In its fourteenth year of production, the reborn Challenger has undergone only minor updates. Although ancient by today’s standards, Dodge has been able to keep its relevance for one simple reason — it’s unbelievably powerful engines, particularly the SRT Hellcat.
A Hellcat is about theater. It isn’t about quick lap times, luxury interiors, or practical things such as “grip.” Who needs that when all you want to do is listen to the Hellcat’s supercharger whine.
A sound that shoots pure adrenaline (or fear) down the spine of the driver and everyone within a twenty-meter radius.
2021 Challenger Hellcat Redeye
Dodge isn’t one to shy away from giving their customers options. Instead of annual updates, they often will add a new performance package to their list. If you go to their website you will find 10 available models of the Challenger, starting with the base SXT all the way up to the new-for-2021 SRT Super Stock.
The first two models of the Challenger, the SXT and GT, are fitted with a 303 hp 3.6L V6. To step into proper muscle car territory and get a V8, buyers must start with the R/T package’s 5.7L that burbles out 375 hp.
The Scat Pack is often considered the middle ground. Starting at $46,000, it’s a bargain considering the performance. It’s 392 Hemi Engine pushes 4,200lbs to a top speed of 168 MPH using 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.
If you hear the whine of Hemi supercharger, you know you’re in Hellcat territory. They have the massively supercharged 6.2L SRT engine that has increased its power to 717 hp and 656 lb-torque.
The Hellcat Redeye graduates you to the class of demons, sharing the same engine of the one-year-only, Dodge Challenger Demon. The 6.2L High Output SRT engine has the largest Supercharger fitted on a production vehicle. Coming just 11 horsepower shy of the discontinued dragster, it produces 797 hp and 707 lb-ft. One large factor in the dip of horsepower is due to the loss of airflow through the Dual Snorkel Hood compared to the Demon’s massive single nostril.
The Hellcat Redeye is only available in an 8-speed automatic because, let’s be honest, we mortals can’t handle that much power. The “regular” Hellcat, however, does offer a manual for those of us who enjoy rowing through the gears of a high horsepower muscle car.
For the buyers looking to unleash their inner demon, Dodge has added the all-new Challenger SRT Super Stock. Carrying over the same supercharged 6.2L Hemi as the Redeye but is pushed to 807 hp, just a horsepower shy of the Demon.
Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody
The Widebody Challenger not only looks cool but makes the muscle car handle too. In addition to the wide splitter and a few fender flares, this variation gives the Hellcat Redeye much needed performance upgrades. Dodge fitted the Redeye with wider wheels and tires in an attempt to give it some kind of traction. To stop the massive coupe, they gave it Brembo six-piston front brakes and four-piston brakes in the rear. They didn’t stop there, they also upgraded the suspension tuning and adaptive dampers.
More than just bragging rights to having the fastest muscle car (at 203 mph), the Redeye Widebody gives the driver at least some control over the burly beast. Although it comes at a $6,400 premium, it is certainly the recommended of the two. If you’re going all the way up to the Hellcat Redeye, you might as well get the widebody. Go big or go home, right?
Interior And Infotainment
The interior is carried over unchanged from the previous years. The Challenger’s La-Z-Boy sized seats make it a rather nice place to travel long distances. Although a second row is typically storage for a two-door, the Challenger is quite livable for small passengers that aren’t riding far. The Hellcat Redeye will come standard with most basic creature comforts, including heated seats, heated steering wheel, keyless entry, and wireless charging.
The Challenger’s Redeye will come standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen that will support both Andriod Auto and Apple CarPlay. Exclusive to the upgraded Hellcats are the SRT Performance Pages that help record track times, monitor the engine, and much more. The Redeye also comes standard with integrated navigation and WIFI hotspots.
Pricing
To get into a 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye prices will be starting at $72,295. A reasonable price considering the lesser Hellcat starts at $59,000 and has 80 less horsepower.
The Widebody package cost just over $6,000 for both the Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye, bringing the starting price of the Challenger Hellcat Redeye Widebody up to $78,695.
Exterior decals and spoilers will cost, of course, but fortunately, all of Dodge’s bright colors are available at no additional cost. Dual stripes and the spoiler each cost $995. The throwback Black Satin Painted Hood will cost $1,995 and Dodge will do an entire Black Satin Graphics Package for $3,495.
Sources: Dodge, Edmunds