2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye: A Demon-possessed Hellcat
CHELSEA, Mich. — I feel like whole Challenger lineup is a story of “But wait, there’s more.”
When Dodge released the Hellcat version of the Challenger in 2015, complete with red key and 707 horsepower, I didn’t think they’d be able to top that.
Then came the Demon in 2017 with 840 horsepower and a quarter-mile sprint of 9.65 seconds. This was a limited-run vehicle with only 3,000 models available for sale.
So, I figured that was the end of a good run.
But wait. There’s more.
This week, Dodge revealed its newest high-powered vehicle: The Hellcat Redeye.
No, it doesn’t one-up the Demon. But the Redeye is built with a de-tuned Demon engine and bests the 2019 Hellcat by 80 horsepower.
The toned-down version of the Demon’s 6.2-liter Hemi engine will deliver 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque.
And now that the Demon is out of production, the Redeye becomes the most-powerful and fastest muscle car. Full stop.
It has a 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.4 seconds and it can complete the quarter mile sprint in 10.8 seconds.
Top speed is 203 mph.
Hellcat, yeah!
The engine isn’t the only thing the Redeye borrows from the Demon. It’ll also get the SRT Power Chiller and After-Run Chiller as well as a larger supercharger, strengthened connecting rods and pistons, high-speed valve train, fuel injection system and improved lubrication system.
Compared to the SRT Hellcat engine, the Redeye will also get these improvements:
- a 2.7-liter supercharger
- an increased boost pressure of 14.5 psi
- a higher RPM limit of 6,500
- two dual-stage fuel pumps
- a larger induction air box with three sources of intake air (dual snorkel hood, driver-side air catcher headlamp and inlet near the wheel liner)
Pricing was formally announced after the event, and including a $1,700 gas guzzler tax, the Redeye version of the Challenger will start at $71,350. In comparison, the base Challenger SXT starts at $27,295, and the original Hellcat rings in at $60,350, including the gas guzzler tax.
The Redeye should hit dealers this fall.