2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Review: Expectations Fulfilled

I keep in mind the primary time I heard in regards to the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. 707 horsepower? That was insane approach again in 2015. In any case, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was reportedly a handful with 638 ponies, and I knew for a proven fact that the 662-hp 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 was a tire-shredding menace – what would over 700 horsepower be like in a streetcar?

Because it turned out, not a lot. Probably the most infamous factor in regards to the first Hellcat was how simple it was to drive and, in the event you utilized simply an oz. of respect, how manageable its immense energy could possibly be. The Hellcat is a pussycat.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, although, is something however. That is the automotive I assumed the primary supercharged Challenger could be – an overpowered, under-tired, recalcitrant factor. From its large output and quick supply to woefully insufficient tires, it is each a righteous center finger to fashionable eco-minded motoring and a reminder of how lairy muscle vehicles could possibly be earlier than automakers reworked them into sports activities vehicles.

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If you happen to benefit from the look of the Challenger, the Redeye Widebody remedy does not change a lot. The Challenger has aged higher than arguably another instance of retro design, thanks largely to fashionable touches – LED operating lights and massive wheels, primarily – and Dodge’s willingness to embrace the styling of the massive coupe’s forebears. Take into account this tester, which wears a satin black hood, roof, and rear deck, giving it a two-tone theme that’s clearly paying homage to an previous Challenger T/A.

The Redeye does not result in substantial modifications within the cabin both. This is similar purposeful, modestly outfitted atmosphere we have been dwelling with for the reason that 2015 facelift, and in contrast to the outside, it is starting to indicate its age. The fabric high quality is sufficient for a muscle automotive, however the shapes, structure, and bodily gauges are all issues that really feel a bit stale in 2021.

Once more, there’s not a lot new to say right here. The Hellcat Redeye options the identical large, soft chairs that are a lot snug for cruising however lack the sort of agency, supportive high quality you will discover within the extra track-focused Recaro chairs of the GT500 or Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. This tester deletes the rear seat, which is neat as hell however sort of disappointing too, for the reason that Challenger is the one muscle automotive with a usable second row and seating for 5.

As is the case with the Hellcat, the experience is polished even on tough roads, and the Challenger does a wonderful job of quashing wind and tire noise. Solely once you swap the adaptive dampers to Observe do issues get agency and unsightly, and contemplating the Challenger’s ponderous dealing with character, buying and selling experience high quality for agility is a poor deal.

Whereas there are many causes to contemplate the Challenger over a Ford or Chevy, one of the underappreciated is the area the Dodge affords. The cabin is expansive, with loads of head, leg, and shoulder room within the entrance row. The trunk, too, is cavernous – I would not hesitate to pressure a group of suitcases into the again of the Challenger and set off for a protracted weekend. The Challenger is as shut as a muscle automotive can get to grand touring.

The Challenger continues to characteristic Fiat Chrysler’s well-received Uconnect 4 infotainment suite and the related 8.4-inch touchscreen. This is among the greatest setups in the marketplace – it is completely purposeful and good sufficient to have a look at.

However like the inside, the system’s age is starting to indicate, and the approaching years could also be tough as rivals obtain redesigns and newer infotainment suites (I’m you next-gen Mustang and Sync 4). Nonetheless, in the meanwhile, Uconnect 4 does about all the pieces you would ask nicely, responding rapidly to inputs and being a cinch to navigate.

The broader tech suite stays strong, too. You may discover loads of neat, performance-specific content material by way of the SRT Efficiency Pages – whether or not it is precise controls for the Challenger’s drive modes or a readout of throttle/brake inputs or how a lot torque the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 produces whereas cruising at 45 miles per hour. And whereas its honest to criticize Uconnect 4 for its age, this infotainment does nonetheless embrace 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. 

I am not going to sit down right here and say that 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque are unhealthy issues. To make certain, Dodge and SRT have executed nice work with the Hellcat Redeye’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 and the eight-speed ZF-sourced computerized that serves with it. I simply want as a lot thought went into the remainder of the efficiency bundle.

Let’s speak tires, for a begin. Each model of the GT500 and Camaro ZL1 options commonplace summer season tires and elective ultra-high-performance summers (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3Rs, respectively). The Challenger, regardless of being essentially the most highly effective of the bunch, packs commonplace all-seasons and elective summers ($695), each from Pirelli.

This tester wore the latter, and pals, they’re woefully insufficient, struggling to handle even modest quantities of the Redeye’s 797 ponies or 707 lb-ft (80 hp and 51 lb-ft greater than the usual Hellcat). In contrast to the usual Hellcat, which feels playful in the best way the rear finish strikes round beneath throttle, the Redeye feels prefer it’s barely tolerating your antics. It is an disagreeable sort of free. My recommendation is to get the usual tires after which instantly order the stickiest street-legal rubber yow will discover – see the ZL1 and GT500 for solutions.

Nevertheless, in the event you can handle the disturbing lack of grip, this powertrain stays one of the thrilling and engaging round. Energy is prompt and easy at any pace (though it nonetheless feels unstable throughout rolling pulls), whereas the urgency that the V8 revs is notably higher than in the usual Hellcat. I banged off the rev limiter just a few instances as a result of I wasn’t anticipating the tach to climb so rapidly in first gear. Regardless of this, the eight-speed auto stays a faultless accomplice – handbook mode is enjoyable and interesting (in the event you can acclimate to the best way the engine revs), even when the smallish paddles themselves go away rather a lot to be desired, however auto is a greater instrument for this specific Hellcat.

Dealing with has at all times performed second fiddle to the Challenger’s straight-line charms and that is nonetheless the case right here. Commonplace adaptive dampers work with the modest tires – the 305/35/20s are the identical dimension as these on the opposite Widebody Challenger fashions, together with the 495-hp Scat Pack – to supply sufficient dealing with capacity. There’s loads of roll, squat, and dive, whereas the steering rack takes inputs in stride. Way over both the Camaro or the Mustang, the Challenger stays a muscle automotive, for higher and worse.

I do know this all looks like lukewarm for a automotive that evokes such breathless reward, however this 800-hp automotive deserves extra aggressive tires. You want confidence within the complete automobile to deploy a lot energy, and with all-season rubber, I merely did not have that.

Put merely, going for the Redeye means sacrificing lively security. Whereas each different model of the Challenger is obtainable with adaptive cruise management, ahead collision warning, and computerized emergency braking, the Redeye’s particular cooling wants imply it may’t accommodate the sensors for these lively security programs. In its favor, although, are glorious sightlines ahead, rearward, and over the shoulder, in addition to a very good set of HID headlights.

Shockingly, the Hellcat Redeye will not be essentially the most inefficient automotive in its class. That honor goes to the GT500’s 14-mile-per-gallon mixed ranking. The Redeye, in the meantime, returns an EPA-estimated 13 mpg metropolis, 21 freeway, and 15 mixed. Premium gas is required, and it disappears rapidly.

By comparability, the aforementioned Shelby will get to its 14 mixed by means of a 12-mpg metropolis and an 18-mpg freeway determine. As for the category’s third entry, the Camaro ZL1 is the chief at 13 mpg metropolis, 21 freeway, and 16 mixed – see, there’s a perk to being the least highly effective.

If {dollars} per horsepower is the one measure you care about, the Hellcat Redeye is hard to beat. However for most individuals, they could recoil at the truth that this Dodge is the priciest automotive in its phase – the Widebody trim featured right here begins at $76,595, which does not embrace its obligatory $2,100 federal gas-guzzler tax or a $1,495 vacation spot cost. That is $6,295 greater than the $70,300 GT500 and $13,595 greater than the $63,000 Camaro ZL1. Solely the upcoming Challenger SRT Tremendous Inventory will value extra, with costs beginning at $79,595.

The Challenger loses factors for its excessive worth, but in addition for the way simply choices can improve that quantity. This stormtrooper-esque mannequin bears a sticker worth of $95,540, owing to plenty of four-figure possibility packages. The satin black graphics are worthwhile, however they’re additionally the priciest possibility on the sheet, at $3,495. Including ventilated seats, upgraded inside trim, and an influence steering column provides $2,095, whereas the suede headliner and carbon-fiber accents add $1,595. Blind-spot monitoring and the HID headlights demand $1,295, whereas each the Harmon/Kardon audio system and Laguna leather-based upholstery value $1,795, respectively. Even navigation is a value possibility, including $795.

The massive distinction between the Hellcat Redeye and the GT500 I just lately reviewed, although, is that almost all of those choices really feel crucial, whereas the massive $18,500 bundle that inflated the Mustang’s worth did not. I feel most individuals could be very proud of an optionless Shelby, however owing to the Challenger’s extra refined on-road habits and extra livable character, they’d be just a little miffed at among the gadgets lacking from a base Redeye.