Dodge News News & Reviews

Going places in a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

Perhaps it’s not too subtle. How subtle can you be barreling down I-95 in a widebody Hellraisin’ purple 2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye? Between the looks, the sound and the sinister stance, it’s one of the bad-assiest sleds on four wheels today. It’s a bit older in car years. Here’s the Napleton News take on this instant classic.

The Dodge Challenger is (technically) over 20 years old.

The Hellcat Redeye at Sunset.

Let’s start with a history lesson. At one point, in the mid-1990s, Dodge was part of the Daimler-Chrysler Group of companies that was responsible for Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram, among others. A new Mercedes-Benz E Class vehicle was in the pipeline. In order to integrate technologies and share costs, Dodge sent a group of engineers to Germany to take part in the development of a new LH platform that supplants the E Class, Dodge Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300. So there’s a little German in your Stellantis product today.

The Hellcat Redeye supercharged HEMI V8 delivers 797 horsepower.

With the 2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, there’s also a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that delivers 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque, when operated with the “chipped” red keyfob. It arrives with a six-speed Tremec transmission as standard. An 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF is the optional piece of kit that our Redeye was equipped with.

2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody with red key fob unlocks all 797 horsepower

It includes an SRT adaptive suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers and Brembo performance brakes.

How does the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye look?

Like a fine wine that continues to get better with age, the Challenger Hellcat Redeye continues to age gracefully, if in a muscular sort of way. In other words, if you liked the original 2008 model, you will absolutely love the 2022 (and 2023) models, too.

Our tester included the full wide-body treatment with wheel flares, a more prominent under-bumper intake, front lip spoiler and rear decklid spoiler. Add a set of bronze alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero performance tires and you’ll have a Challenger that corners and runs as aggressively as it looks.

We have to say, we really liked the Hellraisin purple color scheme which was accented by a matte black hood, front splitter and rear decklid spoiler. It was, um, subtle. Yes, there’s that word again.

What’s inside the Redeye?

The 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak model with Hammerhead Grey Laguna leather seats, floor mat accents and seat belts.

The Redeye has a roomy, and possibly modern, interior. That’s expected with a car that dates back to 2008 and hasn’t really been updated since. There is plenty of room in the second row. It’s a two-door vehicle, but the reality is it is still a two-door model from another time.

Still, it is a good roadtripper and can swallow a lot of cargo in its 16.2 cubic foot trunk.

Electronically, the Hellcat Redeye includes Dodge’s Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Add to that an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, with controls for heated and ventilated seats. USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity and a 19-speaker/900 -watt Harman Kardon audio system help round out the package.

Although our sample included one, a rear seat could be deleted if your intentions were more sporting related.

Behind the wheel of the Hellcat Redeye.

2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat strikes a hero’s pose.

A neighbor called it obnoxious. That was his take when we pushed the starter button waking the 797 horses from their slumber. The feel inside is decidedly, um, retro, when compared to other more contemporary competitors. But that’s okay. An Alcantara steering wheel offers a sure-grip feel that keeps hands firmly placed. One disappointing feature was the gear selector lever: Instead of one of the spring loaded levers we see in many vehicles today, this lever must be firmly placed in the proper gate before moving the car. You’ll get used to it over time; we just think it’s overdue for an update.

The power from the Redeye may not be as stout as that from the Challenger SRT Super Stock that is more drag race-oriented than the road-going Hellcat. The SRT Super Stock checks in with 807-hp and a top speed of 168 mph, while the Redeye holds its own with a 797-hp supercharged V8 that trips the times at just over 203 mph.

The 2023 Challengers will include specialty “Last Call” models in limited-edition numbers of some of the more popular Challenger and Charger vehicles. The following year promises to be full of surprises: These include new engine technologies like twin turbocharged inline-6 cylinder Hurricane models that are capable of at least 500-hp. We can’t wait.

This Challenger Hellcat Redeye is a link to the past with a look to the future of performance muscle cars. If the past is an indicator of what is yet to come, count us in.

The 2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat as seen in profile.

2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

2022 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye Specifications
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type 6.2-liter Supercharged V8
Horsepower 797 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque 707 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission ZF 8-speed transmission
Fuel Economy 16 mpg (13 city/22 hwy)
Suspension F/R Short and Long Control Arms/Multilink
Turning Circle 38.7 ft.
Also Available Rear Seat Delete Option
Specs
Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating 5
Max Seating Capacity 5
Wheelbase 116.2 inches
Overall Length 197.5 inches
Width 78.3 inches
Height 57.5 inches
Headroom, Front 39.3 inches
Legroom, Front 42.0 inches
Headroom, Rear 37.1 inches
Legroom, Rear 33.1 inches
Shoulder, Front 58.5 inches
Shoulder, Rear 53.9 inches
Cargo Space 16.2 cubic feet
Mark Elias

I've loved everything on wheels: Trains, Planes and definitely Automobiles. I am constantly in search of the latest in new technology, which makes our lives better each day, but will always respect the classics. You can't continue forward without first taking a look back at where you've been.

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