2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye takes horsepower game to Demon territory

When Dodge revealed the limited edition Demon, the bonkers 840 hp output of the machine made enthusiasts around the world awestruck in disbelief. Now Dodge has pulled another joker out of the deck, the 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye and it almost walks into the Demon’s turf with 797 hp. Along with the Redeye, Dodge has also revealed the “normal” Challenger SRT Hellcat and the rest of the updated 2019 Challenger range.

The aesthetics of the 2019 Challenger range has not changed dramatically but there are a few changes though. Most obvious of them being the dual-snorkel hood design which pays homage to the old Dodge muscle cars from the mid-60’s. The Challenger SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack models are also offered with a Widebody Package. This package widens the fender flares by 3.5-inches, adds wider 305/35ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tyres and also fits a satin black spoiler at the back. The wheels on the Hellcat models are 20-inch lightweight alloys.

The engine on the Challenger Hellcat Redeye gets all attention this time as it gets upgrades that include a larger supercharger, stronger connecting rods and pistons, high-speed valvetrain, fuel injection system, and improved lubrication system. An increase has been made to boost pressure from 11.6 psi to 14.5 psi, while the rev limiter now kicks in later at 6,500 rpm instead of the earlier 6,200 rpm. All these upgrades mean that the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the Challenger Hellcat Redeye churns out 797 hp and 958 Nm. This, along with the eight-speed automatic transmission with a better torque converter, powers the Redeye from 0-100 kph in less than 3.7 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 327 kph. The quarter-mile time of the Redeye is 10.8 seconds, just 1.15 seconds less than the elusive Demon. Time for a fun fact, at full throttle, the Redeye gulps 5.4 litres of fuel per minute, emptying its tank in just 11 minutes. The normal highway fuel efficiency is rated at 12.87 litres/100 km.

If all this power is too much for you, there is another option on offer. Under the Redeye sits the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat which produces less power than the Redeye, but more than the outgoing Hellcat, at 717 hp and 890 Nm. The normal Challenger R/T Scat Pack is on offer as well, with a usual 6.4-litre V8 from the regular SRT.

Production of the 2019 Dodge Challenger range will start soon at the Brampton Assembly Plant and the deliveries should begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Expect a GCC debut by the middle of next year.