2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody

There is no other car I’m aware of that combines the level of comfort with such brute power that ensures a burning start and strong brakes to bring you to a quick stop, than the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. However, this Charger requires your full attention to successfully rein this beast in.

If you are going to put the Cat “through its paces,” you must be completely engaged in the driving experience.

The Hellcat Redeye version of the Charger is powered by a 6.2L supercharged HEMI SRT V8 engine that pumps out a whopping 797 horsepower. Naturally this kind of horsepower makes the Charger thirsty — fuel consumption is rated at 13 mpg city and 21 mpg highway for a combined average of 15 mpg.

All that power is harnessed through a TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic HP90 transmission. The Hellcat Redeye blasts 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The literature says that at a test track, a simulated panic brake from 60-0 mph took just 102 feet before fully stopping.

For an extreme muscle car, this Hellcat Redeye rides relatively smooth, aided by Widebody Competition Suspension — one of three Charger suspension options along with High-Performance Suspension and Adaptive Damping Suspension. Line Lock, anti-spin differential rear axle, and Launch Control With Launch Assist all ensure a successful start off the line.

The scooped performance hood, mail-slot grille, conical cold air intake, and Active Exhaust System complement the Smoke Show exterior paint, making the Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye appear even more “down to business.” All these rich good looks sit on 20″ X 11″ split 5-spoke low-gloss black wheels.

Charger Hellcat is a big, heavy car that can get going in a hurry. Braking performance is excellent, aided by Brembo 6-piston high-performance brakes.

However, the Charger has sensitive steering, always seeming to find the bumps in mid cornering. Sometimes it even feels a little questionable in stability. Road noise is also a little disconcerting. The gas pedal can feel a little sensitive too, so be careful or you may see your rear passing you by.

Again, use good judgment.

Performance Shift Indicator, Electronic Roll Mitigation and Electronic Stability Control help you to command the driving experience.

Although the Charger is a full-blood muscle car, there are still a number of convenience items you will appreciate. Features like rear-park assist system, park view back up camera, and sentry key theft deterrent system are all standard in the Charger.

Inside the cabin, ventilated front seating, premium stitched dash panels, and suede door trim panels with map pockets are featured. I wished there was more storage in pockets, though. Radio, driver seat mirrors, and memory power tilt/telescope column are also included. The cabin is comfortable and filled with practical amenities.

When driving the Charger you must be able to focus and shake off temptations to compete with others in performance cars. Charger Hellcat is not a car that you just sit in while driving. It demands a lot of driver focus. The more you like driving fast cars, the more you will love the Charger.

There are a number of options packages. You can upgrade to Alcantara interior for $995, or step up to carbon/suede interior for $1,595. There is also the $995 Navigation & Travel Group that brings an advanced infotainment system with navigation and smartphone integration.

The MSRP for the 2022 Dodge Charger starts at $32,634 for the base XT RWD. The SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody goes pretty far up the model line and commands a list price of $88,140.

Warranty
3 years/36,000 miles Basic Limited Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles Powertrain Limited Warranty
5 years/unlimited miles Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].