Dodge has been one of the first-movers in bringing affordable power to the automotive market. For 2019, they have pulled the covers off their updated Challenger line-up which features more power and performance options. Most notably is their release of the 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye which continues with the trend of affordable power.
Jumping right into the numbers, the latest addition to the Hellcat family makes a whopping 797 HP and 707 lb.-ft of torque from an upgraded, supercharged 6.2L V8. Upgrades include a larger, 2.7 litre supercharger – one of the largest in any production car – which turns up boost to 14.1psi. The Redeye also packs larger intakes, and an increased redline (up to 6,500RPM). These performance updates allow the 2019 Hellcat Redeye to hit 96km/h in 3.4 seconds, and reach a top speed of 326 km/h. On the drag strip, it can achieve a quarter mile time of 10.8 seconds.
Both a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic are available on all standard Hellcat models. If one opts for the Redeye, however, a TorqueFlite 8HP90 automatic transmission is the only option in order to put the power down.
The design language on the 2019 Hellcat models remains relatively unchanged. If one opts for the Challenger Scat Pack 392, however, not only do they receive a 6.4L V8 under the hood, but a factory Hellcat Widebody comes standard increasing the presence of the vehicle on the road. Additionally, the Scat Pack receives similar Hellcat performance features as standard equipment, such as: Launch Control, Launch Assist, Line Lock and SRT driving modes. Power, although slightly turned down, still comes in at an impressive 485 HP and 475 lb.-ft of torque.
Models lower in the range like the Challenger R/T and RWD GT models also gain new packages which are meant to help with performance. A Performance Handling Package adds new wider, 20” wheels, and a range of suspension upgrades including larger rear sway bars to help mitigate understeer.
Overall, 2019 has introduced new changes across the Challenger line-up keeping the American muscle car tradition alive and well.