2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye revealed with 797hp

Following yesterday’s teaser, Dodge has now unveiled the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, coinciding with the debut of the regular 2019 Challenger and Charger.

Let’s start with the most exciting stuff. It’s the introduction of the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. This sits above the regular Hellcat, and kind of replaces the limited edition SRT Demon. Dodge has made a number of revisions to the 6.2-litre supercharged V8 so it now belts out 595kW (797hp) and 959Nm (707ft lb). These figures are up from the previous 527kW and 880Nm outputs.

Dodge says drivers can expect to achieve the 0-60mph (97km/h) sprint in just 3.4 seconds, and the standing quarter mile in just 10.8 seconds at 211km/h. If you’re brave enough to keep your boot into it, the top speed is 327km/h.

These are some incredible numbers for a mainstream production car, especially one with four seats and road legal status. New for 2019, Dodge has announced a rear seat delete package, which removes the rear seats completely to help shed weight for all you hardcore drag strip goers.

What was needed to get the increased power from the mighty engine? The supercharger has been swapped for a larger item, which Dodge describes as the largest factory supercharger of any production car. It has a capacity of 2.7 litres, replacing 2.4L. Boost pressure is also raised from 11.6 psi to 14.5 psi, and the rev limit is raised from 6200rpm to 6500rpm.

A new dual-snorkel bonnet has been added to all SRT models, with a driver’s side air-catcher headlight, while buyers can choose between a 2.62:1 differential ratio or a punchier 3.09:1 setup for drag racing. Buyers can also option for a new wide-body kit called the Scat Pack, which includes 20×11-inch forged wheels wearing 305/35 Pirelli tyres.

Some of the other updates that have been announced for the rest of the 2019 Dodge Challenger range include new interior trim options, some new exterior colours, and all Hellcat and R/T models come with a Line Lock function and Launch Assist launch control. The regular Hellcat has also received a neat power boost, from 707hp to 717hp (527kW to 535kW). Steve Beahm head of passenger cars at FCA North America, said:

“With 840 horsepower, a 9.65 quarter-mile time and Guinness World Record certification that it’s the first production car to lift the wheels at launch, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon earned its place in the record books. The Dodge Brothers would be proud that we’re leveraging the power and performance of this proven engine to bring a Demon-possessed Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye to an even wider high-performance enthusiast audience.”

Production of the new range will commence in the third quarter, with showroom entry and first deliveries to start rolling in during the fourth quarter. See below for the claimed quarter mile times, and further below a couple of videos which provide further insight.