has more responsive steering, while the RAV4 seems a little vague. But the RAV4 has a smarter all-wheel drive system for an above-average off-roading ability for a small SUV. The RAV4 has a quiet interior, but the Tucson offers a sense of quiet luxury. Also, the Tucson has a smoother ride. 

Does the Tucson or RAV4 have better features? 

a 2021 Toyota RAV4 parked in a scenic forested area
2021 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota USA

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with 69.8 cubic feet total. The 2022 Hyundai Tucson provides 38.7 cubic feet of cargo space with up to 80.3 cubic feet total. 

With the Tucson, you get a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch unit. The RAV4 comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to an 8.0-inch unit. Both SUVs come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Both SUVs come with standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance. But the 2021 RAV4 also includes standard adaptive cruise control. 

While the RAV4 is a little more powerful and capable, the Tucson offers more space and more advanced tech. Deciding between these two SUVs may come down to test driving them both.

RELATED: The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is a Bargain SUV

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These Are Some of the Most Unreliable Mercedes-Benz

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Mercedes-Benz harbors some mixed press regarding its history with reliability. While its engines and drivetrains are typically bullet-proof, many other issues sometimes slip through the cracks. It’s easy to get caught up in the stigma that German cars are unreliable. However, brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz constantly push for new technology, so of course, there will be complications. Nevertheless, these are some of the most unreliable Mercedes-Benz that just plain did not live up to the usual excellence of the brand.

2006 E350

2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reveal | TORU YAMANAKA/AFP via Getty Images

Mercedes’ E350 from 2006 was big and comfortable. Though acceleration required more encouragement than usual, it delivered smooth power and drove like it was on clouds. It also offered primitive adaptive cruise control, where the car could adjust its distance to other cars on the road while in cruise control. Unfortunately, the E350 garnered multiple hundreds of complaints via the NHTSA. 

Owners cite debilitating issues with the fuel system. An owner in South Carolina had an issue with leaking gas, where they had to replace the fuel tank, pump, fuel line, and seals. It happened a second time as well, around 104,000 miles. Another owner complained of complete brake failure. To the car’s credit, ESP and ABS errors showed on the instrument cluster. Later models are among the most reliable luxury cars on the market, but the 2006 is one of the most unreliable Mercedes-Benz ever made.

2007 S550

2007 mercedes benz s550 parked outside in New York
2007 Mercedes Benz S550 | Getty Images

The 2007 S550 offered unrivaled cabin sound deadening, big plush leather seats, and rapid acceleration. Its 5.4-liter V8 sent 382 horsepower to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. It hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 13.7. The S550 also had a horrendous problem with its electronics that was systemic and not recalled by Mercedes. It became one of the most unreliable Mercedes-Benz because of this problem. 

Several drivers complained of their S550 driving normally before suddenly collapsing into limp mode. Service advisors recommend replacing the car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU), which is a $2,000 part. Other owners mention the engine’s balance shaft wearing out, which loosens the timing chain, which leads to broken valves. 

2015 C300

2015 mercedes benz c class coupe on display
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Getty Images

The 2015 C300 looked aggressive compared to its previous generation. Unfortunately, its bark was worse than its bite. The C300 used a turbocharged inline-four that pumped out 241 horsepower via a 7-speed automatic transmission. At 3645 curb weight, 241 horsepower leaves some acceleration to be desired. Like others on this list, it had faults that simply couldn’t be ignored.

Owners complained of the sunroof panel detaching from the car while driving on the freeway. Thankfully Mercedes recalled this part. Mercedes chalked it up to poor bonding application and replaced the panel for free. The car also had problems with airbag inflators exploding, sending sharp shards into passengers, and steering locknut failure. This car had a host of other problems that made it one of the most unreliable Mercedes-Benz ever.

Like any other brand, Mercedes-Benz has had its hiccups. While the engine and drivetrain are solid thanks to overengineering, other parts of the car may fail spectacularly. That said Mercedes-Benz makes reliable cars, it just takes some research to find the right one. Nevertheless, a Mercedes-Benz pairs best with a decent warranty and a big pocketbook.

RELATED: Which Used Mercedes Is the Most Reliable?

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