With most of the attention of the 2021 Dodge Charger lineup being given to the 797 horsepower Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye, many people have overlooked the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. The supercharged HEMI-powered four-door gets a few new upgrades for the new model year, which may have a few people wishing they had waited for the 2021 model than jumping the gun for the 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody when it debuted last model year.
Powered by the awesome supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V8 engine, the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat ups the ante by increasing its shift points from the innovative, quick-shifting TorqueFlite 8HP90 8-speed automatic transmission to 6,100 rpm. This allows the 2021 Charger SRT Hellcat to match the power rating of last year’s limited edition 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition (that’s a mouthful) with 717 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2021 Charger SRT Hellcat models are loaded with standard performance features, including:
- Adaptive Damping Suspension — SRT-tuned Bilstein three-mode Adaptive Damping Suspension system includes: Auto mode = sporty but compliant ride; Sport mode = firm, maximum handling; Track mode = firm, maximum handling plus performance shifting and gear-holding feature
- Braking System — Braking power comes from the standard Brembo brake system with two-piece, 15.7-inch front rotors and six-piston front calipers for outstanding heat management, thermal capacity, and longevity
- Electric Power Steering (EPS) — Electric power steering delivers better steering feel and ease of turning at parking lot speeds. It can be calibrated to optimize steering effort for a variety of driving situations via settings in the SRT Performance Pages
- Launch Assist — Launched on the Challenger SRT Demon as a factory-production car first, Launch Assist helps resolve one of the biggest challenges to clean launches and driveline integrity – wheel hop, which happens when tires quickly slip and regain traction at launch, rapidly storing up and releasing energy in the driveline. These high torque spikes can quickly and severely damage driveline components and, up until now, the only solution was to back out of the throttle. Charger SRT Hellcat models use the wheel speed sensors to watch for signs that the tires are slipping/sticking. If hop is detected, the engine control module momentarily reduces torque to maximize traction almost instantly – without the driver having to lift the throttle. Launch Assist reduces loads in the driveline from wheel hop by up to 20%
- Torque Reserve — Torque Reserve becomes active once the engine speed passes 950 rpm. The system closes the bypass valve, “prefilling” the intake with boost, manages fuel flow to cylinders and manages spark timing to balance engine rpm and torque
- Launch Control — Holds the engine at optimal launch rpm and waits for the driver to release the brake. Launch Control then uses engine torque management to optimize wheel slip for maximum acceleration
- Line Lock — Engages the front brakes to hold the Charger stationary, but leaves the rear wheels free for a burnout to heat up and clean the rear tires. The system will also let the driver perform a controlled rolling burnout and can engage for up to 200 rear wheel revolutions
- Larger Induction Airbox — Sealed to the new functional performance hood for a steady supply of cool outside air, the SRT Hellcat Redeye’s airbox includes an additional inlet near the wheel liner
- SRT Drive Modes — Accessed via the 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, drivers can tailor their experience by adjusting horsepower, transmission shift speeds, steering effort, paddle shifters, traction, and suspension settings. SRT Drive Modes offer selectable settings for Street (Auto), Sport, and Track. There is also a custom setting for the driver to select individual preferences
- SRT Performance Pages — Brings critical vehicle performance data to the driver’s fingertips, including a real-time dyno graph, a g-force heat map, and much more
The newly designed, functional performance hood from the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye, also comes down to the Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody model and gives the four-door muscle car an even more sinister look.
As for pricing, the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has a starting U.S. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $69,995 (excluding the $1,495 for destination). That’s an increase of $350 over the 2020 model and $4,145 less than the limited edition Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition.
For our Canadian readers, the 2021 Charger SRT Hellcat has an MSRP of $85,545 (excluding a $2,595 for destination). That is a $2,050 increase over the 2020 model.
Dealer orders for the 2021 Dodge Charger open in September with initial deliveries to Dodge//SRT dealerships scheduled to begin in early 2021.
