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2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Review: First Drive Impressions | MotorVero
2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye: Demon DNA Meets Daily Drivability
Dodge's 797-horsepower Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye represents the perfect marriage of the limited-run Demon's brutal acceleration with the standard Hellcat's street manners. As the spiritual successor to the drag-strip-focused Demon, the Redeye brings nearly identical power to a more versatile package while adding crucial handling improvements for real-world performance.
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Key Specifications
- Engine: Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 (Demon-derived)
- Power: 797 hp @ 6,300 rpm (91 octane)
- Torque: 707 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds (manufacturer claim)
- 1/4 Mile: 10.8 sec @ 131 mph (Widebody model)
- Top Speed: 203 mph (11 mph higher than Demon)
Powertrain: Demon Heart with Hellcat Refinement
The Redeye inherits the Demon's key mechanical advantages while making crucial improvements for street use:
Demon-Derived Features
- High-flow fuel injectors (+20% flow rate)
- 2.7L supercharger (vs 2.4L on standard Hellcat)
- Air-Charge Cooler (uses A/C system to chill intake air)
- Forged pistons and connecting rods
Redeye Improvements
- Dual-scoop hood (better high-speed stability)
- Revised suspension for road course capability
- Standard 275mm or optional 305mm (Widebody) tires
- Improved cooling system for sustained performance
Performance Comparison
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| Model | HP | Torque | 1/4 Mile | Top Speed | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hellcat Redeye | 797 | 707 lb-ft | 10.8s | 203 mph | Street/Track |
| Demon | 808-840* | 717 lb-ft | 9.65s | 168 mph | Drag Strip |
| Standard Hellcat | 717 | 656 lb-ft | 11.7s | 199 mph | Street |
*With 100 octane fuel and Demon crate
Driving Experience: Brutal Yet Civilized
The Redeye delivers astonishing duality - docile commuter by day, tire-shredding monster on demand:
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Street Manners
- Surprisingly compliant ride in Street mode
- Light clutch effort (for the power level)
- Quiet exhaust mode for neighborhood driving
- Actual rear seat usability (unlike Camaro)
Performance Behavior
- 0-60 mph feels like being catapulted
- Supercharger whine becomes deafening at full throttle
- Standard Brembo brakes (15.4" front/13.8" rear)
- Widebody models exhibit minimal tramlining
Track Performance: Heavyweight Boxer
While improved over the Demon, the Redeye still faces physics challenges:
- Weight: 4,470 lbs (Widebody) vs 3,760 lbs for Shelby GT350
- Braking: Fades after repeated hard use
- Steering: Better than Demon but still numb
- Balance: Understeer appears at limit
Practical Considerations
| Category | Specification | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Economy | 13/22/16 mpg | $1,700 gas guzzler tax |
| Cargo Space | 16.2 cu-ft trunk | Larger than many sedans |
| Rear Seat | 33.9" legroom | Actually usable for adults |
| Visibility | Excellent sightlines | Unlike Camaro's bunker-like cockpit |
Pricing and Packages
Standard Hellcat
- Starting MSRP: $61,745
- Includes: $1,700 gas guzzler tax
- 717 hp / 656 lb-ft
- 275mm tires
Hellcat Redeye
- Starting MSRP: $72,745
- Adds: $11,000 premium
- 797 hp / 707 lb-ft
- Widebody available (+$6,000)
The Verdict: Ultimate Street Muscle
The 2019 Challenger Hellcat Redeye successfully bridges the gap between the Demon's extreme drag focus and the standard Hellcat's daily usability. While purists might miss the Demon's last few horsepower, the Redeye delivers:
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99% of the Demon's acceleration with 100% more versatility
- Actual cornering capability beyond straight-line speed
- Surprising practicality for a nearly 800hp car
- That intoxicating supercharger whine at any speed
For buyers wanting maximum American muscle without sacrificing street manners, the Redeye represents the pinnacle of modern Detroit performance - a 797-horsepower grand tourer that just happens to run 10s at the drag strip.
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Klash
Last Updated On Oct, 08-2025