Dodge
Brand revealed at the Chelsea Proving grounds in Michigan the 2019 Dodge Scat
Hellcat Redeye Widebody, the Challenger Red Eye. Impressive vehicles in part thanks to new fascia,
interior upgrades, seating enhancements, new air management for the engines and others enhancements to
the design of the front and rear to allow for exceptional handling and drive.
All
Dodge vehicles are designed with performance in mind. Customers want to see the
engine and hear the exhaust of the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango SRT. After a FCA event in Milan it is known
that Dodge has a future. That future is in performance. Steve Beahm head of Dodge introduced the
new Challengers at the Chelsea event.
Steve
Beahm said no plug in or electric drives are being considered. He said with the North American markets
concentrating on SUV’s and Trucks they will further develop the Durango and
Journey Brands. Already the SRT Durango
is a great looker and performer with the Apache 6.4 liter Scat Pack V8 putting to the pavement 475
horsepower and 470 foot pounds of torque. I look forward to other versions of
both Durango and Journey or new SUV models. Steve said they would look at
possibility of adding another SUV.
Chris
Cowland, head of Dodge’s powertrain development stated it is well know what
electrification can do for the vehicles but the DNA of their customers is what Dodge
is presenting today in their products. Sales are exceptional with the Dodge
Brand.
With
Maserati and Alfa plans for using electrification for performance enhancement
all divisions of FCA will be looking at the results. In having Alfa and Maserati testing many new architectures
and powertrains Dodge will get to see where if any of their developments could
be used by Dodge in the future.
If
Dodge ever goes to electrification many have said that it would be ideal for a
new Viper? Alfa’s upcoming 8C and Maserati
are building some performance vehicles using electrification. Just a rumor.
The
photos I took show off the 2019 Dodge Challenger models. The press releases from Dodge stated
that the Challenger SRT Hellcat and Challenger R/T Scat pack get upgrades and
options their customers have asked for. Steve Beahm stated “The Dodge Brothers
would be proud that we’re leveraging the power and performance of this proven
engine to bring a Demon-possessed Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye to an even
wider high-performance enthusiasts audience.”
Last
years record setting introduction of the limited-production Dodge Challenger
SRT Demon. Dodge states the Demon
was determined to be the mot powerful muscle car ever. Dodge is back to
performance engines. No electrification for this Brand. Using the most powerful engine- the
supercharged HEMI Demon V-8.
“With
840 horsepower, a 9.65 quarter-mile time and Guinness World Record
certification that it’s the first production car to lift the wheels at launch,
the Dodge Challenger Demon earned a place in the record books,” said Steve Beahm.
The
Challenger SRT Hellcat gets a boost in horsepower and torque thanks to Demon.
The engine that the Demon had is the same in 2019 Hellcat SRT. 717 horsepower and 656 foot pounds of
torque. The Challenger SRT Hellcat
gets standard the After-Run Chiller.
All
models get the newly functional, dual snorkel hood that is distinctive Dodge
design themes from previous muscle cars. That includes the 1970 Dodge Dart
Swinger and the 1971 Dodge Demon.
"We
designed the SRT Hellcat Challenger’s new dual-snorkel hood to focus on another
key historical Mopar design element and pay homage to our past with a modern
interpretation that looks even more sinister," said Mark Trostle – Head of
Performance, Passenger and Utility Vehicle Exterior Design, FCA US LLC.
Heat
is the enemy of any high-performance powertrain, so Dodge//SRT engineers looked
for more ways to keep the intake air as close to the optimum temperature as
possible.
One key to the engine’s imposing power output is air – and plenty of it. The
new, low-restriction, dual snorkel hood is fully functional and sealed to the
air box.
When combined with the Air Catcher headlamp and an inlet near the wheel liner,
these three sources give the SRT Hellcat Redeye’s high-output engine an 18
percent greater air-flow rate than last year’s SRT Hellcat engine (1,134 cubic
feet per minute).
The revised air inlet path on the new dual snorkel hood results in an intake
air temperature reduction of 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
The innovative, SRT Power
Chiller™, standard on the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye only, diverts the
air-conditioning refrigerant from the interior cabin to a chiller unit mounted
by the low-temperature circuit coolant pump. Charge air coolant, after being
cooled by ambient air passing through a low-temperature radiator at the front
of the vehicle, flows through the chiller unit, where it is further cooled. The
chilled coolant then flows to the heat exchangers in the supercharger.
The SRT Power Chiller™ lowers the intake air temperature further on the Challenger
SRT Hellcat Redeye, resulting in improved performance.
The After-Run Chiller, also an industry first, minimizes any heat soak effects,
allowing the engine to stay in optimum operating temperature. When the engine
shuts down, the After-Run Chiller, now standard across the Challenger SRT
Hellcat model lineup in 2019, keeps the engine’s cooling fan and
low-temperature circuit coolant pump running to lower the supercharger/charge
air cooler temperature. The driver can track the supercharger coolant temperature
on the SRT Performance Pages in the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen and know in
real time when the supercharger is at the optimum temperature for another run.
The
2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup delivers improved performance numbers,
including a new top speed of 203 miles per hours (mph), making the Challenger
SRT Hellcat Redeye the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car.
Challenger
SRT Models 1/4mile elapsed
time/speed
Top Speed
Redeye
Widebody 10.8
seconds @131 mph
203
mph
Hellcat
Widebody
10.9 seconds @127 mph
195 mph
Redeye 11.1
seconds @131 mph
201 mph
Hellcat
11.2
seconds @125 mph 199 mph
The
Challenger SRT Hellcat receives a standard Tremec six-speed manual
transmission, while the efficient TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic
transmission is available.
The Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye’s supercharged high-output engine is paired
to the TorqueFlite 8HP90 eight-speed automatic transmission. Internal changes
to the transmission include an upgraded torque converter that delivers an 18
percent increase in torque multiplication when compared with the standard
Challenger SRT Hellcat.
All
Challenger interior trim levels feature standard cloth seats with available
leather and Alcantara options.
Refocusing the Hellcat on its performance roots, the 2019
Challenger SRT Hellcat lineup features standard Houndstooth cloth performance
seats.
Three other seat options are available:
- Nappa
leather/Alcantara with embroidered SRT Hellcat logo (available with Plus
Package)
- Laguna
leather with embossed SRT Hellcat logo (available with Laguna Leather
Package)
- Laguna
leather/Alcantara with embossed SRT Hellcat logo (available with Alcantara
Appearance Package)
The SRT Hellcat interior features a signature leather-wrapped, flat-bottom
steering wheel with a backlit SRT logo and paddle shifters. Red gauges with a
200-mph speedometer flank the 7-inch display screen, which features performance
timers and a Hellcat logo splash screen at start-up.
Complementing the race-inspired cockpit are silver seat and console stitching,
Light Black Chrome accents and a Gunmetal SRT Hellcat instrument panel badge.
The 2019 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye has several unique interior features,
including:
- 220-mph
red speedometer
- SRT
Hellcat Redeye logo splash screen
- Light
Black Chrome instrument panel badge with SRT Hellcat Redeye logo
- SRT
Hellcat Redeye logo on the key fobs
A
new Satin Black spoiler is an option for the SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack
models. The spoiler is longer and wider giving it a great look while doing its
job to hold the Challenger down on the pavement.
“Line
Lock’ is standard also on the SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack models. The feature
engages the front brakes to hold the vehicle stationary but allows the rear
wheels free for a burnout to heat up and clean the rear tires. The burnout I would not use on the streets in Palm Beach or
Grosse Pointe for potential tickets from the police is probable.
Dodge’s
Launch Assist is standard on SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack models and helps to
control wheel hop by reducing load in the driveline by up to 20 percent.
Improved
Launch Control – standard on SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack models. This
improved system increases hold time from five to 10 seconds for optimal
launch and consistent straight-line acceleration.
To
enhance the looks the wheels are 20
x 9.5-in. Brass Monkey forged aluminum wheels receive a new design for 2019.
The
New R/T Scat Pack Widebody features the same fender flares from SRT Hellcat
Widebody, adding 3.5 inches to the overall width, rides on sticky 305/35ZR20
Pirelli tires mounted to 20 x 11-inch forged “Devil’s Rim” aluminum wheels.
According
to Dodge the performance Challengers at the track equipped with the larger
six-piston Brembo front brakes, wider wheels and tires, and suspension upgrades
featured on the R/T Scat Pack Widebody equate to 2 second faster lap times or
approximately 12 car lengths at a 2.1-mile road course, compared with the
non-Widebody Challenger R/T Scat Pack.
SRT Drive Modes and SRT Performance Pages are now
standard on R/T Scat Pack.
SR/T Scat Pack models add power-bulge aluminum hood
with heat extractors and illuminated Air Catcher headlamps formerly featured on
SRT Hellcat to improve engine compartment cooling.
Exterior badging on the R/T Scat Pack includes new
Scat Pack Bee badges that face forward on both fenders, while Challenger script
and R/T logos flank both sides of the grille.
Inside the performance interior of R/T Scat Pack
models are front seats featuring the Scat Pack Bee logo embroidered into the
seat backs; new Dark Dub Plate finish on instrument panel and console and new
Liquid Titanium accents on the steering wheel, shifter and cluster bezels.
Challenger R/T extends its performance capabilities
with standard Super Track Pak features, including: performance suspension,
enhanced steering, 20-inch Granite Crystal painted wheels, and steering wheel
mounted paddle shifters (with automatic transmission).
Performance Handling Group on the Challenger R/T adds
upgraded springs, sway bars, Bilstein shocks, bushings and mounts, helping to
improve performance and response during spirited driving.
For the driver looking to get even more out of the
Challenger R/T model, the new Performance Plus Package adds track ready 20 x
9.5-inch forged wheels riding on 275/40ZR20 Pirelli P-Zero tires, limited-slip
differential and enhanced handling balance for improved cornering performance.
Rear Seat Delete Group that removes rear seating, rear
seat belts and adds rear cargo net is now available on R/T and R/T Scat Pack.
New GT rear-wheel drive (RWD) model extends its
performance capabilities with standard Super Track Pak features,
performance hood, splitter and seats while an available Performance Handling
Group features four-piston Brembo brakes (front and rear), wider 20 x 9-inch
Black Noise wheels and a larger rear sway bar for improved driving experience
and reduced understeer.
New 20-inch Satin Carbon wheels available on GT and
R/T models with Plus Package.
Blacktop Package features new Black Noise wheels in
19-inch on SXT AWD and GT AWD or 20-inch on SXT, GT and R/T to update this
popular blacked-out look.
Triple Nickel debuts as new exterior paint offering
(late availability)
New Dark Dub Plate instrument panel and console bezel
finish standard on all Challenger models
New Caramel Nappa leather interior option available on
Challenger SXT and SXT AWD models.
Pricing for Challenger begins at $27,295.00.
The Challenger base model has
305-horsepower
Pentastar V-6 mated to the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic
transmission, the 2019 Dodge Challenger SXT is the most affordable V-6
automatic in the muscle car segment.
Dodge
states that the Challenger is America’s only all-wheel-drive (AWD) muscle coupe
– with class-exclusive AWD capability with front-axle disconnect on two models
for 2019: SXT AWD and GT AWD.
The
Challenger GT RWD model is like the other base models powered by the
305-horsepower Pentastar V-6 and features standard performance elements,
including hood with scoop, splitter, suspension, steering, paddle shifters and
cloth Houndstooth seats.
Challenger
R/T models feature the high-torque 5.7-liter HEMI® with 375 horsepower and up
to 410 lb.-ft. of torque mated to either the TorqueFlite eight-speed or
standard six-speed manual transmission. At a starting U.S. MSRP of $34,100,
Challenger offers the most affordable V-8 in the segment.
“The 2019 Dodge Challenger lineup continues to evolve, with new models, more
SRT Hellcat horsepower and new pricing,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger
Car Brands - Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA - North America.
Pricing
without extras for the Challenger line of vehicles:
Challenger
SXT RWD $27,295
Challenger
GT RWD $29.995
Challenger
SXT AWD $30,295
Challenger
GT AWD $32,995
Challenger
R/T $34,100
Challenger
R/T Scat Pack $38,995
$1,000
Gas Guzzler Tax
on
manual transmission
Challenger
SRT Hellcat $58,650
$1,700
Gas Guzzler Tax
Challenger
SRT Hellcat Redeye $69,650
$1,700
Gas Guzzler Tax
Production of the 2019
Challenger vehicles begins in the fall of 2018 at the Brampton, Ontario, Canada
assembly plant. Dodge expects dealers will receive by fourth quarter of 2018.
BRUCE
HUBBARD
AUTO
ADVISOR GROUP
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