When describing the excitement that one can muster up immediately behind the wheel of the 2021 Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye, the Autoblog staff wondered aloud for a moment about the mental checklist that requires a run-through before fully letting this vehicle unwrap. Assuring that the wheel is fully straight, looking at the levels on the traction control, and quickly gazing to the right and left to see if any law enforcement officials happen to be looking your way.
What 797 horsepower feels like for many experienced test drivers is like re-affirming that putting your foot all of the way down may require you to counter-steer skillfully, and be able to know that whatever direction you are headed in, you will not be traveling slowly in the least! While it is very true that the 717-horsepower version of the Charger will massively smoke its own tires before an additional 80 horsepower was thought to be included in the mix, it was one of those decisions that made sense after the parts were accessible due to the Challenger Hellcat Redeye's detailed equipment checklist.
While many manufacturers are hedging their bets on the incoming slew of EVs that boast a responsible and Earth-friendly vibe, this is one way that the product line we love to represent here every day at Landmark Dodge of Atlanta carries on with a grin after putting an even BIGGER supercharger on something already adequately sinister. The new hood on the Redeye allows for an 18% better flow rate than the standard Hellcat's intake, and a stronger driveshaft and axles are fitted to make the necessary way for the drivetrain to cope properly with the added amount of powerful torque at its disposal.
The Redeye really comes alive at 30 mph and up, and lamented that any street-legal speed provides the launch point to still “slam you back into the couch-like bucket seat”. Maximum speed is 203 mph, which renders it faster at V-max than any of the mightily-menacing German crew, which all weigh heavier on the pocketbook. The two biggest differences that the Redeye offers up in the mix as opposed to the standard Hellcat are its more aggressive shifts and a uniquely shrill pitch for the supercharger's distinct whine.
The selection of Sport and Track modes is where the car really begins to stiffen up and finely hone its sharp reflexes, and once you get comfortable with the grip through corners from the 305 front tires, the steering is always letting you know just how much to retain full hands-on control. If you apply the power heavily while you are coming out of corners you'll require a bit of hearty trust in your efforts, because if this baby begins to suddenly get loose, you could find yourself on the early end of the throttle during corner exit. What dip of paint would we recommend to look your best while smoking the pavement? Hellraisin is definitely what this group thought looked the best on this superb and speeding-ticket-prone specimen of rich excitement.
