Dodge tweaks Challenger lineup with performance boosts and handling prowess
What’s new for 2019? On the heels of launching the limited-edition Demon last year, Dodge announced a few more additions and tweaks to its 2019 Challenger lineup. Walking up the trim line, Dodge has added this Widebody version for its R/T Scat Pack 392, a R/T Scat Pack 1320 that’s non-widebody and set up for some drag racing, some small tweaks that ups horsepower to the SRT Hellcat, and finally, a new demonic SRT Hellcat Redeye. ▲
Starting with the most firepower Dodge created a spawn of the 840-hp muscle car named the Hellcat Redeye, starting at $93,695. It takes bits of the Demon and the regular Hellcat to deliver 797 hp and 707 lb-ft of torque, 43 hp less than the Demon, but 80 hp more than the Hellcat. It’s mated to only one transmission: a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic. ▲
Redeye numbers create bold statement With this much power, Dodge has proclaimed the Redeye to be the most powerful, quickest and fastest production muscle car on the market. If it’s all about performance numbers to certain consumers, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Mustang Shelby GT350 may be pushed aside for the SRT Hellcat Redeye. ▲
Its Demon parts The Redeye is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi high-output V-8 engine that uses 25 major component upgrades from the Demon including launch control. At 2.7 litres, its supercharger is the largest factory version for a production car, boosting rpm from 6,200 to 6,500, along with additional increases in boost pressure. ▲
Additional parts from the Demon The Redeye achieves many of its claims from a few extra Demon parts, including an SRT power Chiller and After-Run Chiller to lower the intake air temperature, an Air Catcher headlamp for greater air flow, as well as an increase in torque capacity. ▲
Widebody experience For an additional $8,000, the R/T Scat Pack, Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye can all receive an optional Widebody. In this form, the Challenger has its fender flares expanded by 89 mm, allowing 20×11-inch wheels and 305-series tires to be slid in for better overall grip and cornering abilities. It still is not the fastest track car, but the Widebody helps in a big way. ▲
All about speed and power The whole Challenger lineup is about power numbers, and its new engine and components assist the Redeye Widebody to beat the regular Hellcat Widebody’s quarter-mile time by one-tenth of a second. It also ups its top speed to 326 km/h, 13 km/h more than the Hellcat, and it can do a 0-100 km/h sprint in less than four seconds. ▲
Hellcat gets Redeye on the track The Redeye aggressively pushed forward with roar and gusto on the straightaways exactly as expected, considering it’s the fastest quarter-mile production car. It carried a lot of speed into the corners, where its Brembo brakes, featuring 6-piston front calipers, played a big role with a rapid response time. However, much of the speed gained on the straightaway takes time to regain after braking on turn-ins. ▲
Smooth on streets with a little whine One of the more unexpected finds with the Redeye was its calmness on regular roads. It can be a smooth and comfortable daily driver and on road trips. However, it does rumble/whine upon initial acceleration or on any throttle application, which could get slightly annoying after long absences from the track. ▲
SRT Hellcat still a conversation starter The regular Hellcat at 707 hp used to be a big deal before the Demon and now Hellcat Redeye. It still has plenty to say with its greatest feature being a lower price tag (starting at $75,695). For 2019, the Hellcat receives an uptick in power by 10-hp to 717 thanks to a new dual-snorkel hood (on both Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye). ▲
Manual transmission offering Price may be the biggest factor to choose the regular Hellcat, but if you’re a stick shifter, you’ll be out of luck with the Redeye. The regular Hellcat offers up a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment with the option for that 8-speed automatic. ▲
Scat Pack 392 best bang for the buck Starting at $50,945, the R/T Scat Pack 392 is the best bang for your buck. Power numbers are extremely decreased, but 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque from its 6.4-litre Hemi V-8 is still nothing to scoff at. You also get a choice of manual or automatic transmission, as well as whether you want that optional Widebody. ▲
Scat Pack shows its chops The Scat Pack really showed its chops at Tamworth, New Hampsire’s Club Motorsports race track. Horsepower numbers didn’t seem to be a big deal as the 2-door muscle car was able to be flexible on the technical track. The Widebody helped with grip in the corners and the 485 horses were enough to keep momentum going throughout. The biggest difference from the Redeye was that the driver can stay fully in control. ▲
Iconic styling true to its roots Regardless of the Challenger chosen, each exterior design still pays homage to its traditional version from the late ’60s and early ’70s. It’s one of the last true-to-form muscle cars available. ▲
Taste of the rainbow colour combinations The colour combinations offered are like a package of Skittles with more than enough to choose from. New for 2019 is a Silver Nickel colour, as well as a voted-on Black-eye colour (which looks like a version of purple) for the R/T Scat Pack 1320. ▲
Scat Pack 1320 drag strip exclusivity We didn’t get to drive this, but it’s a special version that has exclusive drag strip technology that only comes with the 8-speed automatic. It uses street-legal radials, has a TransBrake that locks the output shaft of the transmission to keep the car stationary before a standing start, and has Launch Assist and Launch Control. A key exclusive design is a new “Angry Bee” logo. ▲
Five seats and cargo space The 2-door Challenger separates itself from its competition by being more of a daily driver. The space is somewhat limited in the back but is still functional to fit adults or children instead of simply grocery bags. It also has ample space in the trunk, with 459 litres. ▲
Comfortable interior The Challenger’s interior space is adequate and comfortable. Its bolstered leather seating can be comfortable for long drives making it more of that grand tourer. For the Hellcat and up, the driver will enjoy a flat-bottom steering wheel with an SRT logo and paddle shifters. ▲
Technologically balanced For the Scat Pack 392 and up, consumers will receive an upgraded 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen that’s both responsive and easy-to-use. Its HD graphics are colourful, but the navigation system at times felt confusing, making me miss a bunch of turns. As for advanced safety technology, most of the items are options that can add up quickly. ▲
Something for everybody Each Challenger has a story to tell. If you want to save a lot and be more of a track star, opt for the R/T Scat Pack 392. If you like the thrill of 700-plus horses and don’t want to lose your shirt – go with the Hellcat. And if you missed out on the Demon or want to have something unique, the Hellcat Redeye will fit the bill. ▲
Keyword: FIRST DRIVE: 20-item checklist for choosing a new Dodge Challenger