Even though the 707 horsepower Hellcat was enough of a shock back in 2015, Dodge wasn’t done yet and a drag ready Demon came out in 2018 boasting 840 horsepower. But it would only remain in production for one year and with that amazing new engine still adhering to emissions standards, Dodge made another Hellcat which would be virtually just as extreme but in a different direction. And that would be the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye which essentially had the same engine as the Demon only with a bit less power. But the power it had made it the second fastest Challenger ever made while the suspension was entirely reworked to make it better on a track instead of a drag strip. That also made it the best handling Hellcat ever made while the design wasn’t that much different, although it did get some new details. But before covering the Redeye in depth including all the changes done to the engine, suspension, and styling, we invite you to check out the ones available at Exotic Car Trader if you are in the market for one.
No one would ever say that the first Dodge Challengers were slow, but they were always missing a true flagship which would put it up against the Shelby and the ZL1. However, Dodge would more than make up for the lost time with the first Hellcat which was not only the fastest muscle car at the time, but one of the fastest production cars ever. And while everyone expected that to be the end of it, Dodge had other plans. Together with the first Hellcat update in 2018, the drag strip ready Demon was unveiled with a massive 840 horsepower which surpassed virtually every Italian supercar of its generation. However, it would be discontinued just a year later when another update was in the makings. But that one didn’t disappoint either because that same engine found its way into the all new 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. Granted, the restrictive air intakes capped the power at around 40 horsepower less, but that did improve the top speed which is what Dodge was after. The 2019 Redeye also included the previous updates which included new driver aids, a slight exterior redesign and for the Redeye, a fully reworked suspension and brakes. Unlike the Demon, the Redeye would remain in production until 2023 when the entire Challenger lineup was discontinued.
The interior of the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye did get some nice new details compared to the standard 2019 model, although generally the interior is largely the same. Those new details include a new Hellcat logo graphic in the gauge cluster that shows when starting the engine. The new graphic features a cracked concrete background while the Hellcat gets, you guessed it, red eyes. The differences continue inside the gauge cluster as the new graphics look much more retro with the numbers curving together with the dial. And while the standard Hellcat’s speedometer tops out at 200 mph, the Redeye’s goes to 220 mph. The 2019 update also brought line lock, launch assistance to prevent wheel hop and a revised launch control which now holds up to ten seconds. The black key still limits the power output to 500 horsepower, and the infotainment features a ton of different live data configurations. And thanks to the 2015 update, the interior design still looks relatively fresh.
The visual differences between the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye and the standard Hellcat are minimal. But that might be because the Hellcat got a facelift for the 2019 model year already giving the lineup more character. The update included a new dual snorkel hood also found on the standard Hellcat. That hood is the main reason the Redeye doesn’t make as much power as the Demon with its wide intake. And while the Hellcat got new wheels, the Redeye borrowed the ones found on all Wide-bodies. That said, the five spoke wheels reveal the Redeye’s new six piston calipers much better giving the on looker the first hint that he isn’t looking at a standard Hellcat which gets four piston calipers. Further clues are found on the wings where the Hellcat logo again features red eyes, but that’s about where the differences end. But even so, the Redeye is still one of the most modern looking Challengers together with the Hellcat thanks to all the updates.
Having the same engine as the Demon, the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye gets the same 2.7 liter supercharger which is the biggest one ever fitted to a production car. The engine also gets the same upgraded internals, better oiling system, bigger injectors and a high speed valve train which increases its redline to 6,500 RPMs. But the main result is 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque putting it very close to the Demon. The extra power doesn’t improve initial acceleration as the standard Hellcat already spins its wheels well past 50 mph so the Redeye’s 0-60 time remains 3.6 seconds. However, the top speed increases to 203 mph making it the second Challenger to break the 200 mph barrier. Furthermore, its thicker sway bars front and rear and stiffer Bilstein dampers make its 4,450 lbs of weight less noticeable than it ever was. The suspension tuning is bespoke to the Redeye making it the most track ready Hellcat out there. At the same time, the new six piston calipers help stop the Challenger boat better than ever.
With a starting price of $71,745, the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye was about $10,000 more expensive than the standard Hellcat. But even so, its used prices in 2024 are still holding up much better. Today, a Redeye Hellcat with a narrow body goes for anywhere between $55,000 and $65,000 depending on the mileage. The latter examples usually have around 10,000 to 20,000 miles while the cheaper ones have north of 40,000 miles. One of the major influences on the value is the color, where those finished in special colors like the Plum Crazy purple will have a higher value than those finished in flat red.
With all of its suspension and brake upgrades, plus nearly 800 horsepower, the 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is possibly the best Hellcat for those who appreciate handling as well as straight line performance. And while it will never be a Lotus Elise, better traction and more focused suspension will at least make it safer, which is always a positive when a Hellcat is in question. If you are ready to buy one yourself, or any other luxury vehicle, Exotic Car Trader can help you out in more than one way. With escrow protection, delivery and first inspection, buying a car through Exotic Car Trader is not only one of the safest options out there, but also one of the most convenient ones. Exotic Car Trader protects the sellers in the same way, only they get to save even more time.
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