Hennessey returns with another four-figure horsepower upgrade package for the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. A larger supercharger and plenty of supporting mods are set to improve the line-topping Redeye, the perfect combination for buyers who missed out on the limited run of Challenger Demons. The power wars are a long way from over, but once again, Hennessey has thrown their hat into the ring with another round of serious performance claims—claims that they've made good on for years now.
External Styling
Hennessey's starting point for their take on Dodge's Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye build comes in either standard or widebody form, though it seems likely that anyone willing to shell out for a Hennessey product will probably choose the more aggressive option. The Redeye tops the Challenger lineup for 2019 now that the Demon has been retired. Exterior cues that point to the massive power underneath the skin include a pair of hood scoops, serious fender flares, and a moderate rear spoiler.
The Challenger's overall form doesn't receive much modification in the hands of Hennessey. Sure, a few badges here and there will point to the 1,000 horses lurking below, but the muscly coupe retains most of its factory styling, right down to the red eyes of the Hellcat logos. The widebody kit measures in at 3.5 additional inches and improves acceleration at the cost of a four mile per hour reduction in top speed.
RELATED: 2019 YENKO CAMARO PREVIEW & BUYER'S GUIDE
Drivetrain & Mechanicals
Of course, the whole appeal of Hennessey's wide range of performance packages lies under the hood. In the case of the 2019 Challenger Hellcat Redeye, Hennessey continues on their trend of bolting gigantic superchargers onto Detroit V8, then throwing on the necessary modifications to support the serious power gains. The 2019 Redeye HPE1000 package includes a 4.5-liter supercharger complete with upgraded pulley, a throttle body revision, stainless headers, and a complete high-flow exhaust system.
Complementing the big changes, Hennessey also utilizes high-flow fuel injectors, a boost-a-pump upgrade, HPE engine software, and a high-flow air intake system. The necessary gaskets and fluids come with the mods, and the whole setup receives both road and dyno testing prior to delivery. At the very least, Hennessey is confident enough in their setup to offer a 1-year/12,000 mile warranty on the work.
The results of the HPE1000 package, which Hennessey has offered on numerous other models, speak for themselves. On race fuel, an estimated 1,035 horsepower at the crank translates to 880 at the rear wheels. Meanwhile, torque figures come in at a claimed 948 lb-ft at the engine and 806 at the wheels, peaking at 4,200 RPM. (For context, the Redeye left the factory with a 2.7-liter supercharger able to produce 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque, and it could already sprint to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds.)
RELATED: 2019 ROUSH MUSTANG STAGE 3 PREVIEW & BUYER'S GUIDE
Interior & Tech
The Hellcat Redeye's interior is almost as aggressive as the beefy power under its hood. Hennessey throws in a set of floor mats, but again, other than some badging, the rest of Dodge's factory design shines through. Houndstooth stitching is optional, a touchscreen infotainment system can alter drivetrain modes, and climate control setting still utilize a physical dial.
Hennessey has made no mention of exactly what revisions their ECU tuning makes to the Challenger's existing programming, but the Redeye's use of Line Lock, a transmission brake, and launch control should still be available in the Performance Control app. The eight-speed automatic transmission features paddle shifters, while the Challenger's six-speed is only available on lower-spec trim packages.
RELATED: MUSTANG SHELBY GT500 RUMORED TO DITCH MANUAL GEARBOX
Pricing & Buying
A Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye starts at $69,650, though a gas guzzler tax and an extensive options list will no doubt rack up a few more thousand quite quickly. The widebody kit runs another $6,000, while a 3.09 rear axle costs $1,095 from the factory. Hennessey's has not expressly announced pricing for their HPE1000 package, though they are taking pre-orders for buyers already willing to commit to the purchase of an early 2019 model. Dodge has announced that production is ready to begin this fall at Fiat Chrysler's Ontario, Canada, factory.
Competition
When it comes to Hennessey's mind-boggling power figures, only a few other aftermarket companies can hope to keep up. Lebanon Ford Performance's twin-turbo Mustang can also crack into the four figures horsepower range, while kits for Corvettes and Camaros are also available from Hennessey themselves. On the Challenger SRT Demon, Hennessey offered an HPE1200 package, and rumors are swirling that the Redeye is in line for a similar offering in the near future, as well.