2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye First Drive: Supercar Bargain of the Century? [Video]

800 horsepower for less than $75,000? Yes, please!

Modern supercars offer frankly astonishing levels of performance and technology. Take the McLaren 720S for example, which offers up 710 horsepower out of its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8. Not only that, but the amount of active aerodynamics and driver aids in the car will blow any ordinary mortal’s mind. However, there’s a price to pay for all that power and tech – and it’s a big one. A fully-specced out example can set you back upwards of $340,000. Compare that against the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye – a powerful, rear-wheel drive tire-shredder that rings in under $75,000 before options.

While well-established supercars offer up north of 700 horsepower, the Hellcat Redeye serves up 797. Torque is also monumental from the supercharged 6.2-liter V8, hitting 707 lb-ft. That’s not quite as much as the now-deceased Dodge SRT Demon, but it’s still substantial. All that power runs to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Then there’s the matter of personality. Supercars these days are powerful, but most are also sophisticated. The Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, on the other hand, is a serious brute, through and through. It’s bold, brash and loud – and the Hellcat offers up a hell of a lot of power for the money. You can dial that power back, if needed, however. As with the standard Hellcat, the Redeye comes with two keys. A black key reins the car in to about 500 horsepower, while Valet Mode takes it down to a completely average 200 or so. Only with the red key can you unleash the beast, and get the full 797 rampaging horsepower.

There may be more pedigree and technology at play in thoroughbred supercars. But on power and accessibility, the Challenger Hellcat Redeye’s performance, we think, makes it a true supercar bargain.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more coming soon!