The 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody is Dodge’s way of saying ‘hold my beer and watch this’ to the world of supercars. With plenty of free-breathing electric-free muscle roaring underneath the hood (797 pones, to be precise), the Hellcat Redeye dominates the drag strip, leaving supercars in a blur of its tire smoke. In a proper setup, the Hellcat Redeye warps to a 60-mph run in a tire-smoking 3.6 seconds before maxing out at 203 mph of pure supercharged V8 mayhem. Of course, all that power is accompanied by glued-to-the-tarmac Pirelli P Zero, flaring from the muscular widebody kit for a menacing, ground-hugging stance. Luckily, with a driver-centric cockpit that effortlessly blends cutting-edge tech with – surprisingly – comfortable, quite bolstered seats, the Hellcat Redeye embraces (or perhaps hugs) you if things go 'sideways.' Lastly, in terms of pricing, the Hellcat Redeye Widebody fetched a cool $82,445 (when new). However, factor in the optional extras and interior/exterior packages, and the price climbs north of the $90,000 mark.
In the early 1970s, fast and fun-to-drive muscle cars were the talk of the town. By then, the pony car market was filled with options like Ford’s iconic Mustang, Plymouth’s compact-sized Barracuda, and Pontiac’s fire-breathing Firebird, a direct competitor to the Challenger. Amidst the roaring Detroit-based V8s, the ‘Challenger’ nameplate was born, sporting a longer wheelbase and a more luxurious, upholstered cabin for the grand-touring crowd. Performance-wise, the first-generation Challenger could be specced with either a six-cylinder or a range of mighty 440 V8 and 426 Hemi engines. However, the muscle-car era soon saw a shift in its tide as buyers flocked towards economical, more compact alternatives to the contemporary gas-guzzling V8s, forcing Dodge to introduce a mid-cycle update. So, the second-gen Challenger graced a compact, quite ‘underwhelming’ body, powered by a ‘detuned’ inline four-cylinder engine, a stark contrast to its muscle car roots. Production was pursued until 1983 before Dodge pulled the plug on the second-generation Challenger. After a brief hiatus, the Challenger nameplate was revived in 2006, leading us to the legendary muscle car's third (and current) generation. This time, Dodge returned to its roots, offering a retro-styled Challenger powered by powerful, throaty V8 engines. As the years progressed, the Challenger lineup saw several revisions – including an AWD version, a drag-strip-king 840-hp Demon, and the 797-hp Hellcat Redeye – to reignite the passion for American muscle cars.
Beneath its bellowing, nostril-ed hood, source a hearty 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine that defies reason (and sanity). Bury the throttle, and the Hellcat directs 797 earth-scorching ponies to the rear wheels that struggle for traction as they put down 707 lb-ft of gut-wrenching torque. Still, the HEMI engine pairs an 8-speed automatic gearbox, propelling the Challenger past the 60 mph barrier in a tire-screaming 3.6 seconds. Floor the pedal, and a top-speed run of 203 mph becomes a distant blur of adrenaline away. Regardless, the Hellcat Redeye benefits from the widened track – courtesy of the widebody kit – to accommodate wider, stickier Pirelli P Zero and make track-racing a less ‘lethal’ experience.
Slide inside the Hellcat Redeye, and a driver-centric haven awaits. From plush, quite bolstered Hammerhead Grey Laguna Leather seats and performance-oriented leather-wrapped steering wheel to aluminum accents adorning the dash in a tasteful contrast, the cabin exudes an aura that is both performance-focused and luxurious. Meanwhile, a 7-inch digital display incorporates the instrument cluster, visualizing data in a clear race-inspired layout. However, the cutting-edge tech doesn't just end there; it extends towards the center stack, flaunting a user-interactive Uconnect infotainment system, displaying intuitive controls for sat-nav, multimedia control, and other track and drag-related data for those who 'live their lives quarter mile at a time.' Luckily, after a heart-pounding track session, the Hellcat Redeye treats the occupants with cooled seats, multi-zone climate control, and an upgraded stereo system for a relaxing cruise home.
Eventually, the retro-styled theme carries towards the outside, gracing aggressive, quite muscular features like a badge of honor. From the dual-scoop hood resembling flared nostrils to the muscular rear haunches that lead up to the imposing widebody kit, the Hellcat Redeye looks like it means business. A menacing SRT front fascia dominates the view, incorporating demon-possessed ‘Angry Eyes’ DRLs, hinting at the car’s fiery temperament. Accompanying such a predatory stance are Hellcat Redeye badges, peppering the grille, fenders, and rear fascia in menacing red. Lastly, at the back, black exhaust tips scream with authority, closely followed by a sharp lip spoiler for added downforce when cornering.
Amidst the old-school muscular brawn, the Hellcat Redeye flaunts a celebration of cutting-edge tech. These range from the fury-taming Brembo brakes and Race Cooldown System to the driver-centric cabin that incorporates heated/cooled seats, Uconnect infotainment system, (optional) 18-speaker harman/kardon premium sound system, and customizable digital infotainment cluster for a seamless infusion of state-of-the-art tech with unbridled performance. Luckily, the 'wizardry' extends further, featuring a squadron of (active and passive) safety features meant to keep you out of harm’s way. These include parking sensors, rear-view camera, active blind spot monitoring, radar-guided cruise control, and forward collision warning.
With a starting MSRP just shy of $82,445, the Hellcat Redeye Widebody demands serious commitment (and investment). Meanwhile, the optional extras have yet another story to tell. If you’re feeling particularly devilish, you may opt for the $11k Quick Order Package 27Z, which adds an SRT power chiller, a 220-mph speedometer, and a 2.62 rear axle ratio for optimized track performance. Ready to replace tires every once in a week? Head straight to the Dodge listings at Exotic Car Trader to unleash your inner demon.
Sadly, after decades of roaring down asphalt ribbons, Dodge is pulling the plug on the ICE Challengers as a new era of electrification dawns. The 2021 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody will, forever in the eyes of gearheads, remain a symphony of horsepower and pure nostalgia. Exotic Car Trader creates an online alternative to your exotic car shopping sprees and desires. More importantly, it simplifies the car-buying process, ensuring an effortless, hassle-free buying journey. Alternatively, it encourages a safe and secure car-selling guide that utilizes up-to-date market trends and an expert team, providing a seamless path for selling your prized possession.
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